Tata Nexon: In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s automotive market, few vehicles have managed to carve out a distinctive identity quite like the Tata Nexon.
Since its debut, this compact SUV has been a testament to Tata Motors’ commitment to blending style, substance, and safety.
The recent facelift of the Nexon isn’t merely a cosmetic upgrade—it represents a thoughtful evolution that addresses customer feedback while pushing the boundaries of what consumers can expect from this segment.
Tata Nexon: A Design Revolution, Not Just Evolution
The moment you lay eyes on the new Nexon, it becomes evident that Tata’s design team wasn’t content with incremental changes. The front fascia has undergone a dramatic transformation, embracing what Tata calls its new “Curvv” design language.
Gone is the somewhat rounded appearance of its predecessor, replaced by a more assertive and angular front end that commands attention.
The slim LED daytime running lights stretch across the width of the hood, creating a distinctive light signature that’s instantly recognizable even from a distance.
These connect seamlessly with a redesigned grille that features a parametric pattern—a deliberate move away from the honeycomb design of the previous iteration. The main headlamp clusters have been repositioned lower on the bumper, housing powerful bi-LED projector units that provide exceptional illumination during night driving.
Moving along the profile, the Nexon maintains its coupe-like silhouette, but subtle changes to the character lines give it a more dynamic stance. The floating roof design continues to be a standout element, now enhanced with new color options for the roof that allow for greater personalization.
The redesigned 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels feature a turbine-inspired pattern that not only looks premium but also improves aerodynamic efficiency marginally.
Perhaps the most striking transformation is at the rear, where the Nexon adopts a connected LED tail lamp setup that spans the width of the tailgate.
This horizontal light bar creates a sense of width and modernity, complemented by a redesigned bumper with a silver skid plate that reinforces its SUV credentials. The repositioned Nexon badging across the tailgate in individual letters (rather than a simple logo) signals Tata’s confidence in the model’s brand equity.
Cabin Reimagined: Where Luxury Meets Technology
Step inside the new Nexon, and you’re greeted by an interior that feels like it belongs to a vehicle from a segment above.
The layered dashboard features a mix of soft-touch materials, leatherette inserts, and thoughtful ambient lighting that creates a premium atmosphere previously unseen in this category.
The centerpiece is undoubtedly the new 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system. This high-resolution display houses Tata’s latest ConnectNext interface, offering seamless smartphone integration via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The screen’s responsiveness represents a significant improvement over the previous generation, with minimal lag even when navigating through complex menus.
Complementing this is a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster that can be configured to display various information layouts according to driver preference.
The graphics are crisp, with animations that are fluid without being distracting. The integration between both screens feels cohesive, unlike some competitors where digital elements seem added as an afterthought.
The redesigned two-spoke steering wheel, adorned with illuminated Tata logo, feels substantial in hand and houses tactile controls for various functions.
A subtle but welcome addition is the voice assistant activation button, allowing drivers to control numerous functions without taking their hands off the wheel. The voice recognition system understands Indian accents remarkably well, a thoughtful localization that many global manufacturers overlook.
Seat comfort has received considerable attention, with the front seats offering improved lateral support and cushioning. The leatherette upholstery in top variants features a perforated pattern that enhances both aesthetics and ventilation.
Rear seat passengers haven’t been forgotten, with reclined seatbacks at an optimal angle and a central armrest that includes cupholders and a smartphone pocket.
Other noteworthy interior enhancements include a wireless charging pad with cooling function, air purifier with AQI display, ventilated front seats, and a premium sound system developed in collaboration with Harman. USB-C ports replace older USB-A variants, acknowledging current device charging trends.
Powertrain Options: Balancing Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Nexon facelift continues to offer multiple powertrain choices, though with notable refinements. The 1.2-liter turbocharged Revotron petrol engine now produces 120 PS and 170 Nm of torque, featuring improved thermal management and reduced vibration levels.
Engineers have worked extensively on the engine mounts and insulation materials, resulting in a significantly quieter cabin experience even under hard acceleration.
The 1.5-liter Revotorq diesel engine remains largely unchanged in output figures (115 PS and 260 Nm), but receives calibration updates that improve low-end torque delivery—a boon in urban traffic conditions.
Both engines benefit from start-stop technology, contributing to impressive fuel efficiency figures of approximately 17.5 km/l for petrol and 23.4 km/l for diesel under standardized testing conditions.
Transmission options have expanded, with both engines now available with three choices: a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), and a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for the petrol variant.
The inclusion of the DCT addresses one of the few criticisms of the previous model, offering smooth and quick shifts that transform the driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic situations.
Drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) have been retained but recalibrated to offer more distinctive characteristics. Sport mode, especially, now delivers a noticeable difference in throttle response and steering weight, making it genuinely useful on open roads rather than just a marketing gimmick.
Safety: Building on Five-Star Foundations
Safety has always been a cornerstone of the Nexon’s identity, being the first Indian car to achieve a 5-star Global NCAP rating. The facelift builds upon this foundation with additional features that push the envelope further.
The structural integrity remains exceptional, with high-strength steel forming a rigid safety cage. Six airbags now come as standard across all variants—a move that sets a new benchmark in the segment.
Electronic stability program, traction control, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors further round out the passive safety features.
Active safety sees significant enhancements with the introduction of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features in top variants. These include autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
While not as sophisticated as systems found in luxury vehicles, their inclusion at this price point represents a democratization of safety technology.
The 360-degree camera system has been improved with higher resolution feeds and dynamic guidelines, making parking in tight spaces considerably easier. The addition of front parking sensors complements the existing rear sensors and reverse camera.
On the Road: Dynamics Refined
Driving dynamics have received attention beyond mere engine calibration. The suspension setup—McPherson struts up front and twist beam at the rear—has been fine-tuned with revised spring rates and damper settings.
The result is a more planted feel at highway speeds without compromising comfort over broken surfaces.
Steering feel, a highlight of the previous model, has been preserved while reducing effort at parking speeds. The variable-ratio electric power steering adjusts assistance based on speed, offering the best of both worlds—light enough for urban maneuverability yet weighted appropriately for confident highway cruising.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels show marked improvement thanks to additional sound insulation materials and redesigned door seals.
Wind noise, particularly around the A-pillars, has been reduced significantly, making long journeys less fatiguing.
Braking performance inspires confidence, with disc brakes at all four wheels in top variants. The brake pedal offers progressive feel with minimal dead travel, allowing for precise modulation during emergency situations.
The electronic brake-force distribution works unobtrusively in the background, ensuring optimal braking force at each wheel based on load and traction conditions.
Market Positioning and Variant Strategy
Tata has streamlined the variant lineup while expanding personalization options. The new structure follows Smart, Pure, Creative, and Fearless nomenclature, replacing the traditional XE, XM, XT, XZ system.
Each tier offers comprehensive feature sets rather than forcing customers to climb to top variants for essential features.
The introduction of a new Fearless+ variant as the flagship addresses premium compact SUV buyers who might otherwise consider entry-level models from European manufacturers.
With nearly all conceivable features including panoramic sunroof, ADAS, and premium audio, it represents exceptional value while offering genuine luxury touches.
Tata’s iRA connected car technology has been enhanced, now offering over 60 connected features including geofencing, remote engine start/stop, vehicle diagnostics, and OTA (Over The Air) updates for both infotainment and vehicle systems.
A dedicated smartphone app allows owners to access these features remotely, with enhanced cybersecurity protocols protecting user data.
Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook
The Nexon facelift enters a fiercely competitive segment populated by established players like Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, and Mahindra XUV300.
What sets the Nexon apart is its comprehensive approach—rather than excelling in just one or two areas, it delivers a well-rounded package that addresses safety, design, technology, and performance simultaneously.
Pricing strategy remains aggressive despite the substantial upgrades, with the base variant offering tremendous value compared to similarly priced hatchbacks.
This careful positioning allows the Nexon to attract buyers considering vehicles from multiple segments, from premium hatchbacks to mid-size sedans.
Looking ahead, Tata has confirmed that an electric version of the facelifted Nexon is under development, building on the success of the current Nexon EV.
This upcoming model is expected to offer enhanced range and faster charging capabilities, further strengthening Tata’s position in the electric mobility space.
Tata Nexon: Setting New Benchmarks
The Tata Nexon facelift isn’t merely keeping pace with competition—it’s actively setting new benchmarks that others will struggle to match.
By addressing previous shortcomings while building on established strengths, Tata has created a compact SUV that feels genuinely premium without the premium price tag.
What’s particularly impressive is how the various elements come together cohesively rather than feeling like a collection of features added to meet competitive pressures.
The design language flows consistently from exterior to interior, the technology serves actual user needs rather than chasing specifications, and the driving experience matches the promises made by the vehicle’s appearance.
In a market where brand perception often outweighs actual product substance, the Nexon makes a compelling case for judging a vehicle on its merits.
It represents not just Tata Motors’ growth as a manufacturer but also the maturing of the Indian automotive industry as a whole—creating products that can stand proud on global platforms without asterisks or qualifications.
For consumers seeking a compact SUV that excels across multiple parameters rather than compromising in some areas to shine in others, the facelifted Nexon deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a good Indian car; it’s a good car, period.