As per reports, production of the Tata HBX (Hornbill) micro SUV has commenced in India. The upcoming Tata HBX (Hornbill) is slated to debut in India in the second quarter of 2021, probably around Diwali. The five-seater mini SUV will compete with the Suzuki Ignis and S-Presso, Hyundai’s upcoming micro SUV, and Mahindra KUV100 NXT, and will be positioned just above the Tata Nexon.

The Tata HBX will be the second product underpinned by Tata Motors’ ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform that also underpins the Altroz hatchback. Based on the company’s Impact Design 2.0 philosophy, the Tata HBX will get split head-lamp set up, glossy black grille with the typical Humanity line, a faux skid plate on the front bumper, flared wheel arches, and alloy wheels.

On the inside, the HBX might come equipped with features such as rectangular AC vents, floating touchscreen for the infotainment system, semi-digital instrument cluster, and steering-mounted telephony controls among other things.

The estimated dimensions of the Hornbill are a length of 3,840mm, a width of 1,822mm, and a 1,635mm height – along with a 2,450mm wheelbase which makes it slightly bigger than SUV-inspired hatchbacks like the Renault Kwid and Suzuki S-Presso.

Under the bonnet, the Tata HBX is expected to be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine from the Revotron family that produces a maximum power output of 85 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque. It will likely be paired with a five-speed manual transmission as standard and a five-speed AMT could be sold as an option.