Tata Nexon 2021-2023

Like the exterior, the interior design of the Nexon looks good. The floating touchscreen infotainment system hosts modern connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The flat-bottom steering wheel is inspired from the Altroz and the instrument cluster with a digital LCD panel is lifted from Tiago and Tigor. That said, even though these digital instrument clusters are a rage these days, we feel that nothing beats the good old analogue dials. Although the unit used in Harrier or Altroz could have been a welcome addition. 

You do get features like automatic climate control, multi-function steering wheel, drive modes, umbrella holders in the doors, rear AC vents etc. The dual-tone off-white and grey colour scheme of the cabin makes the cabin quite premium while the chrome lines on the AC vents, digital instrument cluster and drive mode knob further enhance the look and feel.

The front seats are well-bolstered and wide enough to accommodate even a well-built adult. The inclusion of the electrically adjustable sunroof enhances the sense of spaciousness the interior offers. Ingress into the rear seat will require you to duck a bit but once you're in, you will have plenty of space. There's enough legroom and shoulder space on offer, while those who are taller than, say, 6 feet will want to have more headroom.

The rear AC vents keep rear passengers cool, but there are no USB ports to charge the phones. We feel that this is something that Tata can easily change with a small update. Also, there are no cup holders at the usual positions, but you will find them in the glovebox. This is simply because the drive mode knob takes up most of the space that could have easily been used for cup holders. You do get a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, but the reach adjustment is not on offer.

The 1.2L, three-cylinder petrol motor of the Tata Nexon now makes 120 PS of maximum power with a peak torque of 170 Nm. The low-end continues to be lack-luster but the torque build-up is strong once the turbo has spooled. Also, at lower engine speeds, the throttle response could have been sharper. In the Sport mode, you certainly get a stronger performance while the City mode offers a good balance between good fuel economy and outright performance. The Eco mode feels dull at times and we request you to use it for relaxed highway drives only. The ARAI claimed fuel economy of Tata Nexon is pegged at 17.4 kmpl for the manual and 16 kmpl for the AMT.

The 1.5L turbocharged diesel engine generates 110 PS of maximum power with 260 Nm of peak torque. The low-end torque is decent but it is the mid-range punch where the motor is in its elements. There is some lag lower down the revs but once the turbo kicks in, the driver benefits from a really strong push. The diesel engine is not that refined and it gets noisy when pushed hard. At city speeds, the tractability on offer is good as you won't have to change gears often. At highway speeds, the triple digits are achieved easily and overtaking is effortless. Just tap your foot down and the turbo ensures the motor responds positively.

The suspension of the Tata Nexon is tuned in such a way that it absorbs the rough patches of road easily. Without having the need to slow down the SUV, one can just glide over the bad roads. The Nexon feels stiff on the normal roads and the concrete noise can be heard in the cabin but things never go out of control. Overall, the Nexon takes care of the potholes and bad patches of roads easily, thereby never causing any discomfort to the passengers.

With the stiff suspension setup, the Nexon handles better than its rivals. It has adequate weight and even on the corners, the Nexon steers in a sane manner. Yes, there's a bit of body roll but the confidence that the wheel imparts enables the driver to push the SUV to its limit. The steering wheel feels light at city speeds but gives you the heft one wants at highway speeds.

Tata Nexon has bagged a full 5-star safety rating at Global NCAP. It scored 16.06 out of 17 points in adult passenger protection and 25 out of 49 in child passenger protection. The SUV also gets dual airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, traction control, hill hold control and hill descent control.