Tata Nexon

Tata might be late in entering the booming sub 4-metre SUV category, but it is making sure it ruffles quite a lot of feathers with the Nexon. The concept was first showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, and the production-spec version made its debut at the 2016 edition. The Nexon will be launched by the festive season this year. Wondering what’s likely to be on offer?

Design-wise, the Nexon looks thoroughly modern, especially when you compare it to rivals such as the Mahindra TUV300 and the Mahindra NuvoSport. Highlights of the design include projector headlamps with daytime running lamps, LED taillamps and 16-inch alloy wheels. The top-spec Nexon will also get a two-tone paint scheme, just like the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

We got a quick glimpse of the interior of the Nexon as well, and given how Tata has delivered great cabin space with the Tigor, we can expect the Nexon to be quite accommodating as well. Key features of the car include a 6.5-inch free-floating high definition touchscreen infotainment unit powered by Harman, an 8-speaker sound system and connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It will also feature the Eco, City and Sport drive modes, which will alter the behaviour of the engine as per the drive setting.

Tata will debut two brand new engines with the Nexon. The petrol engine on offer is a 1.2-litre turbocharged unit that develops 110PS of power and 170Nm of torque. The three-cylinder engine is based on the Tiago's motor, but is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission instead of a 5-speed unit. Diesel duties will be handled by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 110PS of power and 260Nm of torque. Just like the petol, the diesel-driven Nexon gets a 6-speed manual transmission as well.

Both engines will also feature three drive modes, viz. City, Eco and Sport that will alter the way the engine responds to throttle inputs. Tata hasn't confirmed the possibility of an AMT-equipped Nexon just as yet. That said, we expect it to be added to the lineup down the line.

Tata is expected to price the Nexon aggressively, with prices starting around the Rs 6 lakh mark for the base-spec petrol. Expect the diesel range to start at Rs 7 lakh, and top out a notch under Rs 10 lakh.