Tata Hexa

Tata Motors has announced its re-entry in the full-size SUV segment by introducing the Hexa crossover in the Indian market. The full-size SUV segment was created by the company with the launch of Aria in October 2010, but to its utmost dismay, the Aria turned out to be an absolute dud. Hence, in what seems to be an attempt to cover the lost ground, the company has presented the Tata Hexa SUV to replace the Aria. The Hexa, being the Mumbai-based automaker's new flagship product, is the second company model to be based on the new IMPACT design philosophy. The company has bagged nearly 3000 orders for the SUV and it would have a minimum waiting period of around 8 weeks. The magical combination of impeccable interior cabin with lots of first-in-segment features and staggering pricing is all set to make it a sure-shot winner in the Indian market.

Tata has worked a lot on the Aria's 2.2 L VARICOR engine to fetch more power and torque from it. In addition, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, besides the 6-speed manual gearbox debuts with the Hexa SUV. The variants include XE, XM, XMA, XT, XTA and XT MT 4X4. The safety quotient has also been well taken care of by Tata by incorporating a plethora of avant-garde features. A special mention goes to the new-generation Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Torque on Demand 4X4 and Super Drive Modes features.

Hexa looks salient, elegant and sporty, to say the least. The new IMPACT design philosophy of Tata Motors has worked well with the SUV. It has been designed with inputs from design studios of the company in India, England and Italy. The front fascia of the Hexa exterior flaunts smoked projector headlamps with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), 'Humanity' chrome grille and fog lamps. The SUV rides on 19-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, while the rear profile comprises of wraparound LED tail lamps, integrated spoiler and tailgate applique.

What has made the Hexa even more tempting and desirable is the extensive chrome treatment on a couple of elements, such as door handles and rear luggage step plate. Also, the presence of roof rails adds sportiness to the SUV. The colours include Arizona Blue, Tungsten Silver, Pearl White, Platinum Silver and Sky Grey.

Hexa interior comes with a premium black theme, with premium Benecke-Kaliko upholstery. The SUV is packed with an array of premium features, such as Harman-developed touchscreen infotainment system with AM/FM, USB, AUX IN, iPOD, Bluetooth connectivity and 10-Speaker JBL system,

cruise control, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) with dual HVAC, Reverse Parking Camera, Automatic Headlamps (Light sensing), Rain-Sensing Wipers, Power Foldable ORVMs, 12 V Power Outlets on all three rows, Smart USB charging at the second row, etc., to mention a few.

Hexa specifications are powered by a 2.2 L 4-cylinder VARICOR diesel engine, which develops power in two tunes: 148 bhp at 4000 rpm and 320 Nm between 1700-2700 rpm for the entry-level XE variant, and 153 bhp at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm between 1700-2700 rpm for the rest of the variants. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission with the former, while the latter gets 6-speed manual and new 6-speed automatic gearboxes.

The range-topping XT trim also gets the 4X4 drive system with a Torque on Demand feature.

Hexa mileage is expected to be in the range of 13-16 kmpl, depending upon the variant.

Hexa features disc brakes on all four wheels as standard with a couple of secondary braking systems in the form of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) at the helm as well.

In addition, there is an array of premium safety features offered with the Hexa in the form of six airbags, Corner Stability Control (CSC), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Roll-over Mitigation, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hydraulic Brake Assist, etc., to name a few.

Hexa is a revelation in itself with a pretty smooth and swift drive experience. The steering wheel is a delight to hold and it responds well to the driver's finger tips. The cabin has very less noise with perfectly-tuned NVH levels.

Hexa is a sure-shot winner, courtesy the exorbitant exterior appearance, impeccable interior cabin and power-packed performance. On top of all these factors, its price has given it an edge above its rivals. It would slay the SUV segment and is here to stay, and rule, perh

Hexa would lock horns with the likes of Mahindra XUV500 and Toyota Innova Crysta in the Indian market.