 "Tata Hexa: Fleet-footed giant")
Away from the world of corporate tussles and boardroom dramas, there is something very exciting happening at Tata Motors. I got an opportunity to drive the new Tata Hexa, an SUV that the company plans to launch early 2017. I tested the Hexa over different terrains across the state of Telangana and the results were breathtaking.
The moment I had a close look at the Hexa, I realised that the company has poured its heart and soul into this one. While the proportions reminded me of the Aria, the Hexa sports a much more chiselled and macho look. You find crisp and clear lines running seamlessly along the vehicle, and the overall design boasts of how far Tata Motors has come, and the direction in which it is headed. Its impact design philosophy has seen multiple inputs from teams within India and from other parts of the globe. The Hexa, in its looks and proportions, is very contemporary and speaks of class, finesse and power. It sports LED DRLs, projector headlamps and ample chrome all around. Add to this the smart use of plastic cladding and a touch of piano black finish.
The design, quality of materials, level of finishing and refinement have received an extreme overhaul, unlike some other Tata vehicles. The cabin comes loaded with a variety of features. In terms of technology, the Hexa has a 5-inch USB, AUX and bluetooth-enabled touch screen infotainment setup, which also doubles up as a reverse parking camera. A bigger screen would have been a definite plus. It also comes with power adjustable and retractable ORVMs, a multifunction steering wheel, voice commands, cruise control, 10-speaker JBL audio setup, multiple app suite to control various applications such as music, and mood lighting via a mobile device. Other features include rain sensing wipers and automatic headlamps with a follow me home function.
The Hexa has enough space for seven adults - all three rows have AC vents and USB ports. The 60:40 split for the second row increases practicality. However, accessing the third row requires some effort as the second row seat is devoid of a one-touch tumble option. The centre arm rest in the second row can also double up as a cup holder - the Hexa comes with several cubby holes and storage spaces, including a cooling box. The car's boot, though, is tiny, with only 120 litres of storage space available. One way of getting around that is by dropping down the last two rows, which can then give you close to 671 litres of space.
The steering wheel is height adjustable but the car does not have the same feature for reach. Buyers, however, get an eight-way adjustable driver seat.
As the car takes off, the engine feels refined and powerful. The engine has been mated to a 6-speed manual gear box - a 6-speed auto box is also on offer. The Hexa gets through the first two gears rather quickly - the low-range torque can really push you back in your seat. In the manual drive, shifts are crisp and feel chunky, while in the automatic, they feel smooth.
The automatic version is also available in a sports mode that completely redefined my impression of the Hexa. Up until I pushed the gear lever into sports mode, I presumed this to be a big burly Tata SUV. But once you move to the sports mode, the Hexa strides into menacingly quick territory.
You can drive the Hexa in four different drive modes (auto, comfort, dynamic and rough road) - all come with the manual transmission. The car rides bad and broken roads with ease; one may get tossed around a bit while off roading, however. The braking setup in the Hexa is facilitated by four disc brakes - they do lack the feel I was looking for, but are more than efficient and capable. On both smooth tarmac and loose surfaces, the Hexa has adequate stopping power.
The safety, too, doesn't disappoint. The ABS, EBD, six airbags, ESP with roll over mitigation, hill hold control and hill descent control, give you little reason to worry.
TATA HEXA
Engine: 2,179cc, 4-cylinder, Turbocharged, Varicor 400
Transmission/ Drive Train: 6-speed Manual/ 6-speed Automatic
Power: 153.8hp@4,000rpm
Torque: 400Nm@1,700-2,700rpm
Mileage: (Estimated) 11-13kmpl
Expected price: From ~12-13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine: 2,179cc, 4-cylinder, Turbocharged, Varicor 400
Transmission/ Drive Train: 6-speed Manual/ 6-speed Automatic
Power: 153.8hp@4,000rpm
Torque: 400Nm@1,700-2,700rpm
Mileage: (Estimated) 11-13kmpl
Expected price: From ~12-13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Report: Motown India
www.motownindia.com
www.motownindia.com
