In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, Tata Motors has once again proven its mettle with the launch of the Tata Nexon CNG.
This groundbreaking vehicle, introduced to the Indian market in September 2024, marks a significant milestone as the country’s first turbocharged CNG SUV.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this car a game-changer and why it’s causing such a stir in the automotive industry.
A Brief History of the Tata Nexon
Before we delve into the CNG variant, it’s worth taking a quick look at the Nexon’s journey. The Tata Nexon first graced Indian roads in September 2017, after its production kicked off in July of the same year.
It quickly gained popularity and underwent its first facelift in 2020, which brought with it a refreshed exterior design, Bharat Stage-VI certified engines, and a host of new features.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Nexon received another major update. This time, Tata Motors went all out, completely revamping the front fascia and rear end.
The interior got a serious upgrade too, with a larger touchscreen and a swanky two-spoke steering wheel featuring an illuminated Tata emblem. Talk about fancy!
The CNG Revolution
Now, let’s get to the star of the show – the Tata Nexon CNG. Launched in September 2024, this variant is not just another CNG vehicle; it’s a statement.
It’s Tata saying, “Hey, we can make CNG cars cool and powerful too!”
Power and Performance
At the heart of the Nexon CNG is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine. Now, you might be thinking, “CNG? Turbocharged? Is that even possible?”
Well, Tata has made it happen, and how!
This little powerhouse churns out a respectable 100hp and a torque of 170Nm. Sure, it’s 20hp less than its petrol counterpart, but hey, the torque remains the same.
That’s pretty impressive for a CNG vehicle, if you ask me.
The engine comes paired with a manual gearbox, because let’s face it, nothing beats the feeling of shifting gears yourself, especially in a turbocharged car.
It’s like being in a Fast and Furious movie, but with a much smaller carbon footprint!
Innovative Design
One of the coolest things about the Nexon CNG is its dual-cylinder technology. Instead of one big CNG tank hogging all the boot space, Tata has cleverly fitted two smaller cylinders under the trunk floor.
This smart move means you still get a whopping 321 liters of boot space. That’s only 61 liters less than the regular petrol/diesel variants. So go ahead, pack for that road trip – your luggage will fit just fine!
Oh, and did I mention the ground clearance? It’s a impressive 208mm. That’s higher than some of my relationships, to be honest. But jokes aside, this means you can tackle those pesky speed bumps and uneven roads with ease.
Variants and Pricing
Alright, let’s talk money. The Tata Nexon CNG comes in eight variants, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Smart (O) – Rs 8.99 lakh
- Smart+ – Rs 9.69 lakh
- Smart+ S – Rs 9.99 lakh
- Pure – Rs 10.69 lakh
- Pure S – Rs 10.99 lakh
- Creative – Rs 11.69 lakh
- Creative+ – Rs 12.19 lakh
- Fearless+ PS – Rs 14.59 lakh
(All prices are ex-showroom, of course. Don’t forget to factor in those pesky taxes and registration fees!)
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “That’s about a lakh more than the petrol variants!” And you’re right. But consider the long-term savings on fuel costs, and suddenly, it doesn’t seem so bad, does it?
Features That’ll Make You Go “Wow!”
Tata hasn’t just slapped a CNG kit onto the Nexon and called it a day. Oh no, they’ve packed this baby with features that’ll make your jaw drop. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights:
- Panoramic Sunroof: Yes, you read that right. A CNG car with a panoramic sunroof. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
- Dual 10.25-inch Screens: One for infotainment, one for the digital cluster. It’s like having two mini TVs in your car!
- Wireless Charger: Because who has time for cables these days?
- 360-degree Camera: Perfect for those tight parking spots. No more playing car Tetris!
- Ventilated Front Seats: Because nobody likes a sweaty back, especially in Indian summers.
- Auto Headlamps with Rain-sensing Wipers: The car practically drives itself! (Okay, not really, but you get the idea)
- LED Headlights with Sequential LED DRLs: For when you want to make an entrance.
The Driving Experience
Now, I haven’t had the chance to drive this beauty myself (Tata, if you’re reading this, hint hint), but from what I’ve heard, it’s quite the experience.
The turbocharger ensures that you don’t feel like you’re driving a typical CNG vehicle. There’s power when you need it, and the 6-speed manual transmission allows for smooth gear changes.
The suspension setup is tuned to handle Indian roads, so you won’t feel like you’re on a roller coaster every time you hit a pothole. And with that ground clearance, speed breakers are more like speed bumps.
Environmental Impact
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the lack of elephant-sized emissions? CNG is known for being a cleaner fuel compared to petrol or diesel.
It produces fewer greenhouse gases and particulate matter. So, by choosing the Nexon CNG, you’re not just saving money on fuel; you’re also doing your bit for Mother Earth. It’s like being an eco-warrior, but with a really cool car!
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. There are a few things to consider before you rush to your nearest Tata dealership:
- CNG Infrastructure: While the CNG network in India is growing, it’s still not as widespread as petrol pumps. Long road trips might require some careful planning.
- Initial Cost: As mentioned earlier, the CNG variants are pricier than their petrol counterparts. You’ll need to do some math to figure out if the long-term savings justify the higher upfront cost.
- Boot Space: While 321 liters is impressive for a CNG vehicle, it’s still less than what you get in the petrol/diesel variants. If you’re the type who packs everything but the kitchen sink for trips, this might be a concern.
The Verdict – Tata Nexon CNG
So, is the Tata Nexon CNG worth it? In my humble opinion, absolutely! It’s a bold step towards cleaner mobility without compromising on power or features.
It’s perfect for the environmentally conscious buyer who doesn’t want to give up the joys of driving a peppy SUV.
Sure, it has its challenges, but show me a car that doesn’t. What matters is that Tata has managed to create a vehicle that’s eco-friendly, powerful, feature-packed, and doesn’t look like a compromise.
In a world where we’re constantly being told to choose between performance and environmental responsibility, the Tata Nexon CNG says, “Why not both?” And for that, I tip my hat to Tata Motors.
So, if you’re in the market for a new car and want something that’ll turn heads, save you money in the long run, and make you feel good about your carbon footprint, give the Tata Nexon CNG a serious look. Who knows? You might just find your perfect automotive match!
Remember, at the end of the day, the best car is the one that puts a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. And from what I’ve seen and heard, the Tata Nexon CNG has the potential to do just that. Happy driving, folks!