Tata Motors – the Tata group’s vehicle (passenger & commercial) manufacturing arm has been an important part of their Indian business ventures. Tata Motors created India’s first indigenously developed car – the Tata Indica in 1998. The Indica later went on to become one of the best-selling cars in India. Popular market movers from the Tata stable were the Tata Safari, Tata Sumo amongst others. All car brands go through a phase where the offerings they give to the customer do not quite click in the market. Tata Motors faced a similar phase from the mid-2000’s until 2013. The launch of the Tata Bolt & Zest in 2013, gave a new sense of direction for the brand and its future range of cars. The Bolt & Zest sent a message to the Indian and International car industry…Tata as a brand had begun the transition towards a more future-inspired, young, tech-savvy, quality driven and most importantly value for money seeking customer. The Tata Nexon compact SUV is a perfect example of new age Tata cars. Let us find out what makes the Tata Nexon one of the most successful and highest selling Tata cars of recent times.
Product development, especially for cars, is a time and research-driven process. Developing a new car from scratch is a great time for car manufacturers to implement all their learning and feedback from customers, hence perfecting their next product for the market. The success of the Tata Nexon is a great example of successful product development and understanding the need of the market, customer. Right from launch the Tata Nexon had a lot going for it – the increase in demand for a compact urban SUV, the success of the Tata Tiago and other products, appreciation of the new look Tata brand. With the urban car buyer becoming younger, having more disposable income, more tech oriented…the Nexon was a car destined for success! When was the last time you saw a Tata car turning heads on the road? That's exactly the impact the Nexon has had on the market. With its futuristic design the Nexon is unlike anything on the Indian roads, especially in the compact SUV segment. Tata Motors have learnt and used the design elements of Jaguar Land Rover while developing the Nexon. With its large nose, blister-like headlamps, a well-integrated roofline the Nexon is arguably the best-designed car we have seen from Tata. The large angular chrome strip adds character to the car while the flared wheel arches, plastic cladding gives it the ruggedness of an SUV. The high ground clearance ensures the Nexon can take on even the harshest of Indian road conditions. It should be noted that the Nexon is the first crossover from Tata Motors, and they have pulled it off very well! When you step into the Nexon a spacious, airy and modern cabin welcomes you. If you have seen the interiors of recent Tata cars (Tiago, Tigor etc.) the Nexon will be familiar territory for you. There are quite a few components shared with other Tata products – the instrument panel and the steering, for example are taken from the Tiago/Tigor. Current generation Tata cars have seen a great improvement in cabin build quality and materials used. The Nexon does not disappoint in this department; having an impressive cabin with good materials and build quality. The Nexon gets a floating infotainment touch-screen – like the Ford Ecosport. This allows the driver to get less distracted while searching for information, navigation, changing music etc. The high ground clearance of the Nexon gives the driver a good high seating position, hence inspiring confidence while driving. The practical layout of the cabin gives good visibility all-round, making driving a breeze. Tata have loaded the Nexon with a lot of tech! You will find most of the essentials in the car, but it does miss out on satellite navigation. The infotainment system does support Android Auto, all you need to do is plug in your mobile phone (Android) into the car’s USB port – Android Auto allows you to use maps, read messages, make calls, play music etc. One of the main highlights of the entertainment package in the Nexon is the awesome 6-speaker Harman music system. The sound quality is spectacular! Makes you think you are sitting in a car segments above! The Nexon is a practical place to be with a lot of cubby holes, storage bins etc. The glovebox is decently sized and is cooled as well. Before we forget, Tata seem to have taken a leaf out of the Rolls-Royce book – giving the Nexon an umbrella holder in the door. When you enter the backseat of the Nexon you notice there is ample legroom, and the headroom is not compromised on despite the sloping roofline design of the car. The windows of the Nexon are higher in comparison to competitors – the Ford Ecosport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. However, it does not make you feel hemmed in. Be rest assured the Nexon has a wide enough and larger enough bench for passengers to sit comfortably even on long journeys. The segment-first rear AC vents are available in the Nexon, hence keeping the passengers at the rear cool and comfortable.
The Nexon performs well in the ride and handling department. The strong and well-balanced suspension aided with high profile tires gives the Nexon a very good ride, Tata have done a great job in making the Nexon rugged enough to take on the worst of our roads, at the same time allowing for a comfortable ride throughout. The suspension of the Nexon is slightly firm, so you might just get knocked around a little. The Nexon is not exactly a driver’s car or one am enthusiast would enjoy driving. The steering wheel of the Nexon is a let down as it is not very engaging and always leaves the driver wanting more feedback from the steering. The Nexon is powered by a 1.5 L turbocharged diesel engine producing a healthy 110bhp of max power, and a 1.2 L petrol engine producing similar max power. Both engines are mated to manual and AMT (automatic) gearboxes. The pick of the gearboxes is the AMT. Tata’s AMT gearbox is one of the best in the market, is much better than competitors with respect to responsiveness and drivability. The combination of an AMT with the petrol or diesel engines is a real boon for customers, especially those who are seeking a compact urban car for the daily commute in heavy traffic conditions. The convenience of an AMT all hassle-free free driving and better fuel economy. There are 3 driving modes available in the Nexon – City, Eco, Sport. The throttle inputs differ basis the mode you are driving. When you are in the mood for a spirited drive, be sure to use the sport mode as it will allow you more excess to engine power.
What makes the Nexon very practical and well suited to our urban Indian commute is the compact SUV design which eases the parking hassle, navigating traffic is easy as well. The Nexon is a car which is loaded with tech and features at a very attractive price point. The engine and gearbox combinations are very well engineered and make living with this car very easy both for the driver and his pocket. The Nexon’s closest rivals the Vitara Brezza and the Ecosport have gone down the pecking order with respect to sales and consumer preference. The demand for the Nexon is huge! The long waiting times (reports of waiting going up to 3-4 months as well) are evidence to this. The Nexon has been a true gamechanger to Tata’s fortunes in the Indian market. This gives us a lot more excitement for upcoming Tata cars soon. So, if you are an urban car buyer looking for a compact SUV – the Nexon is the car for you!
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