One fine day while going through my emails, I saw this message from Indiblogger inviting bloggers from five metro cities to Hyderabad for the launch of the all new Tata Hexa. I must admit that I registered for it to gauge my standing and was elated to get selected among the top 60 influencers in the country. This was my first Indiblogger event and least knew what to expect but the entire activity went out smoothly.

The day we landed in Hyderabad, we were briefed about the vehicle by Tata officials. Vivek B Srivatsa, head-marketing for passenger vehicle business unit, Tata Motors Ltd, calls it a lifestyle vehicle which is designed keeping in mind the urban youth which looks for performance as well as style statement while choosing their cars.

After the orientation evening, the next morning we all were set to drive the SUV by Tata Motors which comes in both Manual and Auto transmissions. The company has produced the beast in only Diesel variant and no petrol option available. Each car has three bloggers and I was sharing the vehicle with Ankit Chugh and Supriya Himanshu. The 170 km (approx) drive was a joy ride with them. While we three shared the drive on the Manual transmission till a resort, on the way back Ankit and I tried the Auto variant.

We all love weekend getaways and Delhi being a central place most people love to drive down to their destinations. It not only gives them the flexibility of time but ample options to enjoy the scenic beauty around and the liberty of taking as many stopovers as they want. And to enjoy a smooth road journey, the first thing is a reliable and a robust vehicle that is not only easy to drive but also has a good luggage space to carry all the essentials, especially when travelling with family. Tata Hexa provides 128L luggage space with all seats up and 29 utility spaces.

As a travel writer and enthusiast, my focus was mostly on key factors that make a vehicle perfect for a road journey. I am a relatively new driver, and this was my first SUV experience. Initially, I was a bit hesitant especially to try the Auto transmission but once behind the driving wheel I was extremely comfortable and drove off with ease.

With a ground clearance of 200mm, the beast is a little high and you might have to push a bit to climb, but that doesn’t stop you from having a world-class experience while on the driving seat. The driver’s seat has height adjuster which allows each and everyone to drive with ease. During my drive of almost 60km, I didn’t feel discomfort. I like to stay hydrated while travelling and the small cool box comes handy to stack your drinks.

The Tata Hexa manual transmission model comes with four super drive modes. While one can drive in the Auto mode which easily adapts to different terrains, it offers three other super drive modes; the Comfort mode, the Dynamic mode and the Rough Road mode. To give Tata Hexa a classy feeling, the four modes have different cabin lighting as well. The Auto transmission model lacks these driving modes but has Sports and Manual shift modes apart from the usual Parking, Reverse, Neutral and Driving modes.

The AC vent and Speaker on the rear door

The Infotainment system

The initial design stage of Tata Hexa

While on a long road journey, apart from a good company what keeps one going is good music. With a ConnectNext Infotainment by Harman and 10 speakers, Tata Hexa will make you groove. But what about losing network while on a highway or going off-route without the internet. No worries just download the NAVIMAPS app and get going, with or without the internet.

The 6 seater – captain seats/ 7 seater – 60:40 fold and tumble Tata Hexa is your perfect travel companion.

The prices will be unveiled during the official car launch in January 2017 but the bookings will be open from November 1 onwards.

Features
Engine: 2.2L Varicor 400
Capacity: 2179 cc
Material: Steel/Aluminium
Wheels: 19” alloy wheels
Fuel tank capacity: 60L
Airbags: 6 – Driver, co-driver, curtain airbags and side airbags
Central locking: Yes, with remote

Text and images by Supriya Aggarwal