My views on the Tata Nexon

The most recent launch from Tata was the Nexon a car that competes with 

cars like the Renault Duster, and Suzuki’s Vitara Breza. All these cars are equipped with diesel engines and petrol engines except the Breza. The Nexon uses a 1.5L diesel and a 1.2L petrol motor. These engines are paired to a 6 speed manual transmission. However the car is set to be launched with an automatic in a few weeks.

What are the positives that really standout to impress me?

At this price point the car features a boat load of practical features. There is loads of space to carry 4 members with ease, the suspension is designed to battle the worst of the worst roads. What surprised most was the fact that Tata carried over many of the design elements that were present on the concept to the actual car.

Tata has been launching cars with features no one could think of at the price point, for example they come Harman Kardon speakers. The multi information display (MID) provides information such as real time fuel economy gear, shift indication and various other features. All this and more?  Well yes the bottle holders can hold one 1L bottle, and there is an umbrella holder that is suited for six different sizes of umbrellas. Coming back to technology there is a 6.5 inch mat finished touch screen with 8 speaker audio developed by Harman. The touch screen also doubles as the rivers camera with adaptive guide lines.

How does the engine perform?

The 1.5L diesel engine churns out an impressive 110bhp and 260Nm of torque. I obviously have not had the chance to experience it personally, but here is what various sources have to say. Team bhp mentioned that “it is eager to get of the line even in second gear without any hesitation”, now that is something. With the 6^th gear it makes highway runs a breeze, due to good torque distribution.

Coming to the petrol well it is the same 3 cylinder Revotron that produces 110 bhp and 170 NM of torque. The torque puts in par with the Ford Eco Sport. It has the same TA6300 6 speed manual gearbox. Now sources say that the throttle response is not as sharp as one may prefer in city mode, change it sport and the car feels eager to take of improving the throttle response immediately.

What makes the Nexon that much better?

As we have seen the previous launches from Tata such as the Bolt, Zest, and Hexa are nothing but a major refresh of a model that was not selling well. But what Tata did with the Tiago, Tigor, and the Nexon is different. Okay I agree that some of the switch gear may be starting to show its age in the Nexon, and you may still find rattling plastics. This can now be overshadowed by the fact that Tata has actually got many things right, starting with the ride quality and handling, followed by the engines as we know its main rival is still missing a petrol engine (Vitara Breza). 

How is it on the pocket?

 The Nexon manages to fit comfortably in terms of running costs as spares for both the engines are low, and even better Tata managed to win JD powers awards for best customer service index.

Would I buy the Nexon over its competition?

 For me, I would look at the Nexon as a real deal when compared to the others in this segment, sure it may not have the handling capabilities of the Ford Eco sport but the Nexon has more cabin space. When compared to the Vitara Breza I would still pick the Nexon and here’s why. The Nexon has the presence and looks that turns heads, it truly is unique looking. The second reason would be the space, along with the ride quality and overall performance on road. At the end of the day it is the more practical buy, especially the diesel automatic that will be launched shortly. This was my opinion on the Tata Nexon.