- Prices start at Rs 8.99 lakh
- Only available with a manual transmission option
The much-awaited Tata Nexon CNG was launched earlier this month and after its market debut we drove the car and here are our top five highlights. But before we get into the highlights, you can check out our drive review here or see our video, which is linked below.
Useable boot space
The standard car gets 392 litres and in this CNG-compliant version, you get 321 litres which is 81 per cent of total capacity, not a bad number when you consider how CNG tanks have always robbed cars of their boot space. This has been achieved via Tata’s twin-cylinder technology where it has split the cylinders into two 30-litre units and placed them lower down where you would normally have the spare wheel. The latter has now been winched underneath, old-school SUV style and Tata has added more ground clearance to account for the same.
Real-world mileage
The engine powering this Nexon CNG is Tata’s 1.2-litre turbo petrol. It’s a first in the segment and could even get an AMT in the coming months. IN CNG guise, this engine produces 98bhp/170Nm and can only be had with a six-speed MT, again a first for a CNG-powered car. In standard petrol guise, this engine with this gearbox offers a claimed mileage of 17.44kmpl. Officially, Tata has not revealed a mileage figure but in our real-world mileage tests, we got 11.65km/kg in the city and 17.5km/kg out on the highway, giving us a combined average of 13km/kg.
No lack of performance
The big numbers and turbo petrol engine have meant that the Nexon, in this CNG guise, has not lost any of the sprightliness that the car is known for. The engine still pulls strongly and you can easily cruise at three-digit speeds without much effort or strain on the engine. The added weight of 120kgs has not affected the ride quality and with the additional ground clearance, you only have to be cautious of not damaging the spare tyre underneath. In fact, the only major difference in CNG mode is additional vibrations in the steering wheel and gear lever.
Available as a fully loaded model
In the past, going for CNG power meant that you couldn’t all the way to the top of the variant list even if you had the budget. Tata is offering the Nexon CNG across its range and has a fully loaded Fearless +S variant on offer. This is the car in our photos. It comes with every bell and whistle that Tata has for the Nexon both inside and outside. This includes dual digital screens, new Tata steering with illuminated logo, ventilated seats, connected car technology, 360-degree camera, LED light package and 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. All versions of the Nexon get six airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction control and three-point seat belts for all occupants.
Photos: Kaustubh Gandhi
