Tata Nexon

The 2023 Tata Nexon stands out with its bold, modern styling. The updated design takes inspiration from Tata’s recent concepts like the Harrier EV and Curvv, giving the Nexon an aggressive yet sleek look. The most notable design feature is the new split headlamp setup, with high-set LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and the main headlamps housed lower on the bumper. This gives the SUV a distinctive appearance on the road

At the rear, the Nexon features redesigned tail lamps with a connected light bar, further enhancing its modern appeal. The 16-inch alloy wheels have a sharp, stylish design that complements the vehicle’s sporty stance. Roof rails and subtle chrome accents add a premium touch, making the Nexon visually appealing in both urban and off-road environments

The Nexon offers multiple powertrain options, including petrol and diesel engines. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers 118 bhp, while the 1.5-litre diesel produces 113 bhp, ensuring a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. However, one of the downsides is the manual gearbox, which feels notchy and can be cumbersome to use, especially in city traffic​. The petrol engine also comes with the option of an AMT or a dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT), while the diesel gets an AMT variant.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Nexon continues to impress with its well-tuned suspension, which provides a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. The steering feedback is precise, making it a joy to drive both in the city and on highways​.

The Nexon excels in terms of ride quality and handling. Its suspension setup ensures a comfortable ride even over rough patches, while the steering feels well-weighted and offers ample feedback. The Nexon remains stable and planted even at higher speeds, giving drivers confidence when navigating corners. While body roll is noticeable if you push the car hard, it doesn't detract from the overall driving experience​.

The ride quality is particularly impressive, with the suspension soaking up most road imperfections with ease. Whether you’re tackling city roads or heading out on a long highway drive, the Nexon’s driving dynamics make it one of the better-handling SUVs in its class.

The Tata Nexon offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample legroom and decent headroom, though the sloping roofline at the rear may cause headroom to feel tight for taller passengers​. The seats are supportive, and the ventilated front seats and high-quality upholstery make the cabin feel premium.

The boot space is also generous, offering enough room for a pair of small suitcases. The rear seat can comfortably accommodate three passengers, making it a practical choice for families. However, the lack of usable cubby holes and the awkwardly positioned USB ports at the front can be inconvenient​.

Tata has significantly upped the game when it comes to technology in the 2023 Nexon. Top-end variants feature dual 10.25-inch displays—a touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is intuitive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, and voice-controlled sunroof are other impressive tech features that add to the Nexon’s premium appeal​.

The Nexon also packs in smart navigation, with the ability to mirror maps onto the instrument cluster, and it supports voice commands for various functions, such as adjusting the air conditioning or opening the sunroof​.

Both petrol and diesel versions of the Tata Nexon offer competitive mileage figures, with the petrol manual delivering around 17-18 km/l, while the diesel variants can return 21-22 km/l, depending on driving conditions. The AMT versions of both engines provide slightly lower fuel efficiency due to their automatic transmission​.

The Nexon’s interior feels premium, especially in the higher-end variants, which come with leatherette upholstery and soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels. The overall build quality is solid, though some users have reported minor issues with fit and finish, such as uneven panel gaps and exposed welds​.

The infotainment system and digital instrument cluster are well-integrated into the dashboard, giving the cabin a modern and tech-savvy feel. Despite some ergonomic quirks, like the awkward placement of USB ports and limited storage spaces, the Nexon’s cabin remains a comfortable and pleasant place to spend time​(Tata Nexon).

With a starting price of ₹8.15 lakh and going up to ₹15.80 lakh for the top-end variants (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Tata Nexon remains one of the most value-packed offerings in the subcompact SUV segment​ It offers a comprehensive list of premium features, solid safety credentials, and a balanced driving experience, all at a competitive price point. Given the updates and technology on offer, the Nexon is an excellent value for money proposition.

The Nexon’s pricing structure is competitive, with several variants to choose from depending on engine and gearbox preferences. Tata Motors has also improved its after-sales service network, ensuring that Nexon owners can expect good support and accessibility when it comes to maintenance and parts.

In terms of competition, the Tata Nexon goes up against the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300. While each of these models offers unique features, the Nexon stands out with its five-star safety rating, advanced technology, and competitive pricing​(Tata Nexon). While the manual gearbox may detract from the overall experience, the automatic variants remain strong contenders in their respective price brackets.