After the warm response of Tiago, Tata is hoping big from its upcoming launches like Hexa SUV, Kite 5 compact sedan and Nexon SUV. Unveiled at 2016 Auto Expo, Nexon has been doing test runs in the country for a while now. But it seems the compact SUV is in its final stages of testing before its official launch which could be around in H2 2017. The benchmark setter Ford Eco Sport has instigated carmakers to invest into compact SUV segment, Hyundai Creta and Vitara Brezza are great examples of it.
Adding to the long list of spy shots, we get another set of new images showing its production ready stance. The Nexon will be a five seater compact SUV which is based on modified X1 Indica Platform that also underpins Tiago. Essentially a sub 4m, Nexon is 3990mm long, 1730mm wide, 1600mm tall and rides a wheelbase of 2470mm. It offers ground clearance of 200mm.
The SUV claims to have taken design inspirations from Range Rover Evoque and also sticks to new Gen impact design philosophy. Up front is a hexagonal mesh black grille (Humanity line), LED headlamps, silver surrounded roundish fog lamps, 16/17 inch alloy wheels with bespoke wheel arches, prominent black cladding, sloping roofline with black pillars, chrome surround on window sills etc.
At the rear, it will boast U-shaped LED lights, plastic cladded rear bumper and LED lights for the number plate. The cabin will remain identical to Tiago hatchback along with features such as 6.5 inch Harmon Kardon touchscreen system with command recognition, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, advanced eight-speaker audio system, multi-function steering wheel with audio control buttons, floating instrument panel, HVAC etc.
Tata Nexon would be available with both petrol and diesel engines which could be led by a 1.2 l Revotron petrol engine that develops a max output of 89bhp power and 140Nm of torque. The 1.5l diesel engine develops 108bhp power and 260Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The SUV might also get F-tronic AMT gearbox with either of the engines. The compact SUV will be plotted against Mahindra KUV100, Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Ford EcoSport.
