Tata is back with an Aria replacement in the form of the Hexa. Let’s see how well it stacks up against its rivals.
Exteriors – All the three have different body designs. The Toyota Innova Crysta and Tata Hexa look more like an MPV, on the other hand the Mahindra XUV500 looks more like a SUV. Although, the Hexa has plastic cladding all over the wheel arches the side profile still reminds one of the Tata Aria. The Toyota Innova Crysta is a total departure from the previous generation and looks modern. The XUV500 has been in the market for quite some time and has started to show its age despite the facelifts. The Tata Hexa is the longest and widest among the three, the Innova Crysta is the tallest closely followed by the Hexa. Tata Hexa has the longest wheelbase followed by the Innova Crysta and the XUV500. All three have projector lamps up front.
Interiors – The interiors in all the three cars have all the modern features and are loaded to the brim. The Tata Hexa comes with a 10 speaker JBL system with a 5-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, navigation, reverse parking sensors, etc. The XUV500 and the Innova Crysta also come loaded with features. All the three cars have good quality interiors, best being in the Hexa followed by the Innova Crysta and then the XUV500. All the three cars are loaded with tech, driving modes being offered on the Hexa and the Innova Crysta.
Engines – The Tata Hexa is powered by the 2.2-litre Varicor engine available in two states of tune. One with 150 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, the other being 156 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. The XUV500 is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk engine putting out 142 PS of power and 330 Nm of twisting force. The Toyota Innova Crysta is available in two diesel engine options, a 2.4-litre engine putting out 150 PS of power and 343 Nm of torque and a 2.8-litre engine belting out 174 PS of power and 360 Nm of torque. The XUV500 is the least powerful amongst the three.
Pricing – The XUV500 is the cheapest of the lot with prices starting from Rs.12.41 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) going all the way up to Rs. 17.54 lakhs for the top of the line AWD W10 AT. The prices for the Tata Hexa are expected to be in the range of Rs. 13-17.5 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Toyota Innova Crysta is the most expensive of the lot with prices starting from Rs. 14 lakhs and going all the way up to Rs.22 lakhs for the top of the line variant.
Verdict – Tata Motors seems to have nailed it with the Hexa if it is priced aggressively. It comes loaded with equipment, proper all wheel drive system with Super Drive modes for all types of terrains. It is the best effort put forward by Tata when it comes to quality. The Toyota Innova Crysta seems a little too overpriced for what it offers. The Mahindra XUV500 does give a fierce fight to the Tata Hexa but the latter emerges as a better car overall. Tata seems to be on the right track with the current slew of models.
Mahindra XUV500 vs Tata Hexa vs Toyota Innova Crysta
