Tata Nexon compact SUV First Drive

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine		1198cc, 3 Cylinder, Turbocharged, Petrol 1497cc, 4 Cylinder, Turbocharged, Diesel
Power		Petrol 108.49hp@5000rpm Diesel 108.49hp@3750rpm
Torque		Petrol 170Nm@1750-4000rpm Diesel 260Nm@1500-2750rpm
Transmission		6-Speed Manual
Suspension	Front	McPherson dual path Strut with coil springs
	Rear	Semi independent twist beam
Front Brakes Rear Brakes		Discs Drum
Tyres		215/60 R16
Boot Space		350 Litres (Expandable upto 690 Litres)
Ground Clearance		209mm
Expected Price (ex-showroom Delhi)		Rs. 7 - 11 Lakh

Exterior Design and Features of the new 2017 Tata Nexon

When someone says SUV, I think boxy! But that is not the case with the new Nexon. Tata has managed to  give this compact SUV a butch yet sleek look. The stance and build of the Nexon is quite masculine. Not only does the Nexon get fat 215/60 R16 tyres it also gets a wide track and rides as high as 209mm. Tata has also given the Nexon a bold front fascia which resonates their Impact design philosophy. Adequate usage of chrome is found on their signature 'Humanity Line' running seamlessly into the funky looking projector headlamp setup which also features LED DRLs.

What makes the Nexon unique is the way it features an ivory white finish on every angle. First found on the front bumper surrounding the fog lamps, then on the shoulder line running into the tailgate after the C-Pillar in the form of an elongated X. The Nexon also gets a sleek silhouette and macho wheel arches. The rear section also features piano black finish sitting neatly between the sharp looking tail lamps. All of these factors will ensure this compact SUV stands out in a crowd.     

Interior Design and Features of the new 2017 Tata Nexon

While the exterior design and dimensions of the Nexon are futuristic, the interiors resonate a very chic and urban design. The dashboard is where all the excitement lies, Tata has used neat and classy materials all around. The Nexon gets great build quality and the touch and feel inside the cabin is simply remarkable. The layout and design of the dash resonates the brand's forward looking theme and combines glossy grey, piano black and other soft to touch materials in seamless manner.

Tata Motors has added plenty of kit on the Nexon. The most noticeable of the lot is a 6.5inch floating dash top mounted capacitive touch screen setup. This infotainment unit resides at a near eye level in line with the MID display, thus the driver always can clearly view the road while operating any infotainment setting. The capacitive touch is good to use and has a quick response. The infotainment unit is also compatible with Android Auto. Tata is not offering the Nexon with Apple CarPlay just yet but will soon bring it in. The infotainment unit also gets a voice recognition function which we found quite handy and easy to operate. This also enables you with the vehicle reading out WhatsApp text messages.

Tata has also included features like push button start/ stop, keyless entry, video playback, reverse parking camera, rear sensors, power adjustable and retractable ORVMs, rear ac vents and automatic climate control. But certain features inside the cabin are quite futuristic. Tata is offering the Nexon with a wearable key fob. Just like a wrist watch, this wearable key fob can be strapped to your wrist in case you don't desire a key bouncing around in your pocket. Another futuristic feature is voice alert warning functions. When the computer detects an anomaly instead of simply giving warning sounds, it will verbally tell you what is the issue detected. For instance if any door is ajar, the system will verbally tell you which door is open or if you have the handbrake engaged it will let you know verbally about the same. Such features take the practicality offered on the Nexon to a whole new level.

Engine and Performance of the new 2017 Tata Nexon

Tata is offering the Nexon with the choice of a 1.2L, 3 cylinder, turbocharged, petrol and a 1.5L, 4 cylinder, turbocharged, diesel. Both powertrains are new offerings from Tata Motors and we got a chance to open them up on the scenic roads in Kerala. The 1.5L diesel mill churns out 108.49hp at 3750rpm and 260Nm of torque from 1500-2750rpm. Tata has precision tuned this diesel mill and it is extremely peppy to drive. Right from the word go the engine makes no fuss and gets going rather quick. Both petrol and diesel engines have been mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.2L turbocharged petrol is surprisingly smooth to drive. The engine belts out 108 horses at 5000rpm and 170Nm low in the rev band. Despite being turbo charged the petrol engine feels linear in its progression and builds on the revs rather smoothly.

To drive, I felt the petrol was sportier and alive, but the diesel had its own peppy charm about it as well. Both engines did not disappoint me. But then I did feel the gearbox was a slight bit notchy and could be improved. Tata has also installed a dual path suspension setup on the Nexon which is softly sprung and rides decently well over undulations. On smooth roads, the vehicle offers immense stability and control. Tata has also bolted on fat tyres which not only add to the butch appeal of this compact SUV but also enhance the Nexon's driving dynamics. Braking on the Nexon is facilitated by a disc and drum setup. The brakes are good and get the job done effectively. Tata has also included features such as ISOFIX mounts, dual airbags and ABS with corner stability control as standard across all variants. 

Verdict