Tata Motors is planning a micro SUV that will rub shoulders against entry level hatchbacks, giving buyers butch styling and a high riding stance at a very affordable price tag. Code-named the Hornbill X445, the micro SUV from Tata will arrive sometime in 2020. Here is a speculative render of the same, which indicates that the Hornbill’s production version could look like a baby Nexon.
The render is a mix and match of the Tata Nexon’s front-end and a more squarish rear. However, the actual version is likely to look a lot more squarer than what this render indicates. In fact, Tata Motors has teased the Hornbill in a video that preceded the unveiling of the H5X SUV and 45X premium hatchback concepts at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. And this is what the silhouette of the Hornbill looks like.
It’s likely that Tata Motors will build upon the design showcased by the silhouette rather than making the Hornbill micro SUV look like a baby Nexon. The new vehicle will be based on Tata’s Alpha platform that will underpin a new range of compact cars.
The Hornbill will measure under 4 meters in length, and is likely to pack in turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. An AMT option could be offered with these engines while manual transmissions are expected to be standard. Currently, the only real micro SUV option in India is the Mahindra KUV100, which is a tepid seller. The Tata Hornbill can shake up things in this segment if it’s attractively styled, with a proportionate design.