The BS6-compliant Tata Hexa Has Been Spotted Testing For The First Time

• Tata Hexa XMA 4x4 spotted on test in India.
• Will come with BS6-compliant 2.2-litre diesel engine.
• Hexa BS6 to be offered with both manual and automatic gearbox options.
• Tata Hexa 4x4 models will now carry the ‘Safari Edition’ badge.

Tata’s people mover, the Hexa, will soon make a comeback with necessary updates to comply with BS6 norms. The homegrown manufacturer showcased the BS6 Hexa at Auto Expo 2020 and now, it has started testing it ahead of its launch.

The test mule seen here is the mid-spec XMA variant. What got us more interested is the presence of a 4x4 badge on the front fender. Does this mean that Tata will offer the automatic variant with the Hexa’s all-wheel drive system? Well, that’s something time will answer. But as enthusiasts, we would welcome a 4x4 automatic variant as the earlier Hexa 4x4 was sold with a manual gearbox and that could be a bummer if you use it more often in the city.

Tata Motors has stated that its SUVs and MPVs with all-wheel drive system will be christened the ‘Safari Edition’ to pay tribute to the iconic Tata Safari. You can read more about it by clicking here.  

The upcoming Hexa will be powered by Tata's familiar 2.2-litre diesel engine, albeit with upgrades to meet BS6 emission norms. Power and torque figures are likely to be unchanged at 156PS and 400Nm. The BS6-compliant Hexa will continue to utilise a 6-speed automatic transmission, which will be sold alongside the 6-speed manual variant. Like before, there will be rear-wheel drive variants on offer as well. 

The Tata Hexa 4x4 AT could make life in the city more easier and could fare decently on the rough stuff as well. In other news, Tata will soon offer a sophisticated 7-seater SUV in the form of the Gravitas. However, it will be based on the Harrier’s monocoque platform. That should make the Hexa, with its tough body-on-frame chassis, the go-to choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for a Tata to take on the rough stuff.

Expected to launch in the coming months, we expect the Hexa BS6 to be priced around Rs 50,000 more than the now discontinued BS4 model (Rs 13.25 lakh onwards, ex-showroom). When launched, the Hexa will fight it out with the Toyota Innova Crysta and the MG Hector Plus.