Tata Nexon: The Tata Nexon is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in the country and has set new standards for its class.
Famed for its aggressive design, robust build and top notch safety rating, the Nexon has gradually become the peoples’ choice in both urban and semi-urban markets.
With the recent updates, Tata Motors has driven the Nexon that much further on all the fronts – be it features or refinement or performance – and still managed to retain what people really appreciate about the car.
Let’s try and find out why the Tata Nexon is such an interesting product and where it stands vis-à-vis competition.
Stylish, Modern Exterior
The Tata Nexon looks smart and modern from the outside. The coupe-esque profile is carried forward by the car’s aggressive front grille, flanked by LED DRLs, low-slung bumper and sculpted-pillar-mounted rear view mirrors ensuring the MUV sticks to the company’s muscular tagline, albeit with an urban flair.
A combination of form and function has been well married by Tata’s design team. Its sporty look is further enhanced by blacked out roof, attractive alloy wheels and LED tail lamps.
What separates the Nexon visually is its unique character. Amid a sea of look-alike sport utility vehicles, the Nexon drives off with a bold appearance that is difficult to ignore on the road.
Plush and Well-Equipped Interior
Climb into the cabin and the Nexon is extremely pleasing inside as well. The dashboard is contemporary with floating touchscreen for infotainment, layered textures and leather-wrapped (in upper trims) steering wheel.
The quality of materials is one of the best in the segment, and there are many soft-touch surfaces and careful embellishments.
In terms of space, the Nexon has enough space to accommodate five adults. Back seat comfort is especially notable, with plenty of legroom and backrest rake.
The 350-litre boot is fine for weekends away, too, while the cabin has plenty of cubbyholes for everyday use.
Rider’s tech include digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seat, sunroof, connected car tech, air purifier (in certain variants).
Tata Motors has certainly ensured that the experience on the inside is top notch yet slightly premium and not lose it’s practicality.
Powertrain Options and Performance
The Tata Nexonis available with two primary engine options: a turbocharged 1.2L petrol and a 1.5L turbo-diesel. Manual and AMT (automated manual transmission) options are available on both engines.
Where the petrol engine offers peppy performance and is ideal for city driving, its diesel counterpart has more torque and fuel economy for highway and longer drives.
Ride quality, is another department in which this Nexon scores high. And its suspension is good about soaking up bumps and potholes, too, including worse roads making it into a comfortable enough car for rougher roads.
The steering is light when bopping around the city, but provides enough feedback when you’re cruising down the highway.
Safety and Build Quality
One of the main reasons for Nexon’s success is its 5-star Global NCAP crash rating which reassures the families.
Among safety features, the Venue gets six airbags (top trims only), electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera, hill-hold control, and ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
Whereas some competitors have skirted vehicle structure by trying to captivate buyers with flashy design and features, Tata has built the Nexon on a solid floor plan and it’s a decision that continues to gain the car loyal buyers.
Pros:
5-star safety rating, higher safety standard than comparable vehicles
Stylish and original design, it will attract attention on the road
Loaded features inside, specially in higher variables
Soft and stable ride quality
Variety of engine options and both Manual and AMT offered
Cons:
AMT transmission isn’t as smooth as regular automatics
Boot space is average next to some rivals
There’s just a bit of engine thrum that infiltrates the cabin at speed.
Touch screen responsivenes could be better
Tata Nexon: Conclusion
In essence, the Tata Nexon manages to amalgamate bold styling, solid build quality, top-class safety and updated features conversely with a price tag that stays unequivocally justified.
It doesn’t attempt to be a me-too, instead torching its own trail in the compact SUV genre.
Be it for a first time buyer or someone who is looking to upgrade from a hatchback or a sedan, the Nexon has a complete product that meets fun, function and family requirements.