Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon has bagged the title of the highest selling sub-4m SUV repeatedly over the years. The constant updates and the numerous special edition avatars have helped it stand out from the crowd. Then there’s the comfort, entertainment and safety aspect, which is up there with the best in segment. But despite all the things that the Nexon does well, there are still areas where the Nexon can improve. We tell you all that’s good and bad about it right here on CarDekho.

• The Nexon’s styling is as modern as it gets with its sleek connected LED lighting elements front and back. The dynamic turn indicators just add to the whole vibe.

• It only gets 16-inch wheels throughout its lineup. Lower variants get wheel covers, higher variants get proper alloys with aero inserts, while Dark edition variants get all-black 5-spoke alloys.

• Quirky colour options and dual tone interior themes help it stand out from the crowd.

• Tasteful gloss-black elements, fancy alloys and shark fin antenna add to the premium quotient.

• For a clean look, the rear wiper has been integrated cleverly into the roof-mounted spoiler, making it look non-existent.

Driving position

• A comfortable driving position isn’t hard to find, despite no telescopic steering adjustment.

• Powered driver’s seats would’ve been a nice addition for added convenience, considering that a few rivals offer it.

Passenger comfort

• The seat’s soft cushioning and side supports are perfectly comfortable for average-sized people. But the side supports feel intrusive for larger frames, and the back support may feel inadequate for taller people.

• The rear seats are very comfortable for two with plenty of cushioning and under thigh support. Two six-footers can sit one behind the other with adequate knee room to spare. Head and footroom are sufficient too.

• However, accommodating three people in the back isn’t ideal due to the omission of a headrest for the middle passenger and the raised central tunnel which restricts the knee and foot room.

• Rear passenger creature comforts include rear AC vents and a central armrest. A rear sun shade would’ve been a nice addition here.

Storage options

• The practicality of the Nexon’s cabin left me wanting for more. You do get the usual 1-litre door pockets, but beyond that cabin storage feels lacking.

• The central tunnel could’ve been utilised a whole lot better. There are no usable cupholders, and the ones in the glovebox seem like an afterthought. Not to mention, the size of the glovebox itself is quite small, but it does get cooling functionality.

• The wireless charging pad is tiny and fails to fit any phones with larger displays. Also, the storage beneath the AC controls is unusable if you’ve got a cable plugged in.

• Rear passengers do get two cupholders in the central armrest, but no seat back pockets.

• With 382-litres of storage, the Nexon’s boot is big enough to store your family’s weekend worth of luggage, including one big, medium and small suitcase. With 60:40 split in the rear seats, you can also store bigger luggage if required.

Safety features

• The Nexon gets 6 airbags as standard along with a host of modern-day electronics.

• Sports a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP.

• Misses out on autonomous driving assistance systems (ADAS), but does get blind spot monitor display.

Convenience features

• The Nexon is one of the most feature-loaded in its segment. Top highlights include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, dual digital 10.25-inch displays, 8-speaker sound system, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers and 360-degree camera.

• But the tech package, including the infotainment system and driver’s display glitches occasionally with just a simple lag or an intermittent freeze sometimes, and a complete black screen the other times.

• For charging, besides the wireless charger, there’s a 12V socket, a Type A, and a Type C port – both front and back. There’s an additional 12V socket in the boot as well.

• In comparison to the segment, it misses out on powered front seats, rear sun shades, and ADAS features.

The Nexon offers both petrol and diesel engines, paired with multiple transmission options.

*MT= Manual, AMT= Automated manual transmission, DCT= Dual clutch automatic transmission

City performance

• The Nexon’s turbo-petrol engine is easy to use in the city. It takes some time to pick up speeds from really low RPM, but once it gets going, all overtakes are easy.

• The DCT is the smoothest, while the AMT can feel a bit slow and even jerky at times.

• The torque from the Nexon’s diesel engine makes it effortless to drive in the city. Clutch weight might feel tiring for those driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Highway performance

• The turbo-petrol reaches triple digit speeds with ease, and is happy to sit and cruise between 100-120kmph. 

• I found using the paddle shifters (DCT-only) to be the best way to drop down a gear quickly and make an overtake at those triple digit speeds as the DCT can be a little slow to respond when you demand a really quick overtake.

• The diesel has adequate performance for relaxed highway usage. It’s not as quick or snappy as the turbo-petrol and DCT combination, but it gets the job done.

Mileage

• The Nexon’s turbo-petrol and DCT pairing returns a fuel efficiency of around 10kmpl in the city and 13-15kmpl on the highway. Diesel will be slightly more efficient with an expected efficiency of 13kmpl in the city and around 17-19kmpl on the highway.

• I would pick the turbo-petrol with the DCT for an exciting drive. But if I have a high running, then the diesel-AMT would be more suitable with its balance of performance and fuel economy.

Suspension & Ride quality

• The ride comfort is one of Nexon’s big qualities. It cushions most of what the city can throw at it nicely and the suspension works silently.

• Some side-to-side movement can be felt on really bad roads, but I found slowing way down or alternatively speeding up helps resolve that.

• Highway stability is impressive as it remains composed over a sudden undulation or expansion joint.

Handling & Braking

• The Nexon’s steering weights up as you pick up speed, which feels reassuring while making a high speed lane change or taking a corner. The car doesn’t feel sporty like a sedan, but remains stable when pushing it a little harder than usual.

• With front disk and rear drum brakes, the braking performance is adequate for city and highway use.

Is the Tata Nexon right for you?

The Tata Nexon should definitely be on the shortlist if you are in the market for a small SUV that looks chic inside-out, offers premium features and a comfortable space. If only Tata would iron out those tech glitches and improve the cabin ergonomics, then Nexon would be an unbeatable package.

Other cars to consider instead of the Tata Nexon

Kia Sonet

Reasons to consider

• Glitch-free tech package

• Gets Level-1 ADAS for autonomous driving

• Offers a NA petrol engine option for people wanting a relaxed drive in the city

Reasons to ignore

• No CNG option

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Reasons to consider

• More powerful turbo-petrol engine

• Features Level-2 ADAS tech

• Better second row space for three 

Reasons to ignore

• Polarising styling might not suit everybody’s taste

• No CNG option

Hyundai Venue

Reasons to consider

• Top-spec variant is considerably more affordable

• Offers a NA petrol engine option

• Glitch-free tech package

• Boasts Level-1 ADAS tech

Reasons to ignore

• Misses out on a few premium features

• No CNG option