In the bustling realm of compact SUVs, the Tata Nexon stands tall as a formidable contender, blending style, safety, and substance in a package that’s hard to overlook.
As we delve into the intricacies of this urban warrior, we’ll uncover why it’s become a favorite among Indian car enthusiasts and how it’s reshaping the automotive landscape.
A Design That Turns Heads
The Tata Nexon is a visual treat that commands attention on the road. Its design philosophy, aptly termed “IMPACT 2.0,” is evident in every curve and contour.
The front fascia is dominated by a sleek grille flanked by striking LED headlamps with daytime running lights (DRLs).
The muscular bonnet flows seamlessly into the coupe-like roofline, giving the Nexon a sporty stance that’s both aggressive and elegant.
Side profile highlights include pronounced wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels, and a unique rising beltline that adds a touch of dynamism.
The rear is equally impressive with its distinctive X-factor LED taillamps that feature welcome and goodbye animations, adding a touch of theatre to your everyday drives.
Color options are plentiful, with choices like Creative Ocean, Fearless Purple, and Atlas Black catering to diverse tastes.
The dual-tone roof option further accentuates the Nexon’s youthful appeal, allowing for personalization that reflects the owner’s personality.
Performance That Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the Tata Nexon offers a choice of powertrains that cater to different driving preferences:
Petrol Powerhouse: The 1.2-liter turbocharged Revotron engine churns out a class-leading 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. This peppy motor ensures quick acceleration and effortless cruising.
Diesel Dynamo: For those who prefer the torque-rich characteristics of diesel, the 1.5-liter turbocharged Revotorq engine delivers 115 PS and 260 Nm, offering a perfect blend of performance and efficiency.
CNG Option: In a nod to eco-conscious drivers, Tata also offers a CNG variant, providing an alternative fuel choice without compromising on performance.
Transmission options are equally diverse, with a 6-speed manual, an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), and a sophisticated 7-speed DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic) on offer.
The inclusion of paddle shifters in automatic variants adds a sporty touch to the driving experience.
To further enhance drivability, the Nexon comes equipped with multiple drive modes – Eco, City, and Sport.
These modes alter the engine’s characteristics to suit different driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Comfort and Convenience: A Home Away From Home
Step inside the Nexon, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s both modern and welcoming. The dashboard is a three-tone affair with a leatherette mid-pad, exuding premium feel.
The centerpiece is a floating 10.25-inch infotainment system by Harman, complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster of the same size.
Comfort features abound:
Premium Benecke-Kaliko ventilated leatherette seats
Electric sunroof with voice assistance
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
Wireless phone charger
JBL-branded 9-speaker sound system with subwoofer
The Nexon doesn’t skimp on practicality either. With 382 liters of boot space, it’s ready for weekend getaways or grocery runs.
The cooled glove box keeps beverages chilled on long drives, while the grand floor console with leatherette armrest adds a touch of luxury to your journeys.
Tech-Savvy: Connected and In Control
In today’s digital age, the Nexon keeps pace with cutting-edge technology. The infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The connected car technology, iRA 2.2, allows remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions through a smartphone app.
Other tech highlights include:
Voice-assisted commands for various functions
Navigation display on the instrument cluster
360-degree surround view system with front parking sensors
Blind view monitor for enhanced safety
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Safety: Five Stars and Beyond
When it comes to safety, the Tata Nexon is in a league of its own. It proudly wears the crown of India’s first 5-star Global NCAP rated car, a testament to Tata’s commitment to passenger protection.
The recent Bharat NCAP test further solidified its safety credentials with another 5-star rating.
Key safety features include:
6 airbags as standard
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
ABS with EBD
ISOFIX child seat anchorages
Hill Hold Control
E-Call and B-Call emergency assistance
The fortified cabin structure, made of high-strength steel, forms a protective cocoon around the occupants, absorbing and dissipating impact forces effectively.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The Tata Nexon lineup is structured to cater to diverse needs and budgets. The range starts with the Smart variant, progressing through Pure, Creative, and topping out with the Fearless trim. Each variant is further customizable with suffixes like (O), Plus, and S.
Price-wise, the Nexon starts at a competitive Rs. 8 lakh for the base petrol variant, going up to Rs. 15.80 lakh for the top-end diesel automatic (ex-showroom).
The CNG variants are priced between Rs. 8.99 lakh and Rs. 14.59 lakh, offering an economical alternative without compromising on features.
The Driving Experience: Urban Agility Meets Highway Stability
Behind the wheel, the Nexon truly comes into its own. The high seating position offers excellent visibility, while the well-tuned suspension strikes a fine balance between ride comfort and handling prowess.
In city traffic, the light steering and compact dimensions make maneuvering a breeze. Out on the highway, the Nexon feels planted and confident, with ample power on tap for overtaking maneuvers.
The 208mm ground clearance is a boon on Indian roads, allowing the Nexon to glide over speed bumps and rough patches without breaking a sweat.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are well controlled, creating a serene cabin environment even at higher speeds.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Showroom
Tata Motors has made significant strides in after-sales service, addressing one of the key concerns of potential buyers. The company offers:
Standard 2-year/75,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years
24×7 roadside assistance
Service intervals of 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever is earlier
The Tata Nexon also boasts competitive maintenance costs, with service packages available to make ownership hassle-free.
The Competition: Standing Tall Among Giants
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with contenders like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300 vying for market share.
The Nexon holds its ground with its unique blend of style, safety, and feature-rich package. Its safety ratings, in particular, give it a significant edge over many rivals.
The Nexon EV: Glimpse into the Future
It’s worth mentioning that Tata also offers an all-electric version of the Nexon – the Nexon EV. With two battery pack options and a claimed range of up to 465 km, it represents Tata’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
The Nexon EV shares many features with its ICE counterpart but adds electric-specific elements like regenerative braking and a unique powertrain.
Tata Nexon : A Compelling Package
The Tata Nexon is more than just another compact SUV; it’s a statement of intent from an Indian manufacturer determined to set new benchmarks. It successfully combines:
Head-turning design
Powerful and efficient powertrains
Class-leading safety features
Advanced technology and connectivity
Comfortable and feature-rich interiors
All of this comes at a price point that offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a young professional looking for your first car, a family seeking a safe and spacious vehicle, or an enthusiast desiring a fun-to-drive SUV, the Nexon has something to offer.
As the automotive landscape evolves, the Tata Nexon stands as a shining example of how Indian engineering and design can compete with the best in the world.
It’s not just a car; it’s a testament to the progress of the Indian automotive industry and a glimpse into an exciting future on wheels.