Tata Hexa crossover (Mahindra XUV500-rival) to launch in India this year - Report

Will become the first Tata passenger car to sport 6-speed transmissions.

Overdrive states in a report that Mayank Pareek, president of Tata Motors Passenger Car Vehicles, has confirmed to CNBC-TV18 that the Tata Hexa crossover will launch in India later this year. The Hexa, which was previewed by the Hexa concept at the Geneva Motor Show this year, is essentially a heavily re-skinned Tata Aria.

While the Aria failed to garner sales for the Indian manufacturer, hopes are high that the Hexa, which looks more like an SUV than a people carrier, will turnaround sales in this segment. The edgier design, apart from improving aesthetics, has reportedly reduced the drag co-efficient, which will play a positive role in its fuel efficiency and top-speed.

Power for the Tata Hexa will continue to be sourced from a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, but power and torque outputs will be increased to 154 bhp and 400 Nm respectively. Paired to this uprated engine will be 6-speed manual (a first on a Tata Motors passenger car) and automatic transmissions, the latter reportedly developed by GMPT (General Motors Powertrain).

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The Hexa will also subscribe to Tata's ConnectNext and DesignNext pillars, which means the interior is redesigned and includes a touchscreen infotainment system sourced from Harman. Other highlights on the Hexa concept included a 3-spoke, short diameter, multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, individual AC vents and captain's chairs for the second row.

[Source - Overdrive]