Used Tata Nexon: Manual Transmission dominate, but Automatics gain ground

The Nexon SUV is one of Tata’s best selling models in India. Even in the used space, the Nexon continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers. In fact, in 2024, the Nexon was the fifth best selling used SUV across the country, with a 5% market share in the pre owned SUV segment. It was also the second highest selling used automatic SUV last year, with a 10.4% share (behind only the Hyundai Creta, which managed a 17.8% market share).

One of the biggest reasons for the Nexon’s popularity is that it is available with multiple engine and transmission options. Our used car report reveals some interesting statistics about which transmission option was preferable for buyers, and in this article we will take a closer look at those preferences and the trends that emerged over the past few years.

How Buyers Preferred Automatic vs Manual Nexons in 2024

The 2024 used car market offers clear insights into how transmission preferences are evolving for the used Tata Nexon. While automatic Nexons gained momentum, manuals still retained a comfortable lead.

According to 2024 data, a strong 73.3% of all used Nexons sold came with manual transmissions, proving that Indian buyers continue to lean towards manual gearboxes for the Nexon. The remaining 26.7% were automatic variants, which shows a slow but steady shift toward second hand automatic cars.

Petrol Nexon Breakdown

• Petrol/manual variants accounted for 47.02% of all used Nexons sold in 2024.

• Petrol/automatic variants contributed 19.51%, indicating growing comfort with petrol-AMT models, especially in urban markets.

   

Diesel Nexon Breakdown

• Diesel/manual variants made up 26.30% of total used Nexon sales in 2024.

• Diesel/automatic models trailed with just 7.14% — partly due to the Nexon’s manual diesel variants being more cost-effective and widely available.

   

Manual’s Continuing Edge

These figures make it clear: manual Nexons still dominate the used car space. Price sensitivity, long-standing buyer habits, and better fuel economy play into the preference for pre owned manual cars. However, the automatic Nexon has steadily grown in appeal, and is well above the national average (14.66%), with automatic Nexons accounting for 26.7% of all used examples sold last year.

How Transmission Preferences shifted from 2021 to 2024

The Nexon’s transmission preference trend offers valuable insight into how Indian used car buyers have evolved their outlook on automatics.

Manual vs Automatic split (2021-2024)

• 2021: 69.48% of used Nexons sold were manuals, while automatics claimed 30.52%.
• 2022: Manuals stayed strong with 69.77%, and automatics held 30.23%.
• 2023: Manual models still dominated with 68.9%, but automatic models edged up slightly to 31.1%.

• 2024: Manual models gained back some ground, reaching 73.3%, while automatics dipped slightly to 26.7%.

   

Reading the Trend

While manuals never fell below 68% during these four years, automatics consistently maintained around 30% market share, reflecting growing acceptance. The slight dip in 2024 could be due to higher initial costs for new automatic variants in the face of tightening budgets and increasing fuel prices. Despite this, automatics are no longer viewed as luxury features — they are gradually becoming part of mainstream demand, especially for petrol-powered Nexons.

Exploring Tata Nexon’s Engine and Transmission combinations

Tata Motors has always offered versatility with the Nexon, providing both petrol and diesel engines, each paired with manual and automatic options.

Petrol Engine Options

The Nexon’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine has been a key driver of its popularity. It produces around 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque, delivering a good balance of performance and efficiency. The petrol variants are available with:

• 6-speed manual transmission: A favourite among budget-conscious buyers who value fuel efficiency and better control on highways.
• 6-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission): This option appeals to urban commuters who value hassle-free driving in traffic.

• 5-speed manual/7-speed DCT: As part of the facelifted Nexon launched in 2023, the Nexon was also offered with a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT for the petrol engine variants.

   

Diesel Engine Options

The Nexon’s 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is known for its robust torque delivery — 115 bhp and 260 Nm of torque.

• 6-speed manual transmission: Popular for long-distance and highway driving, especially among users in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• 6-speed AMT: Though less popular than the diesel manual, it offers convenience for urban diesel buyers.

What affects the Tata Nexon’s Resale Value

The Tata Nexon holds strong resale value across all variants, but some trends stand out when looking at the data.

Key Takeaways

• Average used price: Across all variants, the Nexon’s average selling price in 2024 stood at ₹9.15 lakh, positioning it as one of the stronger value holders in the compact SUV category. This reflects strong brand confidence and its reputation for durability and safety.
• Petrol manual pricing advantage: With an average used price of ₹8.1 lakh, petrol/manual variants offer affordability and appeal to first-time SUV buyers, especially in smaller cities where driving dynamics and cost efficiency matter most.
• Petrol automatic premium: Used petrol AMT variants command an average price of ₹9.53 lakh, highlighting increasing demand from urban buyers seeking convenience, especially in congested traffic environments where automatics shine.
• Diesel manual remains popular: Diesel/manual variants saw average prices around ₹9.04 lakh, underlining their popularity with buyers who prioritise long-distance fuel efficiency and low-end torque for highway cruising.
• Diesel automatic value retention: Diesel/AMT models fetched the highest average prices at ₹10.59 lakh, reflecting their niche appeal. These variants attract highway and fleet users who want the balance of diesel range with the comfort of an automatic.
   

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon’s manual variants still dominate the used car space, particularly due to their affordability, fuel efficiency, and wide availability across both petrol and diesel models. However, automatics — particularly petrol AMTs — are making consistent inroads, proving that urban buyers increasingly value driving convenience. While manual transmissions held over 70% market share among used Nexons in 2024, automatic variants accounted for more than a quarter — a clear sign that automatics are no longer limited to premium buyers. In the years ahead, this balance could shift further in the used car space, particularly if Tata refines the Nexon’s automatic performance and pricing to better match urban buyer expectations.