Tata Nexon launched, priced from Rs 5.85 lakh

The last three product launches in India from the Tata Motors’ stable have mighty impressed the market. The Tiago, Tigor and Hexa have indeed given Tata’s brand image a big boost. Tata has now launched the Nexon, which is priced from Rs 5.85 – 9.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Nexon is the fourth product from the Tata’s stable to follow the IMPACT design philosophy.

The Nexon’s journey began at the 2014 Auto Expo when it was showcased as a concept. Then, at the 2016 Auto Expo and later at the Geneva Motor Show, the company showcased the production version of the compact SUV and the automaker’s effort in making the production car look similar to the concept car has to be commended. With the launch of the Nexon, the company has finally entered the compact SUV segment that is currently dominated by Maruti.

Design and looks – Tata has gone bold with the design. The front fascia is dominated by the swept-back headlamps and the large front bumper that houses the round fog lamps. The black honeycomb (humanity) grille and the projector headlamps with LED DRLs add character to the front-end.

Instantly noticeable at the sides are the flared wheel arches and the 16-inch alloys with chunky rubber. The rear looks smart with the split LED tail-lights. The windscreen is rather small in size and there is a white strip that resembles an X connecting the tail-lights. Overall, the Nexon has a youthful design.

Interiors – While there are parts inside the cabin that will remind you of other Tata cars, the design of the dashboard is completely new. The Nexon features a three-tone dashboard. There is a multi-function steering wheel and a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto connectivity.

The cabin is loaded with features like automatic climate control, rear AC vents, eight-speaker Harman Sound System, voice commands and wearable key. A number of storage spaces make the cabin practical. Dual airbags and ABS are standard across all variants.

Engines and Transmissions – A 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110 HP of power and 170 Nm of torque and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 110 HP of power and 260 Nm of torque powers the Tata Nexon. Both these engines come mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. There are 3 drive modes on offer – Eco, City and Sport. Tata Motors is expected to offer an AMT with both the engines next year onwards.

Suspension and Brakes – The Tata Nexon comes with a dual path suspension at the front and shock absorbers with coil springs at the rear. Braking duties are via disc brakes at the front wheels and drum brakes at the rear wheels. The 16-inch wheels are shod in 215-section tyres (for the top-spec XZ+ variant) and 195-section tyres (for the XE, XM and XT variants).

The compact SUV comes with a warranty of 75,000 kms or two years, whichever is earlier. The dual-tone roof is made available only in the Vermont Red and Moroccan Blue colour.