The compact SUV segment in India has become one of the most competitive markets, where consumers are looking for a combination of style, performance, and value for money. Among the numerous options available, the Tata Nexon stands out as a top contender for those seeking a budget-friendly SUV that doesn’t compromise on premium features. With a sleek design, robust build, efficient engine options, and a host of modern features, the Tata Nexon is redefining what an affordable SUV can offer.
Launched in 2017, the Tata Nexon quickly became a popular choice in the Indian market, and its success story only continues to grow with every update. Over the years, Tata Motors has successfully refined the Nexon to provide an even better experience for its customers. The latest version of the Nexon brings forward a host of new technologies, design enhancements, and features that make it a standout option in the compact SUV segment. But what truly sets the Nexon apart is its ability to provide all these premium features at a budget-friendly price point.
In this article, we will explore why the Tata Nexon has emerged as one of the best budget-friendly SUVs in India, focusing on its design, performance, features, and overall value proposition.
A Brief Overview of the Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon was conceived with a clear objective: to offer a compact SUV that could appeal to the modern Indian buyer looking for a blend of style, comfort, safety, and affordability. It quickly established itself as a value-for-money offering that doesn’t skimp on essential features.
The SUV is available in both petrol and diesel variants, and Tata has ensured that each variant is equipped with features that not only meet the needs of Indian consumers but exceed expectations for cars in the same price range. The Nexon was also one of the first cars in its segment to receive a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), which boosted its appeal even further.
With sleek styling, solid road presence, and a spacious interior, the Tata Nexon appeals to urban buyers, young professionals, and families alike. It competes with other popular models such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV300, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, but its unique combination of premium features and pricing has made it a popular choice.
Sleek and Modern Design: Premium Looks at an Affordable Price
When it comes to compact SUVs, a striking design is key, as it gives the car an instant road presence. The Tata Nexon excels in this department, offering a bold and modern design that rivals some of the more expensive SUVs in the segment.
Exterior Design
At the front, the Nexon features a sleek and aggressive grille with the signature Tata logo placed prominently at the center. The headlamps are angular and feature projector LED units, offering an attractive light signature. The sculpted bumper and the sleek fog lamps add to the SUV’s aggressive stance, making it look larger and more premium than many of its competitors in the segment.
The side profile is equally striking, with prominent character lines and sharp wheel arches that give the vehicle a muscular, athletic look. The floating roof design, a distinctive feature of the Nexon, adds a sense of modernity and premium appeal. The roof rails further enhance the rugged appeal of the car, while the large 16-inch alloy wheels complete the sporty look.
At the rear, the Nexon continues to impress with sharp, contemporary design elements. The LED tail lamps add a touch of sophistication, while the roof-mounted spoiler further elevates its dynamic appeal. Overall, the design of the Tata Nexon is youthful, fresh, and appealing, making it one of the best-looking compact SUVs in its price range.
Interior Design and Comfort
On the inside, the Tata Nexon doesn’t fall short in offering a premium experience. The cabin is well laid out, with a modern design that uses high-quality materials to give it a premium feel. The upholstery is made of fabric or leatherette (depending on the variant), and the dashboard design is clean and uncluttered. The overall fit and finish are impressive for a car in this segment, with soft-touch materials and stylish accents throughout.
The Nexon’s cabin is spacious, offering ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for both the driver and passengers. The car’s high ground clearance also provides a commanding view of the road, making driving in city traffic easier and more comfortable. The front seats are well-cushioned, with adequate lumbar support, making long journeys more comfortable.
For families, the rear seat is spacious enough to accommodate three adults comfortably, and there is a 60:40 split-folding rear seat arrangement to expand boot space when needed. The large windows further contribute to the airy and open feel of the cabin.
Impressive Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Tata Nexon offers two engine options, one petrol and one diesel, both of which strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Petrol Engine
The petrol variant of the Nexon comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine that produces 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. This engine is capable of providing a peppy performance, with enough grunt to handle city driving and highway cruising. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or an AMT (automated manual transmission), offering convenience for both spirited driving and relaxed commutes.
The Nexon petrol engine delivers a decent fuel efficiency of around 17-18 km/l, making it an efficient option for urban driving and long-distance trips.
Diesel Engine
The diesel variant of the Tata Nexon features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 110 PS of power and 260 Nm of torque. The diesel engine is especially well-suited for buyers who require more torque for city driving and long highway stretches. It offers a strong mid-range performance and smooth power delivery.
The diesel variant is one of the most fuel-efficient in its segment, offering an impressive mileage of around 21-22 km/l, making it an ideal choice for those who do a lot of highway driving or seek lower running costs.
Advanced Features: A Step Ahead in the Segment
One of the biggest highlights of the Tata Nexon is its exceptional list of features that elevate it to a premium category, despite its affordable pricing. Tata has loaded the Nexon with technology and equipment that makes it stand out in its segment.
Infotainment System
The Tata Nexon comes equipped with a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even Tata’s own ConnectNext technology. This allows users to integrate their smartphones seamlessly with the car’s infotainment system for navigation, music streaming, calls, and more.
The system features a crisp and responsive interface, and the sound quality from the premium sound system is quite impressive, providing clear and rich audio for all passengers.
Safety Features
Safety is one of the key selling points of the Tata Nexon, and Tata Motors has equipped the vehicle with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Nexon is one of the few cars in its segment to have received a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, which highlights its robust build quality and crash protection.
Key safety features on the Nexon include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering stability control, reverse parking sensors, rear-view camera, and a reinforced body structure. The Nexon also comes with Tata’s “Impact Design” philosophy, which aims to enhance safety without compromising on style.
Comfort and Convenience Features
In addition to safety and infotainment, the Tata Nexon is packed with convenience and comfort features such as:
- Automatic Climate Control: This ensures that the cabin remains comfortable no matter the weather outside.
- Keyless Entry & Push Button Start: Adds to the convenience of starting and locking/unlocking the car.
- Power-adjustable ORVMs: Makes adjusting the side mirrors easy and precise.
- Height-adjustable Driver Seat: Offers added comfort, allowing drivers of different statures to find the perfect driving position.
Price and Value for Money
Tata Nexon continues to be one of the most affordable SUVs in its class, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for a premium SUV experience without the hefty price tag. The Nexon’s pricing begins at around INR 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to INR 13 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully-loaded variant. Given the level of features, performance, and safety the Nexon offers, it provides tremendous value for money.
Tata has also been known for its low cost of ownership, with relatively affordable maintenance and service costs. The Nexon benefits from Tata’s widespread service network, which ensures easy access to parts and services across India.
Conclusion: A Premium SUV Within Reach
The Tata Nexon offers an unparalleled combination of performance, features, safety, and value at an affordable price. It stands out as the best budget-friendly SUV with exceptional premium features, offering a compelling option for anyone looking to purchase a compact SUV in India. Whether it’s the attractive design, powerful engines, state-of-the-art infotainment system, or safety features, the Tata Nexon excels on all fronts.
With its competitive pricing, the Nexon is a vehicle that offers a premium experience without the premium price. For those looking to own a stylish, powerful, and feature-packed SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the Tata Nexon is undoubtedly one of the best choices in the market today.
