It is being said that the Tata Hornbill, which was scheduled to launch in 2022, will now go on sale a year earlier, it will rival the Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100
It has come to light that the Tata Hornbill micro SUV will launch a year ahead of its earlier schedule. While the new model was initially planned for the year 2022, it is now being said that the company would introduce the Maruti Ignis- and the Mahindra KUV100-rival in 2021.
The Tata Hornbill is unlikely to get a diesel engine option, which is not surprising as the demand for oil-burners has been on a decline. Earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki discontinued the diesel variants of the Ignis, citing a really low demand for it. On the other hand, the petrol engine of the Hornbill will feature a mild hybrid system like the one seen on the Maruti Ciaz.
The Tata Hornbill has been internally codenamed as X445 and will ride on the ALFA platform. This new-age architecture will be first seen on the Maruti Baleno-rivaling Tata X451. It will be powered by a new 1.2-liter petrol engine that will adhere to the upcoming CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms. Again, the mild hybrid system will play an important role in helping the new motor deliver a high mileage.
Prices of the Tata Hornbill are expected to start around Rs 5 lakh and go all the way to Rs 9 lakh. Not much is clear at the moment but given that the upcoming model comes from Tata Motors, it should offer best-in-class space along with a long list of features. While there will be a definite price overlap with the Tata Nexon, the two models will have a totally different clientele.
While the Tata Nexon will be aimed at compact SUV buyers, the Hornbill, other than rivalling the KUV100 and the Ignis, will try to impress hatchback buyers who appreciate SUV-traits and a higher ground clearance. Stay tuned to Gaadiwaadi for more updates and latest news on the upcoming micro SUV from the Indian auto giant.