Tata Hornbill Micro SUV Could Become Most Powerful In Its Segment

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Tata Hornbill will compete against Mahindra KUV100 and Maruti Suzuki Y1K; to like have muscular design theme based on Impact Design 2.0

Tata Motors rides on a bold strategy to expand into different segments and to strengthen its presence where it already competes in. The latter was proven by the facelifted Tigor ahead of the launch of performance-based Tiago and Tigor JTP versions. Two new vehicles will be introduced next year as the much-awaited Harrier premium SUV and 45X concept derived hatchback are coming out.

By the end of this decade or in 2021, Tata will likely enter another new segment and is expected to be the second product based on Alpha architecture that addresses model below 4.3-metre length. The micro-SUV has not been vastly explored in India so far as Mahindra KUV100 created the niche but it will have company in the near future.

Maruti Suzuki has reportedly been working on Concept Future S based micro SUV codenamed Y1K while Hyundai is also evaluating the possibility. Tata, on the other hand, is expected to approach the segment with what has been believed to be Hornbill. Codenamed X445, it is speculated to spawn a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz rivalling sedan as well.

The Tata Hornbill is expected to share several components with the top-selling Tiago hatchback. It could use the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and 1.05-litre Revotorq diesel powertrains with manual and AMT choices. However, Tata could buck the trend and cram in a more powerful engine like it did with the Nexon. Moreover, the JTP Tiago is an example of what Tata can do in terms of tuning with its small capacity petrol unit.

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We can expect muscular design theme with signature Humanity Line, segment-best wheel arches, ample interior space, flared wheel arches, imposing front fascia, high ground clearance and so on in the Hornbill. With the market’s dependency on affordable models to boost share is high, the micro-SUV may come equipped with packed features list.

Going by Tata’s knack of aggressively pricing the models, the Hornbill may carry sticker tag of Rs. 4.5 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Some of the expected features are touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman audio, reverse parking camera and sensors, ABS with EBD, speed warning system and so on.