Tata Nexon

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine in the Nexon Pure we drove delivers 118 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. Our unit featured a 6-speed manual transmission, while the base model comes with a 5-speed. Although the clutch has a long travel, first-generation Nexon owners will note it is significantly softer compared to earlier models. Vibration on the gear lever is minimal—an area where previous Nexons were often criticized.

The engine provides sufficient pull for all driving situations, though it can be quite noisy when heard from outside. AMT users have reported issues with clunkiness, but the manual variant we experienced operated smoothly without any jerks or drama. We managed approximately 11 kmpl near our Udyog Vihar office and reached about 19 kmpl on the GFR expressway.

Multiple drive modes are integrated into the ECU remaps rather than being mere gimmicks. In sport mode, the car behaves very differently—although it still outputs 118 hp, it is best suited for extended highway driving or overtaking. Despite having rear drum brakes, the overall braking performance and on-road comfort are impressive.

Tata has tuned the suspension to be softer than Kia and Hyundai’s stiffer setups. This balanced configuration effectively contains NVH on potholes and curbs, while stability at 120-130 kmph remains commendable.

The 2025 Nexon offers a variety of interior color options ranging from plain black to vibrant purple. In true Tata fashion, the doors are solidly built, closing with a reassuring “thud.” The dual-tone beige and black cabin exudes a premium feel, nicely contrasting with the muted Daytona Grey of our borrowed Nexon. Our unit showed no fitment issues, in line with positive feedback from Tata forums and other owners.

While the door cards are upholstered in beige fabric, hard plastics remain quite visible—a common characteristic in sub-₹11 lakh cars. Although our Nexon did not come with a sunroof, one is available as an option for an additional ₹50,000.

Seat comfort is among the best in its class, with excellent under-thigh support both in the front and rear. One of our heavily built reviewers, weighing 105 kg, confirmed the seats were very supportive. Rear space is adequate for four adults or three small children, thanks to its robust, safety-oriented construction.

The infotainment system features a basic 17 cm touchscreen that may appear small and chunky, but it functioned reliably in our unit. While some owners have noted glitches in Tata’s systems, we did not encounter any issues. The standard four-speaker setup produces balanced sound, and higher trims offer up to eight speakers with a subwoofer. Additional conveniences include rear AC vents, a premium roof liner, and multiple drive modes.

The touch-based HVAC controls, however, are placed in such a way that accidental activation during gear shifts is a concern, particularly in manual transmission variants.

Storage is plentiful, with deep door pockets and several cubbies around the center console. Although the boot space is adequate, the absence of a 60:40 split rear seat and a parcel shelf—a questionable decision by Tata—requires careful planning for long trips.

Our owner opted for the Daytona color, which was readily available in the Pure variant. The color exudes a premium feel and is complemented by extensive blacked-out aesthetics, including window surrounds, door handles, ORVMs, and the lower fascia. The LED DRLs and headlamps offer average throw but perform better than those on the Vitara.

Our model also features X-shaped rear lights and 16-inch wheels with covers that appear rather cheap; the owner plans to replace these soon. Overall, Nexon still looks like a muscular bouncer with its flared out vibe and great on road presence. 

Safety is the Nexon’s trump card, underscored by its 5-star Global NCAP rating. Although many have criticized Tata’s chunky A-pillars for creating blind spots, the excellent frontal collision protection outweighs this minor drawback—especially when remedied by a modestly priced always-on camera. Standard safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, traction control, and hill-hold assist. Top variants also offer ADAS features and 360-degree cameras.

When driving in the city or on the highway, safety should be the primary consideration, and Tata has nailed that aspect—something many so-called “premium” carmakers have overlooked. Despite minor fitment and service issues, the Tata Nexon is a solid, all-around car, provided you are willing to spend time reviewing its extensive range of models to choose the best fit for your needs.

Those who do not wish to take a gamble with Tata's Service can go for well-established rivals like Hyundai offerings like Venue, Kia Sonet and Maruti Suzuki Breeza