SPY PICS: Tata Xenon auto on the way

Photos have emerged in India of the facelifted Tata Xenon, two examples spotted in convoy with a taped-up Ford Ranger presumably taking part as a benchmark.

The images were first published on an enthusiast's forum, before being picked up by Indian Autos Blog.

According to the media outlet, the facelifted Xenon is anticipated to launch during the current financial year, and the 2.2-litre engine is in for a significant performance hike, rising to 115kW and 400Nn (currently 110kW and 320Nm). This is a strong prospect, given the same engine with the higher output rating is already offered in the Tata Safari Storme SUV, which is not sold in Australia.

There is some speculation that the presence of the Ranger in the convoy is a sign that the automatic variant of the Xenon may be sold exclusively in Australia, or may be launched here first. Ford doesn't sell the Ranger in India, although the Everest – badged as the Ford Endeavour – is sold there.

While it's hard to pick the facelift from the snaps, the grille is now finished in complementary body colour and the bumper has been restyled, as have the foglight bezels.

Underneath the mild cosmetic changes, however, the updated Xenon is believed to ride on a new 'hydroformed' chassis, as we reported in July of last year.