Tata HBX Micro SUV Resumes Testing After The Lockdown Eased: Spy Pics & Other Details

The images from Rushlane, reveals the company to have resumed testing of the HBX after the nation-wide lockdown was eased across the country. Although not much was revealed from the spy pics, we can notice a heavily camouflaged test mule with exposed Y-shaped LED taillamps.

Tata Motors had first showcased a concept form of the upcoming SUV at the 2018 Auto Expo. The company followed-up by unveiling another rugged and off-road version of the HBX concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company is expected to launch the micro-SUV either by the end of this year or early next year in the country.

The upcoming SUV has been codenamed ‘Hornbill' from Tata and will feature the brand's ALFA architecture and the Impact 2.0 design, similar to the Altroz premium hatchback. It will feature a tall-riding design, with a sleek looking grille and split-headlamps inspired by the Harrier SUV.

The Hornbill is also expected to feature a more modern design with rugged looks that enhances its road presence. It will also feature large wheel arches, bold crease lines, a floating-roof design and large chunky alloy wheels adding to the rugged looks of the micro-SUV.

On the inside, the Tata HBX is expected to share a majority of its components with the Altroz hatchback. This includes the large touchscreen infotainment system, dual-tone upholstery and dashboard, ambient lighting, and the semi-digital instrument cluster; among others.

The Tata HBX is expected to come powered by the same turbo-petrol engine that is currently used in the Altroz. The 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 85bhp and 113Nm of torque, and comes mated to a manual transmission as standard with an optional AMT offered at a later date.

Whether the company will offer other engine options remains to be seen. The micro-SUV is also expected to undergo electrification treatment as the brand's entry-level EV model in future as well.

Once launched, the Tata Hornbill will rival the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, the Renault Kwid, and the recently launched 2020 Datsun Redi-GO in the Indian market. We expect Tata to price the SUV competitively at the time of launch to have an advantage over its rivals.

Thoughts About The Tata HBX Micro SUV Spied Testing After The Lockdown Eased

Tata Motors is resuming its entire operations after the nation-wide lockdown has been eased across the country. The company had to suspend its testing operations due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in the country. This could have resulted in pushing the HBX's launch to next year. We will report back once we receive an official statement from the company. The entry-level micro-SUV is expected to come packed with features to help stand apart from its segment rivals.