Fast Track review: With Harrier around, Hexa gets a facelift

Hexa has comfortably stood its ground despite the new on the block Harrier making a grand entry. Now, an updated version of the car has been launched with a starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh. Here is the test drive report.

Tasting success: Launched two years ago, Hexa has been able to cement its place in the premium SUV category so much so that Tata Motors even brought out a coffee table book to celebrate the success of Hexa. The 'Hexa Exclusive collector’s Limited Edition Coffee Table book’ chronicles the adventures of Hexa in different terrains and geographies.

The changes: The higher variants of the updated Hexa will have options for a dual-tone finish, with two colour choices for the roof - infinity black and titanium grey. The dual-tone finish works wonders in enhancing the beauty and elegance of Hexa. Besides this, the car now comes in five colours. The automatic variants get 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the manual options will feature charcoal grey alloy wheel. It also gets a new seven-inch Harman-sourced touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto connectivity. It's connected to the same 10 speaker JBL system as before and provides a theatre feel inside the car.

What's new: The grille has undergone minor changes while the day-time running light and the excessive chrome treatment remain. The front, side and back claddings give it a sporty look.

Crossover: In the crossover vehicles segment, which combines features of an SUV and a sedan, Hexa doesn't have many rivals in the Indian market. Though it has a simple design, the large wheel arches and muscular bodylines give it the looks of an SUV. The higher variants get 19-inch alloy wheels and adds to the road presence of the vehicle.

European: The interior reminds one of the top-notch quality of the Land Rovers. The soft-touch door trims and dashboards are in leather finish. Among the three rows of seats, the first two get enough legroom, while the third one has just about what is required. All the rows get AC vents.

Next Gen: Features include automatic climate control, two-din stereo, in-dash navigation system, GPS, reverse camera, rain-sensing wiper, onboard computer display, cooled glove box and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system can be paired with most mobile phones and gadgets.

Ride comfort: Hexa offers better travel comfort than SUVs, especially during long journeys. The ride comfort it offers can be compared to sedans. All passengers can be seated comfortably and the large cabin cools in no time.

Powerful: The 2.2-litre diesel engine comes two states of tune. The Varicor 320 and the VARICOR 400. The base variant is sold with the Varicor 320, which produces 150 PS of power at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 2,700 rpm.

Automatic: The Varicor 400 engine that churns out 156 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with an option for an automatic transmission as well. The higher variants of the car get this engine. The top spec XT variant is offered with an all-wheel-drive system.

Easy to handle: Though it is a big car, the Hexa can be handled like a car. But since it is a crossover, it shows the SUV traits a bit more. To tackle different terrain, it has drive modes such as auto, comfort, dynamic and rough road.

Safety: In terms of safety, Hexa is loaded with a number of features. ABS and air bag are offered as standard, while higher variants get ESP, six air bags, electronic brake distribution, roll over mitigation, brake assist, traction control, hill descent control, hill hold etc.

Test drive: MK Motors 8281151111