In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian automobiles, finding a vehicle that strikes the perfect balance between affordability and style can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, the Tata Nexon has emerged as that rare gem that delivers on both fronts without compromise. As someone who’s followed the Indian automotive market closely for years, I’ve watched the Nexon transform from an ambitious project into one of the most sought-after compact SUVs on our roads today.
The Evolution of Tata’s Game-Changer
The journey of Tata Nexon began in 2017 when it first rolled onto Indian streets. Back then, the compact SUV segment was already getting crowded, but Tata Motors had a clear vision – to create something that would redefine expectations in its class. Fast forward to today, and the Nexon has undergone significant transformations, each iteration more impressive than the last.
I remember seeing the first-generation Nexon at a local dealership and being struck by how different it looked from everything else in its segment. It wasn’t trying to mimic international designs but instead embraced a uniquely Indian aesthetic that somehow managed to look global. The latest avatar takes this philosophy even further, sporting what Tata calls their “Impact 2.0” design language.
Design That Turns Heads Without Emptying Wallets
Let’s be honest – most budget cars look like, well, budget cars. Not the Nexon though. The front fascia features a sleek, piano-black grille flanked by sharp LED DRLs that give it an unmistakable presence on the road. I was stuck in Bangalore traffic last month, and couldn’t help but notice how a White Nexon with its contrasting black roof commanded attention despite being surrounded by vehicles twice its price.
The coupe-like sloping roof isn’t just a styling element; it serves a practical purpose by reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. Those distinctive tri-arrow elements on the bumper and throughout the vehicle aren’t random design choices either – they’re part of Tata’s new design language that connects the Nexon to its more premium siblings like the Harrier and Safari.
My neighbor recently upgraded from his decade-old hatchback to a Nexon, and his words stuck with me: “For the first time, I don’t feel like I settled for less just because my budget was tight.”
Heart of the Matter: Performance and Practicality
A stunning design can only take you so far. What really matters is what lies under the hood and how the vehicle performs in real-world conditions. The Nexon offers two engine options – a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine.
I had the opportunity to test drive both variants last year during a road trip to Lonavala. The petrol engine, despite its smaller displacement, delivers a surprisingly punchy performance thanks to the turbocharger. It doesn’t have the initial lag you’d expect, making city driving a breeze. The diesel, on the other hand, is the highway champion, cruising effortlessly at three-digit speeds while sipping fuel conservatively.
Ride Quality That Defies Its Price Tag
One Sunday morning, my friend Rahul and I took his Nexon through some of the worst roads Mumbai could throw at it – from the pothole-ridden streets of Andheri to the uneven surfaces of under-construction highways. What impressed me wasn’t just that the Nexon absorbed the bumps admirably, but how quiet the cabin remained throughout.
The suspension setup strikes that fine balance between comfort and handling that many more expensive vehicles struggle to achieve. It doesn’t float over bumps nor does it crash through them – it simply dismisses them with a muted thud, allowing conversations to continue uninterrupted.
The steering feel deserves special mention. Unlike many electric power steering systems that feel artificially light, the Nexon’s has a progressive weight to it that builds confidence as speeds increase. It’s these little touches that make you forget you’re driving a car that starts well under 8 lakhs.
Safety: Where Tata Refuses to Cut Corners
In a market where manufacturers often sacrifice safety features to meet price points, Tata has taken a refreshingly different approach with the Nexon. It wasn’t just the first Indian car to achieve a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating; it proudly wears that achievement as a badge of honor.
During a recent family gathering, my uncle, who’s been driving for over 40 years, remarked, “In our time, safety features were for luxury cars. Now my daughter drives a Nexon with 6 airbags. Times have changed for the better.”
The structural integrity of the Nexon is complemented by an impressive array of active safety features:
- Electronic Stability Program
- Traction Control
- Roll-Over Mitigation
- Hill Hold Control
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
These aren’t just marketing bullet points; they’re potentially life-saving technologies that were once exclusive to premium segments. My colleague Priya recently shared how the hill hold feature saved her from a nerve-wracking situation on a steep incline in Shimla, preventing her car from rolling back into the vehicle behind.
Technology That Enhances the Driving Experience
Beyond safety, the Nexon packs technology that enhances both convenience and enjoyment. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making navigation and music streaming seamless. The Harman-sourced audio system delivers sound quality that would be impressive in cars costing twice as much.
During the scorching Delhi summer last year, my cousin couldn’t stop praising the automatic climate control in his Nexon, which cooled the cabin remarkably quickly despite the 45-degree heat outside. The cooled glove box was an unexpected bonus for keeping water bottles chilled during long drives.
Interior: Where Practicality Meets Premium Feel
Step inside the Nexon, and you’re greeted by an interior that cleverly disguises its budget-friendly nature. The dashboard layout is intuitive with controls falling easily to hand. The fabric upholstery in lower variants is surprisingly premium to the touch, while the leatherette option in higher trims could easily belong in a more expensive vehicle.
I particularly appreciate the thoughtful storage solutions scattered throughout the cabin. From the deep door pockets that can hold 1-liter bottles to the umbrella holders with drainage channels (a godsend during monsoon season), it’s clear that Tata designers have considered Indian usage patterns carefully.
Space Utilization That Defies the Compact Footprint
Despite its sub-4-meter length (a tax-saving measure in the Indian market), the Nexon feels surprisingly spacious inside. Last Diwali, my family of five (including my grandmother) took a Nexon for our temple visit, and everyone had adequate room without feeling cramped.
The 350-liter boot easily swallowed our luggage for a weekend getaway to Ooty last summer. The 60:40 split rear seats add flexibility when cargo needs exceed passenger requirements. My friend who runs a small bakery business finds this feature invaluable for those days when she needs to transport larger cake boxes.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase Price
A budget-friendly car isn’t truly affordable if it costs a fortune to maintain. Tata has addressed this concern with service intervals of 15,000 km or one year, whichever comes first – longer than many competitors. Parts are reasonably priced, and the widespread service network means help is never too far away.
My colleague has clocked over 50,000 km on his diesel Nexon in three years, with maintenance costs averaging just under ₹5,000 per service – impressive for an SUV of this capability.
Resale Value: The Hidden Aspect of Affordability
Thanks to its growing popularity and established reliability, the Nexon holds its value remarkably well in the used car market. My neighbor’s three-year-old Nexon fetched nearly 75% of its original purchase price when he decided to upgrade to the newer model. This strong resale value further enhances the overall affordability proposition of the vehicle.
Fuel Efficiency: Kind to Your Wallet on Every Journey
In real-world conditions, the petrol Nexon delivers around 15-16 km/l in mixed driving, while the diesel stretches that to an impressive 18-20 km/l. During a recent highway trip from Chandigarh to Delhi, my friend’s diesel Nexon returned nearly 22 km/l with the cruise control set at 80 km/h – numbers that make long-distance travel genuinely economical.
The drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) allow you to prioritize efficiency or performance based on your needs. The difference between these modes is substantial enough to be worth using – unlike some vehicles where they feel like mere gimmicks.
Redefining Budget-Friendly Without Compromise
The Tata Nexon represents something special in the Indian automotive landscape – a vehicle that doesn’t ask you to lower your expectations just because you’re working with a budget. It delivers on the essentials while sprinkling in enough premium touches to make the ownership experience genuinely satisfying.
Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets, cruising on highways, or tackling rough rural roads, the Nexon handles it all with a composure that belies its price tag. It’s not just a great car “for the money” – it’s simply a great car, period.
As more Indians aspire to own SUVs without breaking the bank, the Tata Nexon stands as proof that affordability and desirability aren’t mutually exclusive. In a market flooded with options, it has earned its place as one of the most compelling choices for the discerning budget-conscious buyer.
After spending considerable time with various Nexon variants over the years, I can confidently say that Tata Motors has created more than just a product – they’ve delivered on a promise: that ordinary Indians deserve extraordinary cars. And that, perhaps, is the Nexon’s greatest achievement of all.
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