Tata Nexon to be Launched Ahead of Kite 5 in 2016

Read the Tata Nexon first drive review here.

Tata showcased many upcoming models in their production-spec state at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo, which was wrapped-up last month. Two of the most surprising models that made their way to this biennial event were the Nexon Compact SUV and the Kite 5 sedan (now named the Tata Tigor). It was surprising to see that the Nexon  was production ready, even though it is identical to its concept version and incorporates only marginal changes. According to a report, the compact SUV is expected to go on sale this year and its launch will be followed by that of Kite 5 sedan.

Nexon will be Tata’s first ever sub-4 metre compact SUV and stands at 3,995mm in length. It rides on 16-inch alloys, with a ground clearance that rivals that of Ford EcoSport viz. 200mm. It is expected that the car will be available in a host of customisation options, courtesy Tata’s Personalization Studio.

The exterior highlights of Nexon include contrasting roof (like the one seen on the recently launched Maruti Vitara Brezza), projector headlights with LED DRLs, piano-black finish grille, ceramic side finisher, shark-fin antennae and LED taillights.

Under the hood, Nexon will be powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron unit and rumors suggest that the diesel powerplant duties will be undertaken by an all new 1.5-liter Revotorq mill. This will be the second installment of Tata’s Revotorq series, which will make its debut in the upcoming Tiago hatchback. This is quite uncanny because one would expect that as Kite 5 is a compact sedan version of Tiago, it would be the one to make its way to us before Nexon, which features a brand new engine.

The diesel mill is expected to generate 110PS of power output and 260Nm of peak torque. The petrol unit is also expected to deliver a power output, which will be upwards of 100PS and both powerplants might come coupled to a 6-Speed MT as standard, with an option of an AMT gearbox on offer. This means that it is expected that the diesel variants will be an ideal choice for those who are on a look out for a car that accelerates aggressively and petrol variant will cater to those who opt for comfort over performance, as petrol models will be relatively quieter, as compared to the torquier diesel variants.

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