Tata has sent a media invite for a new product scheduled to launch on August 4th, as part of its ‘New Forever’ range. So, which launch this could be? The HBX, or maybe even the Altroz EV? We are excited for those as much as you are, trust me, but if sources and reports are to be believed the new product coming next month is going to be the Tiago NRG.
Tata is most likely to reintroduce the Tiago NRG on August 4. The shared invites read a “tough and sporty avatar of something which is seriously fun”. Even though the Hornbill fits the description, our inner feeling is saying it is going to be the updated iteration of the Tata Tiago NRG.
The NRG was a “rugged” variant of the Tata Tiago which retailed in India between 2018 and 2020. The model was based on the pre-facelift Tiago and was discontinued before the launch of the facelifted entry-level hatchback. The upcoming Tata Tiago NRG will be based on the current-gen facelifted hatch and most likely will come with a bunch of feature and style updates over the discontinued model. All in all, this is the HBX before the HBX actually gets launched.
The cabin is expected to be more premium and pack in updated upholstery, a new touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, cooled glovebox, and more. Tata and safety go hand in hand, so we expect at least dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors among other things.
For power, the new NRG facelift could use the same Tata Tiago 1.2-litre petrol engine that churns out 84 bhp and 113 Nm of maximum torque. Transmission options are also likely to include both a five-speed manual gearbox and an AMT unit.
As far as pricing is considered, a premium of around Rs 40,000 – 50,000 over the Tiago is our guess, which will put the NRG between a price bracket of around Rs. 5 – 7 lakh. On launch, the Tata crossover will face its only direct rival, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio X.
So what of Hornbill aka HBX then, you ask? Well, we believe the micro Tata SUV to be revealed at a later date, most probably during the festive season, somewhere between Dussehra and Diwali. The youth-centred offering will be based on Tata’s ALFA platform and will pack in the same 84 bhp/113 Nm BS6-compliant 1.2-litre petrol engine. However, it will pack in a more muscular and glossy design with modern elements and features to cater the younger generation of car buyers.
