First launched in 2016, the Tata Nexon has been one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The SUV received its first major update in 2020, which has received an overwhelming response from buyers. Carrying unique styling, the Nexon is rated as one of the safest models on sale in our market. The current model is already over 6 years old and is ready to receive a significant makeover in the country.
Tata Motors will announce the prices of the much-awaited new-gen Nexon compact SUV on September 14, 2023. Ahead of the official launch, we bring you our first drive impressions of the 2023 Tata Nexon. In our first drive, we try to find out how good is the new Nexon diesel and should customer consider this diesel SUV over the ICE or EV versions.
2023 Tata Nexon First Drive
The new Tata Nexon retains the existing engine options – a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel. While the former is good for 120PS and 170Nm of torque, the oil burner produces 115PS and 260Nm of torque. The petrol engine is offered with 4 gearbox options – a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT and a 7-speed DCT. On the other hand, the diesel Nexon is available with two transmission choices – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT.
The SUV has the typical noise, but it is also the most fun-to-drive engine from Tata. It is offered with the same eco, city and sport driving modes, and each one offering a considerable difference in throttle response. There’s a healthy amount of torque that is quite useful in overtaking both on highways and in slower moving traffic. Yes, the engine does have the diesel clatter that is very evident from our video as well. The turbo engine performs really well and one don’t have to constantly downshift to move forward, which makes it very tractable. The engine starts getting noisier over 2000rpm and the engine sound become irritating on higher revs.
The biggest positive is the ride quality, as the suspensions are tuned in a way to provide a right balance for both slow and high-speed drives. It goes through rough roads and regular potholes without much fuss. The SUV rides on 16-inch alloys with a high profile rubber coupled with a ground clearance of 209mm.
The braking could have been better, as it lacks the sharp bite and is quite progressive in nature. The SUV gets a new two-spoke steering wheel, which looks quite stunning. The steering feedback is also good, as it weighs up nicely on high speeds.
The cabin of the new Nexon has received maximum changes, as it gets an all-new dashboard layout and new colour scheme. It features a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, a twin-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated logo, new leatherette seats with ventilation function, and a touch panel for climate control and others.
