Tata Nexon

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The Nexon's engine lineup is one of the broadest in the compact SUV segment. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol produces 88.2 kW (120 PS) and 170 Nm between 1750–4000 rpm, and is available with a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT, or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCA). Autocar India lists the ARAI-certified petrol mileage at 17.01 kmpl for the manual variant. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel makes 84.5 kW (113 PS) and a strong 260 Nm from as low as 1500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed MT or 6-speed AMT.

The iCNG variant is the headline act for running-cost buyers. As India's first turbocharged CNG SUV, it uses a factory-fitted twin-cylinder setup (30 L + 30 L = 60 L total) placed under the luggage floor, preserving 321 litres of boot space. It claims 26.99 km/kg in CNG mode, and can start directly in CNG without needing to switch from petrol first. The iCNG is exclusively offered with a 6-speed MT and does not get multi-drive modes, cruise control, or iRA connected features.

For daily commuters, the iCNG's running cost advantage is significant: at prevailing CNG prices, the per-kilometre cost is roughly one-third that of petrol. Diesel buyers who cover high annual mileage will find the 260 Nm torque and strong highway efficiency compelling, though the diesel range tops out at the Creative + S level — the Fearless + PS persona is petrol-only.

Performance and drive

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol feels eager in city traffic, with its 170 Nm torque plateau spanning 1750–4000 rpm giving it a broad, accessible power band. The 7-speed DCA on the top Fearless + PS variant is the smoothest gearbox in the range, with paddle shifters adding a sporty dimension. Multi-drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) are available on petrol and diesel variants, letting drivers tune throttle response to conditions — these are absent on the iCNG.

The diesel's 260 Nm arrives early and makes it the effortless long-distance choice. At 84.5 kW (113 PS), it is slightly down on outright power versus the petrol, but the torque advantage means it rarely feels strained. The 6-speed AMT diesel is a practical urban option, though like all AMTs it has a slight hesitation at low speeds.

Ride quality is a Nexon strong suit. The McPherson strut front and twist-beam rear suspension is tuned for Indian road conditions, and the 208 mm of ground clearance — the highest in the segment — means speed breakers and broken surfaces are dispatched with confidence. Steering is electrically assisted with tilt adjustment, and the 5.1-metre turning radius makes city manoeuvring manageable.

Cabin, space, and tech

The Nexon's interior is a significant step up from the previous generation. A layered dashboard features twin 10.25-inch screens — one for infotainment (HARMAN-sourced, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and one for the digital instrument cluster with navigation display and Driver Attention Assist. The Next Gen Phygital Touch Panel replaces conventional HVAC buttons with a capacitive panel, giving the cabin a premium feel.

Higher trims add an electric panoramic sunroof (voice-assisted), a grand floor console with leatherette armrest, a wireless charger, a cooled glovebox, and Benecke-Kaliko ventilated leatherette seats on the Fearless persona. The top Fearless + PS DCA gets a JBL-branded 9-speaker system with subwoofer — not available on CNG variants. iRA connected vehicle technology with 70+ features (first year free) is offered on petrol and diesel trims.

Boot space is a practical 382 litres for petrol and diesel variants, dropping to 321 litres on the iCNG due to the twin CNG cylinders. Rear seat space is adequate for three adults on shorter trips, and the 2498 mm wheelbase is competitive for the segment. R16 alloy wheels are fitted from the Creative trim upward; Smart and Pure personas get R16 steel wheels.

Safety and ADAS

Safety is the Nexon's defining credential. It holds a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating (applicable for petrol and diesel trims as of May 2026), and was historically the first Indian-made car to earn a 5-star Global NCAP score. Six airbags are standard across every variant — including the base Smart — which is genuinely rare at this price point. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS, 3-point ELR seatbelts for all occupants, ISOFIX mounts, and TPMS are also standard.

ADAS (Level 1) is available exclusively on the Fearless + PS DCA petrol variant and includes Front Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Centering System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. It is not available on CNG or diesel variants. The HD 360-degree Surround View System with front parking sensor, Blind View Monitor (BVM), and HD reverse parking camera are available on higher trims across all powertrains.

The iCNG variant gets additional safety features specific to its powertrain: a Leak Detection system, Fire Protection Device, Thermal Incident Protection, and a Microswitch that keeps the car switched off during refuelling. E-Call and B-Call (24/7 emergency and breakdown assistance) are available on petrol and diesel variants only.

Variants and pricing

The Nexon is structured across four broad personas — Smart, Pure, Creative, and Fearless — with sub-variants denoted by '+', 'S', 'PS', 'DK' (Dark), and 'Red #Dark' suffixes. Ex-showroom prices (per Autocar India, May 2026) run from Rs 7.37 lakh for the Petrol Smart 5MT to Rs 14.02 lakh for the Fearless + PS Diesel AMT. The CNG range spans Rs 8.30 lakh (Smart CNG) to Rs 13.22 lakh (Fearless + PS CNG MT).

The mid-spec Creative variants (from around Rs 10.00 lakh petrol MT) represent the sweet spot, adding a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and the full 10.25-inch infotainment setup. The Fearless + PS DCA petrol (Rs 13.62 lakh) is the only variant with ADAS and the JBL 9-speaker audio. A Red #Dark special edition is available exclusively in the Fearless + PS persona. September 2026 offers of up to Rs 75,000 are available on select Nexon variants.

How it compares

Against the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet, the Nexon's key advantages are its larger 382-litre boot, higher 208 mm ground clearance, standard 6 airbags on every variant, and the unique turbo CNG option. The Venue and Sonet offer more polished automatic gearboxes at comparable price points, and the Sonet's diesel DCT is a notable gap in the Nexon's lineup.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO competes closely on features and safety, offering a sunroof and ADAS at similar prices, but the Nexon's broader powertrain choice — particularly the iCNG — and its proven 5-star BNCAP score give it an edge for safety-first buyers. The Maruti Fronx undercuts on price and offers better claimed petrol mileage, but lacks a diesel option and trails on boot space and safety ratings.

Who should buy it

The Tata Nexon is the right choice for buyers who want the most complete safety package in the segment without compromise — 6 airbags and ESP on the base variant is a genuine differentiator. Families who frequently navigate rough roads will appreciate the 208 mm ground clearance. High-mileage urban commuters should seriously consider the iCNG variant, where the 26.99 km/kg claimed efficiency translates to meaningful monthly savings.

Buyers who want the full technology experience — ADAS, JBL audio, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and the 7-speed DCA — should budget for the Fearless + PS DCA petrol at Rs 13.62 lakh. Those who want a capable, well-equipped SUV without spending over Rs 11 lakh will find the Creative petrol MT or diesel MT variants hit the value sweet spot. The iCNG is best avoided by buyers who need an automatic gearbox, as it is exclusively manual.