The Tata Nexon was the car that proved to Indian buyers and the global automotive industry that Indian-made vehicles could achieve 5-star global safety ratings. The 2024-generation Nexon builds on this foundation with a completely redesigned body, a new tri-arrow design language, improved interior quality, and Tata’s comprehensive connected technology suite. At under ₹10 lakh to start, it competes directly with the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Fronx, and Kia Sonet — but the Nexon targets above its price in safety and features. After 16,000 km, here’s our verdict.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L Turbo Petrol (120 PS) / 1.5L Diesel (115 PS) |
| Transmission | 6MT / 7-DCT (petrol) / 6MT (diesel) |
| Length × Width | 4,018 × 1,811 mm |
| Boot Space | 382 litres |
| Claimed FE | 17 km/l (petrol MT) / 23.2 km/l (diesel) |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star Global NCAP (2023) |
| Starting Price | ₹8.10 lakh (ex-showroom) |
Design & Exterior
The new Nexon’s tri-arrow design language is bold and contemporary. The tri-arrow LED headlamps, the sculpted bonnet with strong character lines, the muscular rear haunches, and the flush door handles on top variants create a premium aesthetic that comfortably slots above the Venue and Sonet visually. The two-tone Flame Red + Black roof remains one of India’s most popular SUV colour choices. At 1,811 mm width (wider than the Creta), the Nexon has a genuinely broad stance.
Interior & Features
The 12.3-inch floating touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, Tata’s ARCADE.ev connected platform (65+ connected features), a JBL 9-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera on Accomplished+ variants make the Nexon’s interior genuinely competitive with the Creta/Seltos — remarkable at its starting price. The iRA connected app enables remote engine start, AC pre-cooling, location tracking, and real-time vehicle health monitoring.
Engine & Performance
The 1.2L turbocharged petrol (120 PS, 170 Nm) is the Nexon’s daily driver powertrain. Responsive from 2,000 rpm, with a strong mid-range push to 5,000 rpm. Real-world city economy: 14–16 km/l; highway: 17–19 km/l. The 7-speed DCT is smooth and quick for city driving. The 1.5L diesel (115 PS, 260 Nm) is the economical choice for high-mileage drivers — 20–23 km/l on highways is consistently achievable.
Ride Quality & Handling
The new Nexon rides significantly better than its predecessor — the revised suspension tuning on the ALPHA arc platform manages Indian road conditions with considerably more composure. City potholes are handled without jarring. Highway ride at 100–110 km/h is stable and planted. The 1,811 mm width gives the Nexon good lateral stability. Steering is well-weighted for city and highway use. Overall ride quality is among the best in the sub-₹15 lakh segment.
Safety
5-Star Global NCAP 2023. 6 airbags (Accomplished and above). Electronic Stability Program. Hill Hold. ADAS (Creative+ variant): forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring. The Nexon’s 5-star rating — achieved without corners cut — remains the safety benchmark for compact SUVs in India.
Price & Variants
- Smart: ₹8.10 lakh
- Pure+ / Creative+: ₹9.99–14.50 lakh
- Fearless+ / Accomplished+: ₹15.99–17.99 lakh
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5-Star Global NCAP — safest compact SUV | DCT gearbox has reliability questions in heavy city use |
| Starts at ₹8.10 lakh — best entry price | Turbo petrol economy (14–16 kmpl city) below diesel |
| 12.3-inch screen + 10.25-inch cluster on top variants | Tata service quality varies significantly by dealer |
| 1,811 mm width — widest in segment | Boot (382L) slightly below Creta/Seltos (433L) |
| JBL 9-speaker + panoramic sunroof at under ₹18L | Resale value below Maruti/Hyundai |
Verdict
The Tata Nexon is India’s safety benchmark compact SUV — no other car under ₹18 lakh offers a confirmed 5-star Global NCAP rating with this level of feature content. For families with children, the Nexon is the clear recommendation from a safety standpoint. For brand value and resale, the Creta is ahead. For pure driving dynamics, the Kushaq 1.5 TSI is better. But for the complete package of safety, features, and price, the Nexon remains outstanding. Rating: 8.8/10.
