Production-spec Tata H5X SUV: What to expect

Tata took the wraps off its H5X SUV concept at 2018 Auto Expo 2018, and the model sure made the right impact on show goers. Following its successful first showing, the H5X also shared the spotlight with the EVision sedan concept at the 2018 Geneva motor show. With test mules of the production version now being spotted across the country, it is the right time to talk about the five things you can expect on Tata's next big SUV.

UPDATE: Tata Harrier SUV: 5 things to know

It’ll be a looker

A car's journey from concept to production typically sees a lot of its details simplified or done away with, altogether – not the Tata H5X, though. Its designers say the final product will look very similar to the concept and spy pics of the actual production version attest to this. The H5X will be the first of the Tatas to carry the brand’s Impact Design 2.0 design language. Styling will be bold with exaggerated wheel arches, large wheels and sleek creases being the talking points. Slim headlights, high-set LED tail-lamps and a floating roof are just some of the other design and style highlights that will make it to production, as well.

It’ll have a practical and feature-rich cabin

The H5X will be made in five-seat and seven-seat versions. Spy images of the five-seat version show centre armrests in the front and rear, and ample room for the second row of seats. Overhead storage binnacles are also a feature seen on the H5X under test.

Unfortunately, the prototype did not have rear AC vents or a sunroof; but both features are expected to be offered on the final product. In fact, the cabin of the production-spec SUV is expected to be feature-rich in top-spec form. Our spy shots showed smart steering, a touchscreen infotainment atop a dual-tone dashboard and even memory function for the front seats.

It'll have a lot in common with the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Tata is leveraging Jaguar Land Rover's expertise in the development of the H5X. In fact, the H5X will be built on the Land Rover Discovery Sport's platform (codenamed L550). The production-spec SUV will sport a similar floor pan and steering gear, and an all-independent suspension. While some of the aluminium bits will be replaced by more affordable steel parts to keep costs in check, Tata insiders claim the SUVs kerb weight is unlikely to exceed 1,650kg. The wheelbase is expected to remain the same as the Discovery Sport's 2,741mm.

It’ll be powered by Fiat

The production version of the H5X will borrow Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (FCA) 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine, which they call MultiJet II. Incidentally this is the same engine that also powers the Jeep Compass. In the Tata, expect the five-seat version to get the engine in a 140hp state of tune, while the seven-seat SUV will have it in a 170hp tune. While our exclusive images showed a six-speed manual transmission as standard, an automatic transmission is also expected. Tata has developed a new four-wheel-drive system for the model and is also expected to offer the engine with multiple drive modes – a feature that is available on their Revotron and Revotorq series of engines.

It’ll rival a whole host of SUVs

Expected to launch in the first half of 2019, the H5X SUV is expected to follow Tata’s pricing trend and undercut its many rivals. Since it will be available in five- and seven-seat configurations, the production-spec H5X will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta (Rs 9.44-15.40 lakh) at the lower end, while its higher-spec seven-seat versions will rival the Mahindra XUV500 (Rs 12.32-18.98 lakh*) and Jeep Compass (Rs 15.35-21.94 lakh).

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi

*Prices for XUV500 are ex-showroom, Mumbai