Tata Hexa to be launched on January 18; SUV to aim for the success of Tiago

Tata Motors, which started bookings for its flagship SUV crossover, the Hexa, on November 1, will launch the vehicle next month. The second Tata product bearing the company's new Impact design language was expected to be launched in mid-January. It has now been confirmed that the launch event will take place in Mumbai on January 18, Overdrive reported.

The new flagship SUV of the Mumbai-based carmaker will be offered in six variants and nine trims. It will also come with the option of six and seven-seater configurations. Hexa will have the XT, XTA and XT 4×4 variants with the six-seat option while the seven-seater will be available with the XE, XM and XMA.

Hexa will draw power from a 2.2-litre Varicor engine. While the 2.2-litre Varicor 320 engine will generate 148bhp and 320Nm of torque in the base variants of Hexa, the same engine in remaining variants will develop 154bhp and 400Nm of torque. A five-speed manual gearbox is offered in the base variant of Hexa, while the six-speed manual and automatic gearbox will be offered in the other variants. One of the highlights of Hexa is the four drive modes — Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road.

Hexa is the second product to feature the Impact design language of Tata Motors, after the popular Tiago. This means the vehicle sports sharp and contemporary looks with honeycomb grille and chrome Humanity Line. The face of the SUV looks much younger than the Aria, which Hexa is replacing in Tata Motors' portfolio. Its side profile and rear profile has been chiseled from the Aria while Christmas tree tail lamps have made way for a modern horizontal compact unit.

The Hexa is preparing to enter market at a time when the Tata group battles its biggest leadership crisis. Hexa's response is crucial for Tata Motors as the launch comes nearly four years after the launch of its last SUV, Safari Storm, in 2012. Hexa also comes after the successful Tiago that gave the much-needed reboot for the company. All the factors are in favour of the Hexa so far, and hence the fate now depends on a competitive pricing. Rumours indicate that Tata Motors is planning a price range of Rs 11 lakh to Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom. At that price point, Hexa will be a compelling case against the likes of Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra XUV500. Moreover, if Tata Motors gets the price right, it can continue the positive momentum gained with Tiago early this year.