The Hornbill will be Tata’s contender in the micro-SUV segment with the launch expected to happen towards the end of 2020.
Ever since Tata Motors launched the Tiago in 2016, the company seems to be on a roll. Tata Motors has seen almost all their products do well in the market. The Nexon, in particular, has sold in great numbers. Seeing the positive response in the compact-SUV space, Tata is looking to enter the micro-SUV segment with the X445, better known as the Hornbill.
The new SUV will be based on Tata’s ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform. The platform will underpin all cars measuring below 4.3-meters in length. The micro-SUV will follow the Impact 2.0 design language and we expect the Hornbill to draw cues from its bigger brother, the Nexon. Chunky wheel arches, large wheels, sloping roofline and Tata’s ‘Humanity Grille’ is expected from the car’s design. However, the Hornbill is likely to have a more upright stance and fewer curves than the Nexon to give it a more SUV-like presence. Whether it is the Tigor or the new Harrier, Tata cars have upped the ante with their designs and we see no reason why the Hornbill should be any different.
The Hornbill is expected to have well-built interiors akin to the newer Tata products. The interiors will be generously equipped and may come with the Harrier-like dashboard design. All the modern day goodies like a touch-screen infotainment system and climate control are expected. Tata will cleverly package the cabin to offer more space despite the compact footprint.
The ALFA platform is designed to accommodate Tata’s 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and 1.05-litre Revotorq diesel powerplants. But once the BS6 norms kick in, it would be very difficult for manufacturers to make diesel engines for low-cost cars. Hence, there is a strong possibility that Tata will offer the Hornbill with only a petrol engine at launch. Mild-hybrid and electric power plants are expected at a later stage.
Tata will showcase the Hornbill concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show while the production version will arrive at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. The Hornbill will be priced in the region of Rs. 6-8 lakhs. The micro-SUV will take on the likes of the Mahindra KUV100 and the production version of Maruti Future S concept.
Tata Hornbill rendered
– The Hornbill will follow the Impact 2.0 design language
– Upright stance and slightly boxy design expected to give it an SUV-like look
– The concept version will be shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show
