Tata HBX Spied While On Test Runs On Public Roads

Tata has started testing the HBX micro SUV and one test mule has been spied while it was out on public roads.

Unveiled at the Auto Expo held earlier in the year, the micro SUV grabbed quite a few eyeballs due to its small size and rugged looks.

The carmaker did assure that 90 percent of the design details seen on the concept will make their way onto the production version and it looks like they have kept their word.

Upfront, it has the Harrier-inspired fascia. The LED DRLs with indicators flank the grille on each side, while the main headlight units sit below. There also looks to be a faux skid plate attached to the bumper.

Squared wheel arches seen on the concept have also been retained. While there is no image of the rear of the Tata HBX spied car at the moment, we can expect the rear profile to mimic that of the concept car for the most part.

Similarly, no interior image of the spied car is available, but, when it gets launched, the HBX should come with a floating touchscreen, semi-digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, drive modes, among other features.

Powering the car would be a 1.2-litre petrol engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms and there will be manual and AMT transmission options. An electric version of the car is also reportedly in the making.

While the micro SUV was expected to get launched during the festive season this year, Mr. COVID-19 (who is due for his first birthday in a short while) gatecrashed the party and ruined everything.

Thus, the car will get launched next year and will likely be officially named the Timero, for Tata has trademarked the title.