Team-BHP - Tata Hexa : Official Review

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Quote:

Originally Posted by civic-sense (Post 4130088)

A monocoque makes better sense as a daily drive.

Moreover I don't think anybody who wants a thoroughbred SUV would go for the Hexa either.

Ofcourse neither of them make sense to someone looking for a thoroughbred SUV.

I am not contesting if a monocoque or a ladder frame makes for a better daily drive. XUV is also a very capable vehicle. All I am saying is that when you say that Hexa is still an MUV, then I think XUV is not an SUV either.

One of the target audience for both these vehicles is larger families who need more than 5 seats for those highway trips together. Such families generally have another car at their disposal for the city run about. I think for them Hexa makes more sense with a better and plush ride quality as compared to XUV.

One thing people seem to be overlooking is that in terms of features the xuv w8 is comparable to the hexa xt. The w 10 is a notch above. Hence if we compare the xt with the w8 the hexa certainly seems overpriced

Everyones' commenting how good the Hexa's interiors are, Aria too (when launched) had very good interiors. Even wrt the bench seats, these are the same as Tata always offered in the Aria.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vibbs (Post 4130116)

...As long as it is nimble enough. None of the reviews so far mention the Hexa to be more difficult to drive in the city vis a vis the XUV...

Almost all official reviewers have said the Hexa requires more effort to steer at slow speeds, they've even mentioned it weighs up well at higher speeds. XUVs steering is lighter at slow speeds, and thats also the case with higher speeds (like/dislike of this is ones personal preference).

Quote:

Originally Posted by A M (Post 4130124)

...I think XUV is not an SUV either.

Not everyone wants the full experience of an SUV all the time. Mild off-roading requires a soft-roader with decent approach & departure angles.

Quote:

One of the target audience for both these vehicles is larger families who need more than 5 seats for those highway trips together. Such families generally have another car at their disposal for the city run about. I think for them Hexa makes more sense with a better and plush ride quality as compared to XUV.

Depends, most affluent families generally tend to take 2 cars if the entire (7 ppl) troop is to be hauled. Mostly as a safety precaution (also due to luggage) & its better to manage situations with 2 cars. As such the demand is not generally of an full-time 7 seater.

Yes, it *can* be used as a 7 seater for that occasional long drive, but generally those events are mostly few & far between (1 or 2 times a year) to have a car specifically for 7 people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami (Post 4130135)

One thing people seem to be overlooking is that in terms of features the xuv w8 is comparable to the hexa xt. The w 10 is a notch above. Hence if we compare the xt with the w8 the hexagon certainly seems overpriced

+1. Moreover the XUV is time tested in the hands of plenty customers.

IMO it could've been justified if there was a confidence building pitch with a superlative warranty offer by Tata, but theres none of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarguyNish (Post 4130143)

Seriously ? Tata !! What have you done to this Impressive car ?

11kmpl for Automatic, that too a 2WD :Frustrati. I am sure many will stay away from this car despite it being so good just for this Low FE alone. Not that XUV5OO & Innova Crysta are much more efficient, but i am disappointed. In reality, one can expect somewhere around 8-9 kmpl.

A survey also proved that Fuel Cost is a huge contributor to High Running Costs.

Dismal FE for an engine the same capacity (with the same bore & stroke), was a given coz the car is heavier by ~720kg compared the XUV, AFAIK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenAvi (Post 4130117)

From a live chat session on the official Tata Hexa website:

[center]Attachment 1596810

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrasannaDhana (Post 4130103)

Superb pricing in my opinion!

If you ask me if i will be willing to pay 2.8 lakhs more than a top end manual creta for the top trim manual Hexa, what will i be considering?

Presence - check
Space - check
7 seats - check
Amazing ride quality - check
Powerful engine - check
Better interior quality - check
Safety - check
Better Equipment - check

powerful engine?- I think the power to weight will have to be checked and the Creta could well be zippier(as the hexa is a lot heavier)
Better interior quality? Honestly, while a huge huge upgrade for a Tata, a few of the plastic components are still below par when compared to a Hyundai- seat adjustments knobs, glove box.
Safety? If I am not wrong, both have 6 airbags and the like?
Anyways, to each his own, I think Creta and the hexa are from two different classes. But yes, considering the leap of faith a customer is being asked to take, considering the past reputation(perception actually), I would've been happier had they undercut the competition (read Xuv not innova crysta).

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrammarNazi (Post 4130141)

Not everyone wants the full experience of an SUV all the time. Yet, mild off-roading requires a soft-roader with decent approach & departure angles.

I such cases also, Hexa will do a pretty good job. Maybe a tad better than the XUV given the reviews that are coming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrammarNazi (Post 4130141)

Depends, most affluent families generally tend to take 2 cars if the entire (7 ppl) troop is to be hauled. Mostly as a safety precaution (also due to luggage) & its better to manage situations with 2 cars. As such the demand is not generally of an full-time 7 seater.

Yes, it *can* be used as a 7 seater for that occasional long drive, but those events are mostly few & far between (1 or 2 times a year) to have a car specifically for 7 people.

Depends upon the personal choice of the family and the purpose of the road trip. You can always haul 7 people in two hatchbacks or two sedans. Why would someone buy a 7 seater?
Thats why I said that One of the target audiences is larger families. Also, if you would want to use it for a daily driver chauffeur driven vehicle, even then the better ride quality with captain seats in the middle row make more sense for such kind of a buyer.

I think we are going way :OT here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrammarNazi (Post 4130141)

Agreed. But is it because of monocoque chassis or is it just because the steering is calibrated that way. The point I intend to ask is how much more effort does Hexa need as a daily drive over the XUV to really be a deal breaker?

Yes Aria had good interiors for its time and it flopped. So Hexa too should. Is it that what you intend to say.

Looking at the number of XUVs in every corner of the city, i would go with hexa! Even if XUV offers more features. This would be the main reason for me!
Second would be, the ride quality and interiors. What will i do with acceleration and top speed, if am surrounded by cheap plastic? Atleast that's the impression created when you sit in hexa and immediately in an XUV!
Third being the audio!
Speaking of audio, xe and xm do not have JBL. The speakers are of another brand.. :(

Official Press Release also mentions the ARAI-certified Fuel Efficiency number:

Quote:

07:30 pm, Wednesday 18 Jan 2017

Make way for Tata Motors’ new Lifestyle vehicle – ‘HEXA’
Starts at INR 12,08,798 lakh, ex-showroom Maharashtra

Imposing Stance and contemporary SUV silhouette to conquer any terrain
Available in six variants – XE, XM, XT, XMA, XTA and XT 4×4, starting at INR 12,08,798 lakh ex-showroom Maharashtra
5 exciting colour options – Pearl White (PW), Arizona Blue (ARB), Tungsten Silver (TNS), Sky Grey (SKG) and Platinum Silver (PTS)

DESIGN THAT CREATES AN IMPACT

Based on Tata Motors’ IMPACT Design philosophy using elements created across Tata Motors Design studios in the United Kingdom, Italy and India

POWER TO OUTPERFORM

Powered by advanced next-gen 2.2L VARICOR 400, 156 PS engine coupled with 6 speed G-85 transmission for smooth power and torque delivery. Also available with automatic transmission (AT)
First-in-segment ‘SUPER DRIVE MODES’ for enhanced ride comfort & stability over different terrains
ARAI Fuel efficiency certification under test conditions – 14.4 kmpl

INFOTAINMENT THAT DRIVES EXPERIENCES

ConnectNext Infotainment system, exclusively developed by HARMAN™

THE CONFIDENCE OF ABSOLUTE SAFETY

Standard top notch safety across variants, including Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Torque, Corner Stability Program, Disc Brakes on all wheels, Perimetric Alarm, Child Safety Lock on Rear Door and Door Ajar Warning as standard fitments

Tata Motors today announced the commercial launch of its much awaited ‘lifestyle vehicle’ HEXA – a power packed, feature loaded and adrenaline pumped vehicle, designed for those with an active and dynamic lifestyle. Based on a new versatile platform – the HEXA is a complete vehicle package, with an exceptional combination of design, luxury, off-road and on-road capabilities, boasting modern and exciting architecture, plush interiors and next-generation connectivity and performance related features, enhancing the functionality of the vehicle.

The HEXA is introduced at a starting price of INR 12,08,798 lakhs, ex-showroom Maharashtra for the Manual Transmission variant and INR 14,98,382 lakhs, ex-showroom Maharashtra for the Automatic variant and will be available in over 300 sales outlets, across the country.

With an emphasis on design and drivability, the HEXA boasts aggressiveness, delivering absolute comfort, personifying Tata Motors passenger vehicle business unit’s newly defined ‘IMPACT design’ language.

The vehicle features a new first-in-segment ‘SUPER DRIVE MODES’ system, to provide customers with a pleasurable, comfortable and dynamic driving experience. This ‘Super Drive Modes’ system allows the driver to seamlessly switch between four different driving modes – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road, for enhanced ride comfort & stability over different terrains. The new system is a flawless combination of the vehicles Engine performance, new-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Torque on Demand (TOD) and the vehicles Instrument Cluster display and ambient lighting, that can be activated through a well-placed rotary knob, on the center console.

Equipped with Tata Motors ‘CONNECTNEXT Infotainment system‘, the HEXA has an ergonomically placed 5″ touch screen exclusively designed by Harman™, with 10 JBL™ branded speakers, featuring voice recognition and smart phone integration. The ConnectNext App suite includes, NAVIMAPS App, Juke-Car App, Tata Smart Remote App and Tata Smart Manual App

Present at the launch, Mayank Pareek, President – Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, "Ever since its first showcase as a concept, the HEXA has generated a great amount of curiosity and excitement and customers are sure to find value and prestige that goes beyond their expectations. With HEXA we have taken a leap in bringing in the most advanced technologies and first-of-its-kind features, crafted with precision, representing the change that is underway at Tata Motors. We are confident that this complete package will be an instant hit in a highly popular but immensely competitive segment."

Speaking at the launch, Guenter Butschek, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Tata Motors, said, "The launch of HEXA, marks another milestone for us in a firework of new product launches, addressing a larger part of the PV market in India. With the recent changes witnessed in the passenger vehicle segment, the timing was ripe for Tata Motors to make an impact in the UV category. The HEXA comes with a very bold statement, ‘Whatever it takes’ which also connects well with our transformation journey. The road to reposition us goes beyond products and involves pursuing new approaches, technologies, business models and partnerships in order to actively design the future of mobility across the country."

PREMIUM CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

A 24X7 Toll-free Hexa Premium Desk, manned by specially trained relationship managers to provide real time response to HEXA customers.
A 24*7 live Web Chat service
Personalized service experience including test drives at preferred locations

Delving into digitization, the company has also introduced Tata Motors Service Application (TMSA) to help customers improve the overall service experience, making it quicker and more efficient at service centres by eliminating the process of physical filing of service details.

WARRANTY

HEXA comes with a Warranty Policy of 3 years or 1,00,000 kms, whichever is earlier. Additionally, customers will be offered an Engine Warranty of 3 years or 1,50,000 kms, whichever is earlier.
Extended Warranty for the fourth and fifth year at competitive prices.
The periodic Service Schedule at 10,000 kms or 6 months, whichever is earlier.
Oil change at an interval of 20,000 kms or 12 months whichever is earlier.

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS (AMC)

Hexa customers will receive two attractive AMC packages at competitive prices:

Gold AMC: Scheduled maintenance services ranging from 20,000 kms to 1,50,000 kms – labour, parts & consumables, unexpected repairs viz. clutch, brake pad, brake liner, suspension, belts, wiper, Wheel Alignment, Wheel Balancing and other Wear & Tear items.
Silver AMC: Scheduled maintenance services, ranging from 20,000 kms to 1,50,000 kms- labour, parts & consumables.

The waiting period of the Hexa has stretched to 2 months on launch day itself, with the majority of bookings (60:40 ratio) going for the Automatic transmission variants. (link)

The only desirable variant in Hexa is the XT and that is clearly over-priced. I'm really doubtful why would anyone want to pay more than 15 Lakhs for a TATA no matter how good it is.

I don't care about inflation etc, When it comes to spending 16-17 Lakhs, why would anyone look beyond a Toyota Innova ?

Where is TATA's brand image compared to mighty TOYOTA's ?

They compared 4x4 Hexa to 4x2 XUV500. The later has low kerb weight. despite that Hexa outperform xuv500 in outright acceleration. I think AWD XUV500 would be fair comparison to 4x4 Hexa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanjohn123 (Post 4130182)

I had held onto my XT booking till today. Time to cancel it now.

Wishing a great ownership experience to all who go ahead with the purchase.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanjohn123 (Post 4130182)

Booking nos already speaks the brand perception.

Quote:

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami (Post 4130135)

... if we compare the xt with the w8 the hexa certainly seems overpriced

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanjohn123 (Post 4130182)

The only desirable variant in Hexa is the XT and that is clearly over-priced. When it comes to spending 16-17 Lakhs, why would anyone look beyond a Toyota Innova ?

Just checked price & features of the Hexa A/T variants and the Innova Crysta AT / XUV AT prices.

The XMA IS pricier than the comparable XUV W6 AT by around Rs. 30,000. The XTA is more than Rs. 70,000 pricier ex- showroom compared to the XUV W8 AT.

So the Hexa is not particularly value for money.

I have been under the impression that the Hexa would be almost Innova car for XUV money.

Coming to think of it, spend 1.3L over XMA, and you get Innova Crysta 2.8 A/T GX 7 Seater. For people buying cars on loans, the 36 month EMI would be of even lesser significance. And there is no point in comparing a big 2.8L Toyota Diesel with the Hexa.

So I am not sure of the value proposition of the Hexa.

Maybe my expectations were unfair and discriminatory against a particular brand.

It would be very interesting to follow sales performance after 6 months or so.

I took two test drives of the HEXA-AT-top end variant and Manual 4x2 variant on consecutive days.Some snapshots alongside my Storme:-