Tata's new car blitzkrieg is getting started with the Harrier, the 45x (Aquilla) and the H7X. The company's next batch of vehicles includes a micro-SUV codenamed Tata Hornbill in 2021. Gaadiwaadi has posted what seems to be the first-ever spy image of the Maruti Ignis rival.
While the purported test mule of the Tata Hornbill dons a heavy camouflage, thereby concealing many details, the roofline seems to be less raked than that of the 45X (Aquilla). As the launch is a few years away, this could be a powertrain or chassis mule built with body panels from other models to get started on the road trials. The new model would offer more ground clearance than the 45X, though the above spy image suggests otherwise.
Underpinning the Tata Hornbill will be the Advanced Modular Platform (Alpha ARC) that will first appear on the production-spec X45 hatchback. Under the hood, it will employ a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine featuring micro hybrid technology to meet CAFE norms. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automated manual unit.
The advent of the BS6 norms will make diesel engines, which are already more expensive than their petrol counterparts, significantly costlier. Thanks to this trend, manufacturers can be seen shifting their focus away from diesel powerplants. A case in point is the Maruti Ignis, which was launched with petrol and diesel engine options but the latter was discontinued by June 2018 owing to the low demand.
The launch of the Tata Hornbill was initially programmed in 2022, but the company has advanced it to 2021 owing to the high potential that the segment holds.
[Source - gaadiwaadi.com]
