After teasing the styling of its new SUV concept over the past weeks, Tata Motors has finally taken the wraps off the model at Auto Expo 2018. Called the H5X, the radical concept previews a new SUV that is set to join Tata Motors’ line-up this year. Notably, the production version of the SUV will be the first Tata product to carry the new Impact Design 2.0 design language.
The H5X is an eyeball grabber and looks unlike any Tata SUV to date. The concept is long yet has a squat stance, with the show car’s massive 22-inch wheels and huge wheel arches upping the overall look. The SUV’s bold face is characterised by slim high-set LED headlights, and there’s also a new, more defined interpretation of Tata’s trademark ‘humanity line’ that connects the headlights and grille. Lower down, the front bumper is also highly stylised with the fog lamp enclosure featuring what Tata has referred to as a ‘tri-arrow pattern'. Light-catching lines have been used to great effect on the H5X’s sides too, and there’s also chunky cladding at the base of the doors.
Where the H5X concept further breaks from the norm is in the styling aft the rear doors. The roofline that slopes towards the rear is extremely sporty, and the glasshouse that narrows down from the C-pillar and then ‘opens up’ again as it merges with the rear windscreen is brilliantly done. Further, the manner in which the wheel arches flow into the rear bumper is something that is more Lamborghini than Tata; it’s that well done. There’s a smoked effect for the wraparound tail- lights, and wedge-shaped surfacing just below, as well as intricate detailing on the bumper as well.
The concept’s interior is no less special, with a clean and clutter-free design, and material quality that is right up there with what you’d see in European luxury marques. A digital console and touchscreen infotainment system will provide drivers and occupants with all forms of connectivity options. The concept features two individual seats at the rear but the final version will feature up to three rows of seating.
Spy pics of the production version of the H5X concept suggest toned-down styling, but it will be interesting to see how much of the concept is retained in final form. Remember, the production Nexon’s design was true to the Nexon concept from Auto Expo 2016.
The production SUV will be built on Land Rover’s L550 platform and will be available in five- and seven-seat versions. Powering the SUV will be a rebranded version of Fiat’s Multijet II diesel engine that also powers the Jeep Compass, albeit in 140hp (for the five-seater) and 170hp (for the seven-seater) forms. As it seems, the upcoming Tata will have the right look and the right specs. All it will need would be the right price tag. This is one Tata SUV we can’t wait for.
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