According to a leaked document, Tata Hornbill will hit stores in May 2021 and will be under the Nexon as the brand’s smallest SUV based on the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform
Tata Motors presented the near-production version of the H2X concept known as the HBX concept at the 2020 Auto Expo in February. The micro-SUV will be the second Tata model based on the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform, which was introduced in the Altroz Premium hatchback earlier this year. Despite different reports, the sub-SUV will be christened Hornbill and launched in May 2021, according to a leaked document sent to Tata’s suppliers.
The Hornbill in its near-series form has been tested several times in India and reveals most of the design details. It will be a slightly weakened version of the HBX concept. The front fairing consists of a thick, horizontally slate-covered black radiator grille with a Tata badge grafted into the center. It corresponds to the modern design of passenger cars and has a split headlight group.
The sleek pair of LED daytime running lights are on top, while the halogen headlights can be seen on the two-tone front bumper, adding a compact package to the Harrier flair. The lower part of the bumper has wide air intakes and the exterior mirrors are mounted on the A-pillars. The windshield is noticeably raked, but the pillars are tall and could allow for a spacious cabin.
Further styling highlights are black plastic on the wheel arch trim, two-tone light alloy wheels in the top-end versions, rear door handles on the C-pillar as on the Altroz, blackened B-pillar, all-round LED taillights, high-mounted brake lights, reflectors on the rear Bumper, a one-piece tailgate and so on. Inside there is a large touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The touchscreen is more likely to be shared with the Altroz and equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster, a steering wheel with a flat bottom and mounted controls, etc. As for the power, a 1.2-liter Revotron three-cylinder gasoline engine was found in the Tiago, Tigor and Altroz could be used with a maximum power of 86 hp and a maximum torque of 113 Nm.
It can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed AMT. The Tata Hornbill will compete with Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Mahindra KUV NXT and the upcoming Hyundai AX1. Production of the Tata Gravitas is set to begin in January 2021, with an expected start in later phases of this month.