Tata’s Upcoming Sub-Compact SUV ‘Nexon’ — What We Know So Far

Showcased as a concept at the Auto Expo 2014, the near production version presented at the 2016 Auto Expo is more or less the same as the concept. So what can we expect from the upcoming SUV from Tata Motors? Here is what we know so far about the Tata Nexon.

Exterior

Fresh and new are the words which cometo your mind when you look at the Tata Nexon. The Nexon carries a muscular stance and a coupe-like roofline making it as the premium looking subcompact SUV in the segment. The front profile houses a stretched grille along with nicely detailed projector headlamps. The turn indicators sit above the headlamps increases the frown look of the SUV.

From the side profile of the Nexon, the sharp tapering roof reveals the coupe-like design language, yet it stands tall like an SUV. On the rear, the subcompact SUV gets a diamond clustered taillights with asilver strip running between them.

The Nexon comes with lots of smart details like the white strip running along the side and the rear side which feels sporty and modern. The design of the Tata Nexon is bold and attractive and carries a lot of curves and creases contrary to the boxy image of the Maruti Vitara Brezza.

Interiors

The most noticeable feature inside the Tata Nexon is the 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits above the dashboard. The rest of the dash follows a simple design with lots of details borrowed from other Tata cars.

Another interesting aspect of the interiors of the Nexon is the drive mode controller, which isn't a small button, but a nice rotary dial placed on the centre console seen in some of the true blue SUVs. The drive modes helpyou choose between Eco, City and Sport, this enables you not only the performance and fuel efficiencybut also changes the ABS and traction control settings.

With the coupe-like design, the headroom is surprisingly spacious and the legroom is decent too. However, a fifth passenger is a bit of a challenge as the platform comes under the sub-four metre segment. Getting in and out is practical and the seats are well-cushioned and comfortable.

Engine Specifications And Gearbox

Tata Motors is developing an all-new four-cylinder 1.5-litre diesel unit and will not use the Fiat sourced 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine. This 1.5-litre mill will be a scaled-up version of the 1.05-litre diesel engine which powers the Tiago.

As for the petrol model, the Nexon will be powered by the turbocharged version of the 1.2-litre Revotron engine which does the duty in the Tiago. Both the petrol and the diesel units are expected to produce in the region of 105-110bhp of power.

Tata Motors will offer a new 6-speed manual gearbox in the diesel variant, while the petrol will receive the 5-speed transmission on the Nexon. The company will also offer the AMT gearbox option on both the petrol and diesel versions.

Pricing And Competitors

Tata is known for pricing their vehicles aggressively and with the subcompact SUV being thecurrent popular segment, expect the Nexon to be priced in the range of Rs 7-10 lakh ex-showroom.

Slotted in the subcompact SUV segment, the Tata Nexon will rival its main competitor and segment leader Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and of course the Ford EcoSport. Tata Motors immediate competitor, Mahindra & Mahindra too has vehicles in this segment with the TUV300 and the NuvoSport.

The Tata Nexon has all the ingredients including premium features and with an aggressive pricing, the sub compact SUV from Tata has all it takes to win the competition.