The Hexa gets the upgraded ‘Varicor 400’ 2.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel with a variable-geometry turbocharger — seen in the top-spec Safari Storme — making 156 PS and 400 Nm. It’s driven by a six-speed automatic transmission funnelling the power to the rear wheels. While there are no ‘Super Drive Modes’, Tata have given the auto ’box a ‘Sport’ mode that lets you leave things like shift delay and turbo-lag far behind.
The engine’s bottom-end prowess is evident from the get-go as it begins to roll forward with authority the moment you lift your foot off the brake. The ride quality is a pleasant surprise. There’s no ungainly bounce or roll when the roads get bad or when speed-humps appear out of nowhere. The dampers feel stiff, because they are. The suspension setup is tighter and that helps with handling. It inspires confidence and is easy to get comfortable with in a short time. Not bad for a big vehicle. The six-speeder shifts smartly and rarely leaves you wanting. Use ‘Sport’ mode and the motor is kept on the boil, utilising all of the upper reaches of the peak torque band and keeping peak power on call, minimising acceleration times, especially during overtaking at highway speeds.
Another aspect which Tata have got very right is the sound-deadening. While the engine seems to be at its most refined state of tune yet, a bit of the drone does get into the cabin, but that’s the worst of it. The cabin sound insulation is excellent, and even the most threatening speed-humps and potholes barely let a hint of a thud filter through. The large wheels do a good job of making short work of puny tarmac piles strewn at random on the roads. Factor in the 200 millimetres of ground clearance and it adds to peace of mind.
The brakes are yet another strong point. With electronics from the Germans, there will be little to doubt. The Hexa packs disc brakes all round with ABS, EBD and hydraulic brake-assist plus corner brake control. While the automatic version doesn’t pack stability control, these more than make up for its absence by offering superior dynamics from a car many wouldn’t expect to behave as well as it does.
For those wondering about passive safety, the Hexa has six airbags: dual front, side and curtains.
Overall, there isn’t much going against the Hexa AT at all. Even the indicated fuel economy — overall, of course — of 9.6 km/l is not half bad for an automatic car of its size and weight. Need an alternative to the Innova Crysta and don’t want a 1.5-litre Lodgy? Tata are set to open bookings for the Hexa this month and will launch the car in January next year. Prices will be competitive — starting at around the Rs 14 lakh mark — so hold on to your chequebooks until then.
Hexa 4×4 M/T
The Tata Hexa is also available with a more hardcore 4×4 driveline paired to a manual transmission, complete with technological gold from its Land Rover siblings. That’s right.
The interior isn’t any different from the automatic, save for the seven seats — yes, this one had a 60:40 split-folding bench for a second row —the gear lever for the six-speed manual transmission, and, of course, the ‘Super Drive Modes’. With a choice of ‘Auto, ‘Comfort’, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Rough Road’, the Hexa can be adapted to suit whatever terrain Mother Nature may throw at it. It may seem like an MUV with an attitude — it is, actually — and its capabilities off the road are what truly make it outstanding.
Tata Motors had set up a special off-road experience arena and we were more than happy to take part. From an articulation track test, where the structural integrity, not to mention the approach angles, were put to the test, to the ice-block challenge to reassure of the traction control’s abilities, and a more daunting uphill and downhill section — to test the hill-descent control — and a water-ford test, there was no challenge that the Hexa didn’t pleasantly surprise me in. However, the shift feel needs some work.
The articulation test showed it can deal with deep ruts and get out unscathed. The ice-climb felt effortless, with the left side of the car having little to zero traction, and the right wheels doing the work. The four-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, but up to 40 per cent of the power is sent to the front axle when needed. The electronic stability control (ESC) has a position sensor mounted in the mass-centre, for roll and yaw read-outs, and that helps with negating the squat under hard acceleration and dive under braking, as well as mitigating body-roll. Add the ABS with EBD and the brake assist to the equation and you know it can take care of itself and all its passengers.
The hill-descent control can be used in first gear or even in neutral. All you have to do is push the button and take that bold step over the edge. Once the car begins rolling forward, letting go is the key. No throttle, no brake and no clutch-pedal action needed to get the Hexa down a daunting incline. Not one bit. Impressive? Well, consider that Tata own Land Rover… Good going!
Need to Know: Tata Hexa XTA / XT 4×4
Price: Rs 19 lakh / Rs 21 lakh (estimated)
Engine: 2,179 cc, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 156 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,700-2,700 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, automatic, rear-wheel-drive/Six-speed, manual, all-wheel-drive
Weight: 2,280 kg
On Sale: January 2017, bookings open
