Tata Nexon 2018 Review: Stunning Design with Appealing Price

In 2017, Tata has introduced its sub-four-meter SUV named the Nexon. With the launch of the Nexon, Tata has officially entered the segment of compact SUVs and compete with other brands like Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport, and Maruti Vitara Brezza. Within one year, Tata Nexon has successfully built its name and become one of the most popular cars of the segment. On this review of the Tata, IndianAuto will give you a full perspective of the Tata Nexon.

1. Tata Nexon 2018 Exterior

Tata Nexon is obviously the one with an outstanding look. It is worth to mention that the Nexon has gained several awards for its design, for example, the “Best Design and Styling” at 2018 Autocar Award. 

The Nexon has the signature features of an SUV, for example, a high ground clearance which stands at 209mm and large wheels of 16 inches. To enhance the SUV-ishness and the boldness, Tata has added a sharp floating roof and contrasting-color exterior paint. The overall design could make a strong impression on anyone.

Tata Nexon is well-known for its impressive look

The front of the Nexon looks quite distinctive with the hexagon-mesh grill which merges smoothly with the curvy projector headlamp. The grille-headlight department contoured with a chrome strip enhances the stylish of the front end. Tata Nexon also features a large horizontal-slat air dam on the fascia. Its fog lamp unit is set closer to the headlamp than usual. 

On only the fascia, Tata Nexon also gets an out-standing side looks with contrasting floating roof and white-paint trim

The side of the Nexon features some noticeable design details like the off-white paint slash running under the car window, the rubber body cladding, and the flared arch wheels. The side of the Nexon takes the aggressive design language to another level. 

With this rear design, you can hardly miss the Nexon whenever it crosses by

The rear side of the Nexon does not reflect the SUVish design of the front. Instead, Nexon’s rear looks more like one from a hatchback. However, it doesn’t miss a chance to stand out. The off-white trim from the sides continues running toward the rear at which it forms a signature design feature. 

2. Tata Nexon 2018 Interior

2.1. Interior Design

Tata has made progress in its interior design, which could be seen from its recent models like the Tiaga or Hexa. And with the Nexon, Tata continues to improve their game. 

Following the design transformation of the previous Tata cars, the Nexon also features an innovate interior

Some part of the interiors like the steering and the instrument cluster might be brought from other predecessors like the Tiago and the Tigor. However, in the Nexon, things are getting better. For example, it has a new central head unit with black piano insert around the air vent and the central console. Chrome accent is added as the highlight of the dashboard. Generally, the dash is well-designed and high-quality. However, there are still some minor setbacks in terms of fit and finish.

There is a 6.5-inch touchscreen which offers a better performance than that of the Tigor and Hexa. Despite not having built-in navigation, it supports Android Auto connectivity for the navigation task.

One significant feature of the interior is an audio system of 8-speaker Harman system which could rarely be seen on any other cars in the segment.

2.2. Interior feature

The Nexon offers a long list of features. Inside the cabin, you will have a chilled glovebox, automatic climate control, engine start-stop button, multifunction steering wheel, touchscreen, power window, power steering. To provide the rear passenger with the most comfortable experience, the Nexon also offers a rear seat central armrest, rear cupholder and of course, rear AC vents. 

2.3. Safety Feature

ABS with EBD and dual front airbags come as standard across the range, which is a generous treat for the customer. Besides, it offers features like parking sensor, ISOFIX child seat, height adjustable seatbelts.

2.4. Space

On the front seats, the driver and passenger are provided with a good footwell, which is a plus point for Nexon over other Tata models with the same X1 platform. But, sadly, reach-adjustable steering is not available. The low roof of the Nexon makes entering a tad difficult. But the good news is the rear seat offers a good amount of head- and legroom. 

The Nexon is more a four-seater than a five-seater as its bolstered rear seat clearly confirms. The third passenger will have an uncomfortable time squeezing between the two separate seats. On the bright side, the rear passenger could enjoy the blessing of rear AC vent. 

2.5. Storage space

Tata Nexon offers many well-thought storage spaces all over the cabin

Just like other Tata models, the Nexon is receiving a well-thought storage space. On the front seat, there is a chilling glovebox for holding can, a smart umbrella holder, cupholder, and storage space near the handbrake area. 

At the rear end, Tata Nexon offers a cargo space of 350 liters. The 60:40 split rear seats are foldable, allowing a storage space of 690 litres in total.

3. Tata Nexon 2018 Performance

3.1. Engine

The Nexon offers two engine options which are a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel motor. The two engines share the same output figure of 110PS and both are developed by the Tata themselves. And a six-speed manual transmission comes as the standard for both engine option. Moreover, the Nexon also comes with three different driving modes, which are City, Eco, and Sport. 

Tata comes in with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel motor

Petrol engine

The 1.2-litre petrol engine is brought right from the Tigor, but with a turbocharger which adds 25PS of power. The peak torque it could deliver is 170Nm. The petrol mill performs decently at low speed, nevertheless, when the speed builds up, it might feel a little sluggish. It feels less exciting and refined than the diesel version. In terms of fuel efficiency, the petrol mills could return the mileage of 17.88kmpl in highway driving and 14.02kmpl in city commuting. 

Diesel engine

The diesel engine is one of the most refined engines in the compact car segment. With 260Nm of peak torque, it is ranked as the engine with the highest torque in its class. The diesel engine offers a shorter gear than the petrol, which means that it doesn’t require much downshift at third gear. Especially, the Tata could return a respectable 23.97kmpl on the highway and 16.8kmpl when driving inside the city. 

With the AMT transmission option, it will be easier to navigate through the city traffic. 

3.2. Ride, Handling, and Braking

The suspension setting of the Nexon includes McPherson struts at the front and twist beam at the rear. The Nexon gives out a well-balanced suspension. The diesel version with 68kg added provides a more stable drive, especially at bad roads and high speed. The diesel and petrol also differ from each other in their way of handling a turn. In fact, the petrol version feels more sharp and stable.

4. Tata Nexon 2018 Price

5. Tata Nexon 2018 Specifications

6. Tata Nexon 2018 Pros and Cons

Things we like about Tata Nexon

-    It comes with an incredible 8-speaker Harman sound system

-    Appealing price tag – This SUV comes with a price compatible with a premium hatchback

-    Last but not least, Tata Nexon is absolutely a looker

-    Tata Nexon has the most spacious cabin within the segment

Things we don’t like about Tata Nexon

-    The Nexon’s 6.5-inch touchscreen feels sluggish sometimes

-    It misses some key features that its rivals have, for example, automatic headlamp cruise control, rain-sensing wiper, and Apple CarPlay connectivity

-    There is still room for improvement in terms of fit and finish.