Tata Motors Nexon: Performance Explained

The Tata Nexon is a compact SUV aimed to excel in performance, comfort, and real-world utility. It can be offered in turbo-petrol, turbo-diesel and iCNG (hydrogen) powertrains, making it flexible and offering options to the buyer depending on their driving requirements. It is dependent on the engine and transmission used; each version will have a different performance balance of acceleration, torque and fuel economy.

You can choose from a range of engine options and power outputs. The Tata Nexon comes in three power trains.

The 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol Revotron delivers 120 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 170 Nm of torque in the 1,750 to 4,000 rpm range. It comes with a five-speed or six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed AMT or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), depending on variant. Balanced between everyday usability and responsive acceleration, this engine is a perfect middle ground.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged Revotorq diesel engine produces 116 PS at 4,000 rpm and 260 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm. It comes in a choice of a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. It also has good torque, which can be beneficial for pulling at lower engine speeds, allowing it to be used on highways and extended trips.

The 1.2-litre turbocharged iCNG engine has a petrol as well as an iCNG mode of operation. It has a maximum power of 120 PS and maximum torque of 170 Nm in petrol mode and 100 PS and 170 Nm max torque in CNG mode. For those wishing to save on fuel costs, the CNG version is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission.

City Driving Performance

The turbo-petrol Nexon is a sensible option for normal urban driving. It also comes with an engine that offers enough power for everyday driving, and a manual and automatic transmission option to suit the buyer's preferences. The AMT and DCT options allow it to be easier to drive in traffic, but they do not work the same way.

The diesel version offers a good low-speed torque which should help the car to accelerate through gears, and could be useful in the city. May be suitable for drivers who are on the road for longer periods of time on a regular basis.

When CNG is available, the iCNG version can support in reducing running costs. While its power is down in CNG mode compared with petrol mode, it is still capable of normal commuting and everyday driving.

Highway Performance

The turbo-petrol engine is responsive and has ample power for overtaking purposes on highways. The seven-speed DCT offers rapid gear change and the manual models give the driver greater control over gear operations.

The 260 Nm torque of the diesel engine makes it especially well suited for long-distance driving. It has a six-speed transmission to ensure that the engine can produce its power over a useful range of driving conditions.

The iCNG version is capable of highway trips as well; however, the driver should take into account that the CNG mode is less powerful and make their planning accordingly, based on the availability of CNG stations along the route.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy will depend on the engine, transmission, and driving conditions. The published ARAI data for the petrol models is roughly:

- Petrol manual: 17.44 km/l

- Petrol AMT: 17.18 km/l

- Petrol DCT: 17.01 km/l

- iCNG manual: 24 km/kg

These are certified test values, and are not guaranteed real-world mileage. Actual fuel economy will vary based on traffic conditions, driving habits, road conditions, load and air-conditioning usage. The mileage of the diesel version may be different and should be taken from the most recent official data for the specific version, not assuming a single number applies to all transmissions.

Final Verdict

The Tata Nexon has a range of powertrains to cater to various driving preferences. Buyers looking for good daily driving are better off choosing the turbo-petrol version, while those who drive long distances on the highway may want to consider the diesel version for its increased low-speed torque. The iCNG version is available for those looking to reduce running expenses, and who have easy access to CNG stations.

Users should study the various performance specifications, gearbox variants, verified fuel efficiency and driving environment before making a decision to pick the variant that suits their needs best to buy the Nexon.