New Tata Cars For 2021: New Variants, New SUVs, And An Electrified Model

As we start a new year, many carmakers have started laying out their roadmap for the year including Tata Motors. Aside from new launches, the carmaker is set to introduce additional options for its current lineup. Here’s more about what’s expected:

Gravitas

After making its debut as a near-production model at Auto Expo 2020 and a lengthy delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tata Motors is now all set to introduce the Harrier-based Gravitas SUV in India. It is 63mm longer and 80mm taller than the Harrier and gets a stepped roof and upright tail gate to accommodate the third row. Expect features to remain relatively unchanged. It could retain the 170PS/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine, with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol likely to join the lineup later. The production-spec Gravitas will debut at the end of January with a launch around early February. It is likely to garner a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the Harrier that retails from Rs 13.84 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it’ll  go up against the MG Hector Plus and the upcoming next-gen Mahindra XUV500.

Altroz Turbo

Tata Motors’ first 2021 launch will  be the turbocharged iteration of the Altroz premium hatchback on January 13. It will utilise a 110PS/140Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and could be the first Tata to offer a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission option alongside the 5-speed manual gearbox. It is likely to retain from Rs 8 lakh onwards (ex-showroom) and rival the likes of the Volkswagen Polo TSI and the Hyundai i20 Turbo.

HBX

Another model that made its debut in concept form at Auto Expo 2020, the production-spec HBX micro-SUV has been spotted testing multiple times in India. Highlights include an SUV-esque upright stance, split headlamps with slots for LED DRLs running along the bonnet, and split-four-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels (possibly 16-inches). Expect a similar cabin to the concept with bits like a floating touchscreen infotainment system, Harman sound system, and a multi-function steering wheel. It could be powered by the Altroz’s 86PS/113Nm 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric powertrain on the cards. Expect a name reveal and launch around early 2021 with prices likely to start from Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It could rival the  Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 NXT. 

Altroz EV

Next up is the all-electric iteration of the Altroz that made its debut in concept form at Auto Expo 2020. The main difference aside from a tweaked front end and different wheels is that it’ll be powered by Tata’s Ziptron powertrain that delivers a driving range of 300km on a single charge in the Nexon EV. It could be launched in the second half of2021 with prices likely to start from Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hexa BS6

2021 could also see the return of the Hexa with a necessary BS6 upgrade as it has been spied testing in the country. It will be powered by a BS6-compliant 2.2-litre diesel engine with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options as well as rear-wheel drive and 4x4 options. What’s more is that spied test mules hint at a 4x4 AT variant potentially in the works. Expect a price increment of around Rs 50,000 over the now discontinued BS4 model (Rs 13.25 lakh onwards, ex-showroom). It will go up against the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta and the MG Hector Plus. 

Nexon DCT

The Altroz Turbo is likely to become the first Tata model to get a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission,  and the Nexon sub-4 metre SUV could soon become the second. That’s because it utilises the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Altroz. It is currently offered with a 6-speed AMT alongside the 6-speed manual gearbox options. The Nexon could get the 7-speed DCT option a few months after the Altroz gets it on January 13. This gearbox is likely to be exclusive to the higher end variants. Expect prices to be at a premium over the AMT variants that currently retail from Rs 8.44 lakh (ex-showroom).