Tata continues extensive highway testing of the Hexa

If the Tata Aria was known to be a mile-muncher, the carmaker is leaving no stone unturned to make its predecessor (read Hexa) possess these properties. No wonder the Hexa's test mules are still doing rounds of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Despite the camouflage, the car's exterior isn't something that we can expect to get any major changes from what we have seen earlier. The Tata Hexa made its debut at the Auto Expo 2016 sporting a rugged and contemporary external appearance. Sporting a black plastic cladding, side sills and diamond-cut alloy wheels, the SUV features projector headlamps, LED DRLs and dual exhaust tailpipes. It measures 4,764mm in length, 1,895mm in width and 1,780mm in height, while having a wheelbase of 2,850mm.

Being the range-topping vehicle from Tata's line-up, the Hexa will be the most feature-packed product from the brand. When launched, it will come loaded with features like a Harman infotainment system, mood lighting, six-seat configuration with captain seats and leather upholstery with twin-needle stitching. ESP (electronic stability program) and six airbags will be offered on the top-of-the-line variant.

So with such continuous occurrences of these test mules on Indian roads, it’s most probably the engine that Tata seems to be testing. It was reported earlier that Tata is working on a sub 2.0-litre diesel mill based on the 2.2-litre Varicor unit. While the latter is expected to be the standard option, the former might be developed looking at the recent diesel ban in some Indian cities. Nevertheless, a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and an AWD system is likely to be offered in as standard on the top-end grades.

We can expect Tata to launch the SUV in the coming days, when it will find a place in the carmaker's Indian portfolio. The car will also be offered with a wide range of accessories for a buyer to customise the appearance of the SUV. Let's hope Tata introduces the Hexa for the Indian market in the upcoming festive season.