UPDATE: Tata H2X Concept revealed; previews Hornbill micro-SUV
We’re just one day away from witnessing Tata Motors’ expansive line-up of new products, all of which will make their global debut at the 2019 Geneva motor show. Tata has readied quite the product offensive for its 21st Geneva outing, including four global unveils – the H7X SUV (Harrier 7-seater), the Altroz, Altroz EV and the big one, the Hornbill micro-SUV concept. Now, the company has shared the first teaser of the Tata Hornbill, and it provides a glimpse of the design route this small SUV will take.
Visible in this teaser are the Hornbill’s LED DRLs and the tri-arrow pattern in the front bumper, replicating the look of the H5X Concept. What can also be seen are the prominent, squared-off edges up front, hinting at a boxier, more upright stance. Shaped by Tata’s Impact Design 2.0 language, the Hornbill will have a more upright stance than the Nexon, and less-rounded proportions to give it a distinct SUV look. Expect the small SUV to get muscular wheel arches, large wheels, a ‘floating’ roof and Tata’s signature ‘Humanity Line’ grille.
The Hornbill (codenamed X445) will be built on the carmaker’s ALFA modular platform that will be shared with the Tata Altroz, but according to sources, the micro-SUV “will have a wheelbase that is around 50mm shorter.” The ALFA platform has been designed to accommodate Tata’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Revotron petrol as well as the 1.05-litre, three-cylinder, Revotorq diesel engine, but it’s likely that, at launch, only the 1.2 petrol will be offered.
The Hornbill will be Tata’s contender in the nascent micro-SUV segment and will slot in below the Nexon in the company’s line-up. The concept that’s set to debut in Geneva will hint at the production model, which will be aimed squarely at the Mahindra KUV100, the production version of the Maruti Future S concept and Hyundai’s all-new micro-SUV that is expected in 2023.
Tata Motors is expected to unveil the production version of the Hornbill in February 2020 at the Auto Expo in Delhi, with the market launch following later in the year.