Tata Hexa 4-4 AT in the works, launch later in 2017
The Indian automaker's flagship vehicle world premiered at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in the form of a concept. Post that, the new Tata Hexa 7-seater was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo earlier this year.
Now, with launch scheduled for January 2017, Hexa is finally ready to take on the likes of Toyota Innova Crysta, and especially the Mahindra XUV500.
In terms of features, space, power, looks, Hexa matches or overshadows the XUV500 in many departments. But there is one major thing which is missing in the arsenal of Tata Hexa. The availability of a 4215;4 AT variant. At launch, Hexa will only be offered in 4215;2 AT and MT, along with 4215;4 MT variant. Sadly, there will be no 4215;4 AT on offer, at least at the start. But, there is good news. As per Zigwheels, Tata Hexa 4215;4 AT is in the works and should be launched by Diwali 2017.
The production version of Hexa pretty much carries forward all the design cues that were found on the concept. Tata claims that the Hexa is a completely new car and not a heavily refurbished Aria. In fact, Aria and Hexa will both be on sale in the company line-up.
Tata's designers, under the leadership of Pratap Bose, have done a good job of transforming the MPV into an SUV with the usage of a rugged front and rear fascias. Styling highlights include new sweptback headlamps, bold honeycomb grille, bumper-mounted foglights with integrated LED daytime running light strips, black lower body cladding, silver skid plate, dual-tone alloy wheels, angular taillights, silver diffuser and a thick chrome strip on the tailgate.
The interior too is revamped compared to the Aria. The new dashboard carries signature multifunction Tata steering wheel, revised instrument console and a new centre console with a touchscreen infotainment system from Harman. The seating configuration is identical to that of the Aria.
Also Read - Tata Hexa Review
Power comes from the existing 2.2-litre VARICOR 400 diesel engine that is available in the top-end Safari Storme. The oil burner is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission to develop 154 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the rear wheels in lower variants and to all the four-wheels in the higher variants. The car is underpinned by a hydroformed ladder frame chassis.
In terms of features, the Tata Hexa is equipped with 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, projector headlamps, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, reverse parking camera and so on.
Photos - Tata Hexa