Saar: Over the XM, the new variant gets additional features like 16-inch alloy wheels, reverse parking camera, automatic headlamps and cruise control.

In a bid to lure customers towards the Hexa, Tata Motors has launched a new variant of the three-row crossover. Tagged as the XM+, it is priced at Rs 15.27 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). As you’d expect, in terms of features it will sit between the XM and XT variants of the Hexa. However, in terms of price, the new variant slots between the XM 4×2 and the XMA 4×2.

Compared to the XM 4×2 variant, the XM+ 4×2 is nearly 1.09 lakh dearer. So, what are you the extra amount for? Quite a lot, actually! On the outside, the new variant comes with 16-inch charcoal grey alloy wheels, silver-coloured front and rear bumper skid plates, chrome detailing on the tailgate applique and the front grille humanity line and chrome inserts on outer door handles. On the safety front, the XM+ variant outshines the XM with the addition of a reverse parking camera and front fog lamps.

Other additional features include automatic climate control, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and electrically foldable ORVMs. In the luxury front, you get a soft-touch dashboard with Hexa branding and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Like the XM, the XM+ is only available in a seven-seat configuration. However, unlike the lower trim, the XM+ can only be had with a 6-speed manual transmission. The gearbox is mated to a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that puts out 156PS of power and 400Nm of torque. As far as the four-wheel-drive system is concerned, it is offered only in the range-topping XT variant of the Hexa.

Price-wise, the Tata Hexa competes with the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass. However, it was primarily conceived to unsettle the king of MPVs in India – the Toyota Innova Crysta.