Tata Hexa launch on January 18

Having made its Indian debut at the Auto Expo earlier this year, Tata was expected to launch the Hexa during the festive season. The automaker has now scheduled its launch for January 18, 2017.

The Hexa will go on sale with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes paired with a choice of diesel engines. The entry-level model will use a 150hp 2.2-litre diesel unit badged, the Varicor 320, while the mid and top trims will be offered with the more powerful 156hp 2.2-litre Varicor 400 unit. The Varicor 320 motor will be offered with a five-speed manual gearbox only, while the more powerful Varicor 400 will be offered with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic unit. Interestingly, a key difference between manual and automatic gearboxes will be that the automatic units will miss on drive mode select. The drive modes alter the car’s engine performance and safety systems based on the selection made and are only available on the all-wheel-drive manual models.

The all-wheel-drive 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 allow for the brakes to lock up, thus improving control.

The Hexa is expected to be available in three variants with prices expected to start at 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. The 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 likely to include six airbags, ABS and ESP. Tata has also decided against developing a separate premium outlet for the Hexa, instead focus on offering a premium experience at its existing dealerships for customers. The Tata Hexa will take on the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta when launched.