Green and e-mobility are the key themes for Tata Motors at the Auto Expo 2020 with a range of electric passenger cars and CVs including the HBX UV Concept. This close-to-production concept will be the smallest SUV yet. This will be the second car to be based on the ALFA platform after the Altroz and it will be positioned under the Nexon. The HBX will be a petrol-only model as of now with an EV version likely over next few years.

This concept was previewed by the H2X concept revealed at the 2019 Geneva Motor show. The styling is toned down though the overall design remains similar to the H2X. The HBX is 3,840mm long, 1,822mm wide and 1,635mm tall, with a 2,450mm wheelbase. To put it in perspective, the micro SUV is roughly the size of the Maruti Swift in terms of length and wheelbase; though it’s wider and taller, to help give it a more SUV-like look.

This petrol-only version is powered by the 86hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine found in the aforementioned hatchback and compact sedan. The unit is expected to be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. An all-electric version is also on the cards, with a launch expected within the next 2 years.

Like with other newer Tata cars, the front fascia features a split-headlamp setup with the main cluster located lower down on the bumper along with the brand’s ‘Humanity Line’ design element. Down the sides, the HBX features a prominent belt-line running its length with squared out wheel arches completing the look. Round the back, there is a prominent crease dividing the tailgate, a raked rear windscreen and compact tail-lamps. Completing the look are the blacked-out alloy wheels shod on knobby tyres. This close-to-production concept also has a roo-mounted carrier large enough to fit a tyre and a couple of jerry cans.

The HBX will be positioned under the standard Tata Nexon as a rival to models like the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. As the model showcased at the Expo is a near-production model, you could expect just a few more tweaks to the micro SUV before its final Indian market launch.