The Tata Hornbill, also referred to as the ‘Tata X445', will debut in concept form at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show that will run from 5-17 March 2019, as per a new report from Autocar India.
The Tata Hornbill will compete with the Maruti Ignis, and like its arch rival, it has context in the European market. We have already been shown its outline in a teaser of the six future models (including the Tata Harrier) that will embody the IMPACT 2.0 design language. The pint-sized crossover will feature a flat clamshell bonnet, upright A-pillars, pronounced wheel arches and beefy bumpers for a rugged character.
The Tata Hornbill will ride on the Advanced Modular Platform (Alfa-Arc platform) that will debut in the Tata Aquilla (Tata X451) in the second half of this year. According to the report, the crossover’s wheelbase will measure around 50 mm shorter than that of the hatchback. It will employ the same all-new 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, but may not come with a mild-hybrid option.
The availability of a diesel engine in the Tata Hornbill is unlikely. “The cost of diesel engines will shoot up significantly after the implementation of BS-VI norms and we have to see if it makes sense to offer a diesel in the line-up,” an undisclosed company source has told the magazine.
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Autocar India expects the Tata Hornbill (Tata X445) production form to debut at Auto Expo 2020. 2019 is reserved for the Tata Harrier (Tata Q501) and the Tata Aquilla (Tata X451). In 2020, the Tata Harrier’s 7-seat version (Tata Q502) is also expected to reach showrooms.
[Source: autocarindia.com]
