Team-BHP > The Indian Car Scene


Closed Thread
  Search this Thread
1,568,097 views
Old 4th February 2016, 10:31   #1
GTO
Team-BHP Support
 
GTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bombay
Posts: 70,335
Thanked: 298,732 Times
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Mod Note: Our Hexa Report has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!



Big shoutout to Vid6639 for shooting these pictures & his coverage of the Auto Expo. Thanks for sharing, man!

After the Aria's positioning debacle, the Hexa will be marketed as an SUV! It surely is more SUV'ish in this much improved version of the Aria. With all these add-ons and features, don't expect it to be cheap. As long as Tata keeps the pricing realistic for what's on offer, the Hexa has a better chance at success than the van-like Aria:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-1.jpeg

Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ABS + EBD + Corner Stability Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control (basically ESP), Traction Control and Engine Drag Control System (stops tyres from locking if you decelerate on slippery surfaces):
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-2.jpeg

Smart front-end with a hexagonal grill pattern, chrome accented humanity line and 3D ‘T’ Logo:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-3.jpeg

There's no escaping the fact that this car is a newer version of the Aria. The dimension sheet reads 4764 x 1895 x 1780 (L x W x H) with a 2,850 mm wheelbase. The size & contemporary styling gives it fantastic presence:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-4.jpeg

Smoked projector headlamps:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-5.jpeg

Foglamps with a DRL strip above:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-6.jpeg

A look at the body cladding. It's tastefully applied, not excessive:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-6a.jpeg

19" rim design doesn't suit the car. Production version will surely not have this 235/55 R19 size:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-6b.jpeg

Matt-black D-pillar. Window is the same as the Aria - what's different is the panelling around it (check out the Aria here). Wraparound tail-lamps have LEDs:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-8.jpeg

Dual exhausts with one on either side (just the way we like it!):
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-9.jpeg

154 BHP diesel with 400 Nm of torque, same as the Storme Varicor 400 (driving review):
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-12.jpeg

6-speed MT as standard. The bigger news is that the Hexa will come with an optional 6-speed Automatic:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-13.jpeg

Expertise from Land Rover comes in the form of 4 driving modes - Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-13b.jpeg

Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-14.jpeg

Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-dsc04735.jpeg

Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-dsc04736.jpeg

Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-dsc04746.jpeg

Cyrus Mistry & Tim Leverton:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-image-1.jpg

Last edited by GTO : 21st November 2016 at 22:34. Reason: Linking to review
GTO is offline   (54) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 11:36   #2
GTO
Team-BHP Support
 
GTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bombay
Posts: 70,335
Thanked: 298,732 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Black interiors are in vogue & how! Doorpad gets a body-coloured strip. Bottle holder with long storage pockets:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-0.jpeg

Clean, contemporary & functional dashboard is an improved version of the one we saw in the Aria. Part quality is good. There's even soft-touch material on the left (where you see the HEXA imprint):
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-1.jpeg

Steering wheel from the Zest with some subtle changes. Not cool - a premium car like this needs a more upmarket steering. Hexa is equipped with cruise control:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-2.jpeg

Classy instrument console. Very understated, very tasteful. Shows you exactly which door is open:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-3.jpeg

Land Rover expertise on the AWD variant. The MID shows you the chosen driving mode:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-4.jpeg

Comfort mode. I doubt Tata will give the Hexa variable dampers. Might just be the steering & drivetrain settings:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-5.jpeg

Auto activates AWD as required (when slippage is detected):
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-6.jpeg

Rough appears to be the full-time AWD mode:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-7.jpeg

Control knob for the 4 different driving modes:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-8.jpeg

Head-unit is a straight lift from the Zest. 5" touchscreen is too small for a cabin of this size:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-9.jpeg

JBL sound. 10 speaker system with subwoofer & amplifier. Tata is working closely with Harman for the ICE needs of all its new cars:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-9b.jpeg

A look at the 6-speed AT 4x2. Not sure if the AT will be available with AWD. It has sport & tiptronic modes:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-10.jpeg

And the 6-speed MT with AWD. Different air-con controls:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-11.jpeg

Body-coloured highlights out here. This panel has soft-touch material. Two gloveboxes:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-12.jpeg

Vid6639 says that the front seats are spacious & comfortable:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-13.jpeg

Dark / smoked chrome door lock knob :
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-14.jpeg

Sunvisors with extenders:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-14b.jpeg

Rear doorpad with a speaker + tweeter:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-15.jpeg

And pull-up curtains! What a blessing these are in our sunfilm-less times:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-15b.jpeg

Captain seats are very comfortable. Adjustment for fore & aft movement and backrest recline. Space is good, but Innova Crysta has an advantage:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-16.jpeg

With leather upholstery:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-17.jpeg

Interior mood lighting colours change according to the 4 drive modes (or can be customized with a further 4 colours)! Colours are white, orange, red, purple, blue, cyan, bluish green & fluorescent green:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-18.jpeg

Seats don't tumble. Flip it forward and it hits the front seat. Entry to the last row is very bad and terribly inconvenient. Red arrow seems to be pointing toward adjustable lumbar support!
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-19.jpeg

The last row:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-20.jpeg

Is like any other. Tall occupants will find under-thigh support missing:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-21.jpeg

You need to push the 2nd row seat forward for legroom:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-22.jpeg

Air-con vent, storage & cup-holder for those at the back. 3-point seatbelts too:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-23.jpeg

There is adequate room for 3 – 4 medium sized bags, even with all the three seat rows in place:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-dsc04639.jpeg

With the last row folded down (has a 50:50 split too):
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-dsc04641.jpeg

Tools in a compartment underneath:
Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016-dsc04644.jpeg

Last edited by GTO : 4th February 2016 at 12:27.
GTO is offline   (78) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 12:27   #3
GTO
Team-BHP Support
 
GTO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bombay
Posts: 70,335
Thanked: 298,732 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Auto Expo Section!
GTO is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 12:42   #4
BHPian
 
vinayrathore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: DL-9C/KA-01
Posts: 560
Thanked: 501 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Great coverage there! TATA surely has a great arsenal up its sleeves now. If only they can instigate a sense of trust in its A$$ can they look at capturing a respectable market share. Need some high level change in the marketing strategy focusing on just that.
vinayrathore is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 13:01   #5
BHPian
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: KA, TS
Posts: 620
Thanked: 880 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO View Post
It surely is more SUV'ish in this much improved version of the Aria. With all these add-ons and features, don't expect it to be cheap. As long as Tata keeps the pricing realistic for what's on offer, the Hexa has a better chance at success than the van-like Aria
Very true. The crux will be the price. Any idea on the launch date?
shifu is offline  
Old 4th February 2016, 13:02   #6
BHPian
 
drive2eternity's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 415
Thanked: 1,831 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Hexa surely creates an impression. Hope the pricing is not atrocious. They should keep it at par with XUV, and then hope the public laps on this Monster.
drive2eternity is online now  
Old 4th February 2016, 13:08   #7
BHPian
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chennai
Posts: 189
Thanked: 184 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Why are the TATA management posing for the cameras with so tense faces. They need to be seen confident and smiling to ensure they have belief and trust on their own designs. When i see them looking like they are not sure it send negative vibes to those who sees this.

i was looking for the proper set of photos and i was so happy to see these photos. HEXA looks great in the exterior and interior, but the pricing is where the problem that Tata is going to face. Any idea when they are planning to officially launch this vehicle?
msk_kapoor is online now   (1) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 13:10   #8
BHPian
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Mumbai
Posts: 277
Thanked: 65 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

If Tata's have learnt their lesson, they will undercut the XUV by atleast a lakh. If they do so, then they have a killer on their hand!
an_and is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 13:11   #9
Senior - BHPian
 
Latheesh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: CNN/BLR
Posts: 4,238
Thanked: 10,042 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

That is an impressive coverage, and Hexa looks truly international. Hexa Tuff looks really awesome.

Here is the first look video by Autocar


Last edited by Latheesh : 4th February 2016 at 13:13.
Latheesh is online now  
Old 4th February 2016, 13:33   #10
Senior - BHPian
 
GrammarNazi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 1,419
Thanked: 3,490 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

They've done some things very differently with the re-designing & yet the steering & music system being borrowed from the Zest actually makes me feel that this'll probably be positioned much below the Innova Crysta.

A full set (4pcs) of even 18" tyres will cost close to 80k. 19" tyres could cost much more, these guys must be really quite serious about the 'driving mode' feature.

Glad they plan to offer the auto-tranny. That one single feature could be the game changer, provided they properly undercut the XUV5OO AT, with offers atleast during the introductory period.

Once fans (& those undecided people on the fence) bring in initial momentum, 'market' should recognize it as a worthy competitor.

IMO It all boils down to this : They'll have to answer why any affluent person should choose TATA over Toyota (or even XUV5OO), including 2 most important & relevant concerns - Reliability & Service.

IMO the one thing that addresses those concerns is Long Term Warranty & AMC package. They're walking a tight rope & will do really well if they do a few specific things right, introductory pricing is one of them either.

Having company leaders Cyrus Mistry (& Tim Leverton) standing next to it, I'm sure they're going to really want it to succeed this time round (Read : Numbers must go beyond a few hundred).

Anyway, kudos to them, let's see if TATA Motors' magic works this time.

Last edited by GrammarNazi : 4th February 2016 at 13:47.
GrammarNazi is offline   (15) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 13:51   #11
BHPian
 
hrishik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Mumbai
Posts: 59
Thanked: 15 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Tata motors has indeed taken the leap in quality with their latest offerings. An interesting marketing strategy for Tata would be to copy the Nexa model from Suzuki and differentiate their portfolio into premium and regular. The older and not so old models (like the Zest/Bolt) can be sold through the regular channel, while Nexon, Kite and Hexa can be sold through the premium channel. TML passenger cars carry a certain negative image (albeit an unnecessary one) for the upwardly mobile middle-class and a marketing split will go a long way in correcting this image. There is so much potential in Tata, it is time to realise it!
hrishik is offline  
Old 4th February 2016, 13:54   #12
BHPian
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Hyderabad
Posts: 592
Thanked: 828 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

This sure looks like a good looking, well specced vehicle. Best of luck to Tata Motors. It is hard to launch it in the same year/ event as a new Innova, Endy and with a new Fortuner lurking in the corner , a few months down the road.
Contrapunto is offline  
Old 4th February 2016, 13:55   #13
Senior - BHPian
 
Latheesh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: CNN/BLR
Posts: 4,238
Thanked: 10,042 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Quote:
Originally Posted by hrishik View Post
An interesting marketing strategy for Tata would be to copy the Nexa model from Suzuki and differentiate their portfolio into premium and regular.
Why would someone copy a flop business model?
Latheesh is online now   (2) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 13:57   #14
ACM
Distinguished - BHPian
 
ACM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Mumbai
Posts: 4,745
Thanked: 4,358 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

The Aria with middle row bench seat would in my view be more comfortable and practical than the twin row captains.

The Captain seats don't tunble forward plus the arm rests are smaller.
ACM is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 4th February 2016, 14:04   #15
BHPian
 
kaviprem's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Trichy
Posts: 948
Thanked: 832 Times
Re: Tata Hexa @ Auto Expo 2016

Excellent coverage, GTO and Vid6639 !

HEXA looks gorgeous if I can say so.

ACM
yes, I agree with you. I would always prefer 3 seater that would give some extra space to move around or to keep handbags, etc ... if needed be.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ACM View Post
The Aria with middle row bench seat would in my view be more comfortable and practical than the twin row captains.

The Captain seats don't tunble forward plus the arm rests are smaller.
kaviprem is offline   (1) Thanks
Closed Thread

Most Viewed
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Team-BHP.com
Proudly powered by E2E Networks