The SUV market, once dominated by cars that grew bigger and bigger over time, is now seeing growth in the “micro-SUV” segment. Tata’s upcoming HBX (a codename, with the final name expected in the coming months), which will be its smallest SUV on offer, will find competition with Hyundai’s upcoming AX1 micro-SUV.
Based on the Altrox chassis, the HBX will borrow from the design of the Harrier and Safari, as is evident from the concept model that was showcased at the last Auto Expo. Photos of the production variant that has been undergoing testing suggest that much of the design language has been maintained from the concept. Featuring the company's Impact 2 design philosophy, it will be 3840mm long. 1822 mm wide and 1635mm high—meaning it will benefit from the lower taxation slabs for sub-four metre cars.
Like the Altros, its doors can be opened at 90-degree angles. According to reports, Tata may price the HBX at between Rs 4.5-7.5 lakh. The company is also planning an electric variant, which may be released in 2023. If it uses the same Ziptron EV powertrain seen in the Tata Nexon, it could be expected to have more than 300 km of range on a single charge, whilst making 129 bhp of power.
Hyundai, in turn, is set to reveal its AX1 micro-SUV in the international market in the coming months, with teaser images suggesting a split headlamp and a circular projector unit in the bumper. While the AX1 is expected to release in South Korea first, it will likely come to India as it is based on the popular K1 platform that is used on the i10 Grand Nios.
Both the Tata Hbx and Hyundai AX1 are likely to get only petrol engines. For Tata, this would be the 1.2 litre engine seen in the Altroz, with a peak power of 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque. Hyundai will likely use the 1.2 litre engine from its Grand i10 Nios, which churns out a peak power of 84 PS and 114Nm of torque. Its price-point is likely to be in the Rs 4-6 lakh range.
The micro-SUV and compact-SUV segment, mostly aimed at younger buyers, offers benefits such as higher mileage compared to larger SUVs while still offering more space than a smaller hatchback.
