Tata Motors is still working on the Blackbird (internal codename) and this is just an imaginative render

Tata Motors has been on an aggressive product strategy for quite a few years. In another two years, the Indian automaker aims to fill more products in all potential segments (especially SUVs and crossovers) coming under Rs 30 lakh. Initial plans may have been affected due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis as well as Tata’s relatively low sales figures in the months before. Tata Motors’ overall sales (PV + CV) went down by 84% in March 2020.

With the Indian automotive market hitting an all-time low in April due to COVID-19 lockdown protocols, major OEMs are mostly focusing on minimising further losses rather than new products. However, developments that were left halfway amidst the lockdown have been resumed. As a prime example, a Tata Gravitas test mule was spied recently after a considerable gap.

After the Gravitas 7-seater SUV (technically a mid-size 7-seater crossover), Tata Motors would most likely introduce the HBX subcompact crossover. It was showcased at Auto Expo 2020 in an interestingly rugged concept format. After these two products, the company plans to debut a mid-size five-seater crossover (internally coined as Tata Blackbird project) that would go up against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and Renault Duster. Tata Motors is apparently working on a sedan platform as well.

YouTube channel Motor Wala has created a basic render of the Tata Blackbird using a 2018 Subaru Tribeca concept. Except for a few cosmetic bits from existing Tata models such as the Nexon and Harrier, the overall design remains the same as its Subaru base. In other words, this is just a random speculative render and does not have any connection with the upcoming production-spec Blackbird crossover.

Reports state that the Tata Blackbird shares its platform with the Chery Tiggo 5X. Chery Automobile, a Chinese state-owned vehicle manufacturer, could partner with Tata Motors as the Indian brand subsidiarised its PV business. In fact, Jaguar Land Rover operates in China under a 50:50 partnership with Chery Automobile.

At the moment, not much is known about the Tata Blackbird besides the fact that it will be placed between the Harrier and Nexon. It would most likely sport the latest of Tata Motors’ Impact 2.0 design philosophy and offer good value for money in the segment. Of course, it has to if Tata Motors wishes to absorb a good part of the market dominated by the South Koreans, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.