Tata Nexon

It Just Got Better

The Tata Nexon has been around for a while, and while many had hoped Tata would give the Nexon a major update, it has instead given the subcompact SUV a thorough facelift. And thorough it is! Despite being the same proportions, the facelifted Nexon looks radically different. It also gets brand new interiors and a new gearbox, making India’s best-selling SUV for 2021 and 2022 an even better proposition for prospective buyers. Does it succeed? Let’s find out.

Tata Nexon Pros and Cons 

Tata Nexon Exterior Design 

The new Nexon marks a stark departure from the older model in terms of design, even though it is just a facelift, and not a generation change. In fact, the only angle from which the Nexon looks similar to the older model is along the sides, which bear a similar silhouette. The bonnet is now taller than before, making the Nexon look even more muscular. Two ridges on either side of the bonnet add to its stance, and also allow for better judgement of the car’s dimensions while navigating through traffic. The redesigned bumper now gets a split headlamp design, where LED DRLs take over the traditional headlamp position. DRLs are separated by a faux grille, while a larger grille sits lower down in the bumper. The LED headlights and fog lights both sit in the fog-lamp housing. The bumper is also angled in a way that it diverts airflow into the light housings, which cleverly divert airflow away from the front wheels to reduce drag.

The tail lights look like an evolution from the past, thanks to a Y-shaped design, but they are significantly different too, now being connected with an animated LED light bar that lights up sequentially when you unlock the car. The Nexon also gets a handsome spoiler, and the rear wiper cleverly tucks itself away underneath it. All of these factors add up to give the Nexon a futuristic look, and it promises to be a headturner for a long time.

Tata Nexon Interiors 

The interiors of the Tata Nexon feature a sleek and modern design. On select variants — or ‘personas’ as Tata calls it — the exterior body colour is carried over to the upholstery. For the most part, the interiors have a dark theme, which gives the Nexon a sporty appeal. Large 10.25 inch infotainment screen and the fully digital instrument cluster add to the functionality and appeal. The biggest talking point, however, is the new two spoke steering wheel, which houses a backlit Tata logo inside a piano black panel — a market first that is available in all variants. Air conditioner controls too get a piano black panel with capacitive touch controls and toggle switches for temperature and blower control. However, all piano black surfaces are prone to fingerprints, and the fit and finish quality on some panels is not at par with rivals. 

The Nexon gets a mixed score on the practicality front. Door bins are large and can house 1-litre water bottles, and there's a large glove box too, but there are still no cup holders for the front passengers, and the rear seats don't have any storage pockets behind the front seats. Boot space though — at 382 litres — is one of the largest in the segment and can easily accommodate enough luggage for five adults to take a road trip.

Tata Nexon Comfort 

When compared to its rivals, the Nexon sports a slightly stiffer front suspension, thanks to its higher weight. However, this is not bothersome, and it continues to flatten bumps and round-off potholes to a great extent. What is commendable is that the ride stays flat even when the going gets rough, and you will find yourself going faster over rough roads than in some other subcompact SUVs. Suspension stiffness translates to great highway stability too, and the Nexon holds itself well at high speeds. The seats add to its cause, being well cushioned and bolstered. There’s ample under-thigh support for all passengers, and the cabin is sufficiently roomy as well. The front seats are also ventilated.  

Tata Nexon Performance and handling

The Tata Nexon has two engine options on offer — a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel — and there are a few transmissions they can be paired with. Both engines get the option of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT transmission, but the petrol engine also gets two additional gearbox options — a 5-speed manual, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

The petrol engine has 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque on offer. But being a 3-cylinder, it does have some refinement issues at lower RPMs. As the revs build, the engine smoothens. The mid-range is where this engine is happiest, and while it can rev beyond 5,500 RPM, there’s not much performance that high up the rev band. The turbo-petrol units on rivals offer better performance and refinement.

The diesel engine on the other hand is torquey. It puts out 113 bhp and 260 Nm torque, but the engine struggles at lower revs. Getting a move on will require shifting gears, but once you do, performance is good. The gearbox options, however, aren't the best. The manual gearboxes have long throws, and the clutch — while light — is a bit snappy. The AMT gearbox is not quick or smooth either. The newest ‘box in the lot — the dual clutch automatic — doesn’t offer super quick shifts like the DCT units on some German SUVs. But if not pushed hard, the DCA delivers smooth operation, and is the pick of the lot.

Handling on the other hand is one of Nexon’s strong suits. The slightly stiffer suspension gives it an agile dynamic, and you will have fun throwing it around corners. It can also handle most roads well, dealing with rough stuff with a sense of maturity. Highway stability is also great, and it doesn’t lose composure easily. 

Tata Nexon Key specifications

Tata Nexon Safety Features

The Tata Nexon famously became the first Indian car to receive a 5-star Global NCAP crash test rating, making it one of the safest cars in the segment. While the facelift is yet to be tested, since it has the same underpinnings — albeit slightly beefed up — it should return a similar, if not a better score as the original model. The Nexon packs several safety features like six airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, TPMS, a 360-degree parking camera, traction control, roll-over mitigation, hydraulic brake assist, auto headlights, and rain sensing wipers. It also gets a blind-spot camera which turns on every time you use the turn-indicators, displaying a camera feed on the infotainment screen.

Tata Nexon Technology and Infotainment

The Nexon facelift has taken a big leap forward when it comes to onboard tech. It now gets twin 10.25 inch screens which offer a ton of features. The infotainment is a significant step forward, and the screen is very responsive and easy to use. 3D animations are also very clean, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work well. The digital instrument cluster also displays a lot of information, and you can also have the navigation display mirrored on the instrument cluster. It also gets a 360-degree parking camera with impressive resolution, and the turn signal activated rear-view cameras also add a layer of safety while driving. The infotainment is paired with an 8-speaker plus subwoofer JBL sound system. Other features include voice commands, built-in Alexa, a wireless smartphone charger, connected car tech, an air purifier, cooled glovebox, and a sunroof. 

Is the Tata Nexon for you?

In its new clothing, the Tata Nexon has taken a big step forward. It now packs in much needed tech features, and the design is much more attractive. It is also one of the safest cars in its segment, and is stable on all kinds of roads. Throw it in a corner and you would have fun doing that too. Yes, the petrol engine could’ve been a little more spirited, and fit and finish levels are still a step behind its rivals. But overall, the Tata Nexon makes for a very compelling package wrapped in fancy clothing. It would not be a surprise if the Nexon continues being the best-selling SUV in India.