Spied: Tata Nexon caught testing in India
Tata Motors previewed the Nexon concept at the 2016 Auto Expo in India. The Tata Nexon marks the company's entry into the sub-4m SUV segment. Upon its launch, which is expected to happen sometime next year, the Tata Nexon will compete with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra NuvoSport and the Ford EcoSport. While the Indian car manufacturer has been testing the Nexon for quite some time, latest spied images reveal a clearer idea of its production-ready avatar.
The camouflaged test mules reveal the now radiator grille design, also seen on the Tiago and other products in the portfolio. The headlight profile remains similar to the one shown in the concept; however, the test models have a temporary lights affixed in the headlight recess. The bumper looks muscular and also displays the central air dam along with a higher positioned fog lamp housing. It is already known that the Tata Nexon gets a ground clearance of 200mm and will run on 215-section 16-inch tyres. Instead of alloys, the test mules came with regular steel wheels, meaning the version being tested is a mid-range or an entry-level variant. The rear profile is also heavily camouflaged, but the details seen on the mules are new compact lights, wider bumper as well as a skid plate positioned underneath.
The interiors in the test mule were not visible; however, we believe Tata Motors would retain the same layout and features as the concept had in the motor show. The quality of trims and plastics appear more upmarket than their current line-up and should be one of its strongest points. It gets an all-new 6.5-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.
About the engine options, the upcoming SUV will come equipped with a new range of 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. The latter was also showcased at the motor show and is believed to put out 110PS/260Nm, whereas the petrol 1.2-litre will be a turbocharged unit and expected to be more powerful than the diesel motor. Both the engines will be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with an optional automatic unit. The Tata Nexon will also come with three driving modes which include Sport and Eco.