Tata HBX Spotted Yet Again Ahead Of Possible January 2021 Launch

• Tata HBX spotted with 16-inch alloy wheels from Altroz.
• Will feature Android Auto, cruise control and a Harman sound system.
• HBX could be powered by 1.2-litre petrol engine; diesel engine highly unlikely.
• India launch is likely to happen in January 2021.

We all know that Tata Motors is working on the HBX micro-SUV that’ll sit below the Nexon. The homegrown manufacturer displayed the near-production HBX concept at Auto Expo 2020 and we were awestruck by its design. Now, a close-to-production version of the HBX has been spotted testing in the wild, revealing key design elements.  

At first glance, you’ll notice that the HBX’s silhouette looks similar to the concept version, which is no bad thing. However, Tata has toned down certain design elements such as the alloy wheels, which are a straight lift from the Altroz. These wheels, possibly 16-inches in size, fill the arches nicely. Meanwhile, we expect the HBX’s split headlamp design and the butch rear-end to be similar to the concept. 

The production-spec HBX’s interior is likely to be similar to the concept with a floating infotainment system and a semi-digital instrument cluster. The HBX concept also featured a steering wheel from the Altroz and other cool touches like a compass and brown-colour finish around the AC vents.  

The HBX will also come with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, a multi-info display and keyless entry with push button start. Safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors are expected to be offered as standard.  

The HBX will most likely be offered with a petrol engine only. It could utilise the Tiago’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that develops 86PS of power and 113Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual and AMT could be the choice of transmission options. Tata could even introduce an all-electric version of the HBX for those looking for an eco-friendly option. 

The production-spec Tata HBX is likely to be launched in January 2021. Expect prices to start from Rs 5.5 lakh, putting it in the ballpark of Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 Nxt along with hatchbacks like the Swift and Grand i10 Nios.

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