Tata Hexa

Many years back, I took charge of the Tata Aria when it joined our long-term test fleet. Now I have a sense of déjà vu when I once again take charge of the Hexa. If you are one of those who are scrounging for the connection; here is the answer. The Hexa in a broad way can be called as the successor to the Aria and yet it is very different.

Let’s begin by saying that the Hexa shows off a lot more muscle than what the Aria did. However, the Hexa still uses the Aria platform without any changes made to the wheelbase. As for other dimensions, the Hexa is marginally shorter but wider and taller than the Aria. Ground clearance remains

identical too at 200mm. From there on the Hexa looks completely different thanks to the fact that it is designed on the company’s new Impact design philosophy which has recently blessed the Tiago hatch. The Hexa looks butch in every way thanks to the muscular front end comprising a large pair of headlamps and a bold front bumper which houses daytime running lamps as well. The clamshell-like bonnet just adds to the overall aura. In profile large 19in wheels give the Hexa a lot of character much like the side plastic claddings. However from the C-pillars on, the MPV-look tends to exhibit itself very clearly. The tail section too looks the part and the wraparound lamps look tough. So overall the design team has been successful in giving the Hexa a proper crossover look.

The variant we have with us is the XTA and as the name suggests it is the automatic version. This also means that the car we have does not get the multidrive modes seen on the manual variants. Also one cannot have the automatic with 4x4. Apart from that the Hexa XTA comes with most bells and whistles which includes the captain seats at the back. The seats are extremely comfortable and the arm rests make long drives tire free. Over the course of the next three months, we plan to log in as many kilometers possible to try out the reliability factor of the Hexa. Am sure we will be pleasantly surprised.

THE HEXA HAS A LOT OF MUSCLE TO SHOW OFF AS COMPARED TO ITS PREDECESSOR, THE ARIA

Two airbags | Auto climate control | All Power Windows | Keyless entry | Electric ORVMs || Audio sys with CD, USB, Aux | 6-seat layout I Standard Warranty 3yr/1,00,000 km I Extended warranty available

The Hexa gets a short diameter steering wheel with controls for most functions

The instrument panel of the Hexa is loaded and offers plenty of information