Tata Nexon is a game-changing compact SUV

The Tata Nexon can edge past its competitors with its neat design and futuristic features

With the Nexon, Tata Motors has managed to give this compact SUV a butch yet sleek look. The SUV gets fat 215/60 R16 tyres and a wide track that allows it to ride as high as 209mm. Tata has also given it a bold front fascia, which resonates with their impact design philosophy. 

Adequate usage of chrome is found on their signature “Humanity Line”, seamlessly running into the funky looking projector headlamp setup that also features LED DRLs. 

Tata Nexon
 

Engine: 1,497cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, diesel

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Power: 108.49hp@3,750rpm

Torque: 260Nm@1,500-2,750rpm

Price: Rs 5.85 lakh onwards 

(ex-showroom, Delhi)

But what makes the car unique is the way it features an ivory white finish — on the front bumper surrounding the fog lamps and on the shoulder line running into the tailgate after the C-pillar in the form of an elongated X. 

Tata Nexon

 

The SUV also get a sleek silhouette and macho wheel arches. The rear section features piano black finish sitting neatly between the sharp looking tail lamps. All these factors will ensure this compact SUV stands out in a crowd. 

Photo:Aakash Paul

 

While the exterior design and dimensions of the car are futuristic, the interiors resonate a very chic and urban design. Tata Motors has added plenty of kit on it, the most noticeable being a 6.5-inch floating dash top mounted capacitive touch screen. This infotainment unit resides at a near eye -level — in line with the MID display — so that the driver can always see the road clearly while operating it. The capacitive touch is very responsive and is also compatible with Android Auto. Tata is not offering the Apple CarPlay just yet but will soon bring it in. The infotainment unit also has a voice recognition function that I found to be easy to use and quite handy  — it can also read out your WhatsApp messages. 

Tata Nexon

 

Tata has also included features like push start/stop button, keyless entry, video playback, reverse parking camera, rear sensors, power adjustable and retractable ORVMs, rear AC vents and automatic climate control. Certain features inside the cabin, too, are quite advanced. Tata is offering the SUV with a wearable key fob. Just like a wrist watch, this wearable key fob can be strapped to your wrist in case you don’t want a key jangling in your pocket. Another futuristic feature is the voice alert warning function. When the computer detects an anomaly, instead of simply giving out alarm sounds, it issues an automated verbal warning. If the door is ajar, the system will verbally tell you which door is open, et cetera. 

 

The SUV comes with choice of 1.2L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol and 1.5L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, diesel engines. Both powertrains are new offerings from Tata Motors. Tata has precision-tuned this diesel mill and it is extremely peppy to drive. Both petrol and diesel engines have been mated to a six-speed manual transmission and the 1.2L turbocharged petrol is surprisingly smooth. I did feel the gearbox was a bit notchy and could be improved. 

 

Tata has also installed a dual-path suspension setup on the SUV, which is softly sprung and rides decently well over undulations. Braking is facilitated by a disc and drum setup. 

The Tata Nexon is a very thorough vehicle. It has all the underpinnings to transforming the way we look at compact SUVs in India.