After countless speculations and awaiting, Tata finally showcased its premium crossover, the Hexa. Initially expected to be launched by the end of this year, Tata postponed it to early next year. The bookings for the Hexa will commence from November 1, 2016.
Powering the Hexa is the same 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine, currently doing service in the Safari Storme. The engine is called Varicor 400 and makes 156bhp of power and 400Nm of peak torque. The Tata Hexa comes with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Additionally, it also has four driving modes - Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Rough Road. With Borg Warner all-wheel-drive system and Bosch's new ABS system, Tata Hexa can boast of the go-anywhere credibility.
The Hexa measures 4,788mm in length, 1,903mm in width and 1,791mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850mm and has 200mm of ground clearance. For safety, it gets six airbags, ESP with traction control, the latest four-channel ABS with EBD, and automatic headlamps and wipers. To maintain premium creature comfort, there's central locking system, dual zone climate control, a multifunctional steering wheel, reversing camera, cooled glove box, AC vents for second and third-row passengers and ambient mood lighting on the inside to name a few. The five-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity, 10 JBL speakers, and smartphone navigation and voice commands. The SUV comes with a 60-litre fuel tank.
Pricing the Hexa is the most crucial bit for Tata. No details in regard to the pricing has been revealed by the manufacturer. When launched in India, early next year, the Hexa will rival the home-grown Mahindra XUV500 and the most successful MPV, the Toyota Innova Crysta. But for the success of the Hexa, it must undercut the XUV500 pricing spec-for-spec. There will be three trims on offer – XE, XM and XT. With two transmission options and two drivetrains, the top of the line Hexa should cost less than Rs 18 lakh.
