Tata Motors today revealed the H2X Concept SUV that gives a sneak peek at the production-spec Hornbill micro-SUV.

The carmaker says the H2X Concept derives several design cues from the stunning H5X Concept (which previewed the Harrier SUV). The Hornbill’s LED DRLs and tri-arrow pattern in the front bumper are reminiscent of the H5X Concept. What also catches the eye are the prominent, squared-off edges up front, lending a boxier, more upright stance to the H2X Concept.

Shaped by Tata’s Impact Design 2.0 language, the Hornbill clearly has a more upright stance than the Nexon, and less-rounded proportions that give it a more imposing – and more SUV-like – appearance.

Tata Motors says the H2X Concept sub-compact SUV will have “exemplary performance, future-ready connectivity and outstanding interior room”. The Hornbill (codenamed X445) will be built on the carmaker’s ALFA modular platform that will be shared with the Tata Altroz, but according to sources, the micro-SUV “will have a wheelbase that is around 50mm shorter.”

The ALFA platform has been designed to accommodate Tata’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder Revotron petrol as well as the 1.05-litre, three-cylinder, Revotorq diesel engine, but it’s likely that, at launch, only the 1.2 petrol will be offered.

The Hornbill will be Tata Motors’ contender in the nascent micro-SUV segment and will slot in below the Nexon in the company’s line-up. The concept that’s set to debut in Geneva will hint at the production model, which will be aimed squarely at the Mahindra KUV100, the production version of the Maruti Future S concept and Hyundai’s all-new micro-SUV that is expected in 2023.

Tata Motors is expected to unveil the production version of the Hornbill in February 2020 at the Auto Expo in Delhi, with the market launch following later in the year.

Also read: Tata Altroz, Altroz EV unveiled at Geneva motor show 2019

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