Tata's Premium Utility Vehicle: Hexa

After sweeping up the budget passenger car market, Tata has turned its sights squarely on the premium automobile segment and the Tata Hexa images seem to reinforce that conclusion. With rivals, Mahindra coming out with interesting models such as the XUV500, the Hexa is intended to win the power back for Tata Motors.

What's Within the Tata Hexa?

Based on the same platform as the Tata Aria, the Hexa shares the same hydroformed ladder chassis. Hydroforming is a relatively new method of using hydraulic pressure to shape metal at room temperature. It offers greater strength, rigidity and structural integrity. However, the chassis is the only part that is similar to the Aria. On the whole, the Hexa looks nothing like the Aria. The Tata Hexa is one of a Multi-Utility Vehicle that has enough Sports Utility genes to fit the premium segments of both categories and neat touches such as the black cladding trim that runs alongside the lower portion of the sides of the vehicle are more SUV than MPV.

Angular styling on the front and rear add to the aggressive appearance of this vehicle while the absence of lines and protrusions on the sides of the vehicle make it look robust, roomy and tall. The front hood has a clunky appearance that complements the wraparound headlight housings. The front bumper locates an air dam in the middle which is flanked on either side with two smaller light housings that contain the LED daytime running lights and foglamps.

At the back, the large central chrome strip with the company logo on it is the first thing to catch your attention. Tail lights are LED with curved reflectors placed on the bumper, adjacent to them. The dual exhaust pipes and a large scruff plate add to the utility styling of this vehicle. Under the hood, resides a 2,179cc engine that puts out 156hp and 400Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox.

Inside, you will encounter one of the best-appointed passenger cabins in the entire Tata range. It has all the right touches such as knitted roof lining, leather seats and brushed aluminum accents that stand out well against the all-black dashboard. The center console houses AC vents, climate controls and an infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen. Sound is handled brilliantly by the 10-speaker JBL audio system and interior lights that can be selected from 8 colors complete the ambiance.