Tata Motors to launch Hexa in January 2017

Having made its Indian debut at the Auto Expo in February this year, Tata Motors was expected to launch the Hexa during the upcoming festive season. However, news is that the company has now scheduled the launch for January 2017.

The Hexa will go on sale with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes paired to the 156hp 2.2-litre Varicor 400 diesel engine currently seen in the Tata Safari Storme. Both gearboxes will be six-speed units with the key difference expected to be the selectable drive modes. The manual variants are expected to receive the feature, while automatics will miss out on it. The drive modes will alter the car’s engine performance and safety systems based on the selection made.

The manual Hexa will offer four drive modes – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road. Under Auto, the car's systems will automatically adapt to the road conditions with control systems coming into action when needed. In Comfort, the car will be ideal for cruising long distances. In Dynamic, the main focus will be on outright performance. The Rough Road mode tunes the car’s systems to tackle off-road driving conditions with retuned brake performance and allowing for the brakes to lock-up thus improving control.

According to Girish Wagh, senior vice-president – Program Planning & Program Management, Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors, “Specially developed by Tata Motors’ engineering team in collaboration with our technology partners, the new Tata Hexa will deliver an excellent, unforgettable customer experience. With a new-generation ESP system accessible through the new Super Drive Modes, the feature allows the driver to select one of the four modes, allowing the vehicle to regulate the engine, based on the terrain and different customer’ needs and desires.”

The Hexa is expected to be available in three variants with prices expected to start as low as Rs 12.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Set to crown Tata’s model range, the premium crossover is expected to come packed with kit and top trims are likely to get equipment such as a JBL-developed audio system, cruise control, leather seats, etc. Tata is also not expected to skimp on safety equipment with the feature list of top trims expected to include six airbags, ABS and ESP.

The Tata Hexa will take on the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta in the Indian market.