Tata H5X SUV spotted undergoing high-altitude testing

Tata’s upcoming SUV, the H5X SUV is among the most talked about cars at the moment. Ever since the concept was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo, there has been lots of curiosity about the new Tata SUV. One of the prime reasons for its popularity is the eye-catching styling of the concept; it will be the first Tata product to carry the new Impact Design 2.0 design language. Tata designers also confirmed that the production-spec of the Tata H5X wouldn’t be too far from the concept. Given that Tata kept their word with the Nexon, we expect the upcoming SUV to have bold styling with exaggerated wheel arches, large wheels and sleek creases. 

UPDATE: H5X SUV officially named Tata Harrier

While there’s still some time for the launch, we have got hold of pictures showing the Tata H5X undergoing high-altitude testing and as expected, the test car was heavily camouflaged. High-altitude testing is an important aspect for Tata as the H5X, which is based on the Land Rover Discovery Sport’s platform (codenamed L550) is likely to be an able off-road performer. It could also receive a near-identical all-independent suspension setup and similarly configured steering gear. To keep costs in check, some of the expensive aluminium parts will be replaced by more affordable steel bits.

Despite missing out on the light-weight parts, our sources have hinted that that the upcoming SUV will tip the scale under 1,650kg (kerb weight). The Tata H5X’s wheelbase is expected to remain same as the Discovery Sport’s 2,741mm. This isn’t the first occasion that we have spotted the Tata SUV undergoing testing; a test mule was spotted back in February.

Powering the Tata H5X is likely to be a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre MultiJet II engine. The five-seat version might get a 140hp motor while the seven-seat model is expected to get an additional 20 ponies. An automatic transmission is also expected, which will send power to all-four wheels via Tata’s indigenously developed 4x4 system. Also, the motor will be offered with multiple drive modes – a feature that is available on Tata’s Revotron and Revotorq series of engines. It’s also likely that the H5X will be offered with a hybrid powertrain due to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE).

The Tata H5X is likely to make its debut in India in the first half of 2019 and might undercut its rivals on the pricing front. The five-seater H5X will rival the Hyundai Creta, while the higher-spec seven-seat trims will compete against the Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass. For more details on the Tata H5X, click here.