Tata Nexon crossover testing continues; Launch expected by end-2017

Tata’s upcoming crossover model, the Nexon, has been caught on test yet again. First showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, it will be Tata’s first ever offering in the burgeoning compact crossover space. 

Looking at the Auto Expo show car, the Nexon seems genuinely refreshing and dramatic. Its roofline is coupe-like and the smaller glass-house compared to other Tata models make it look bottom heavy when viewed in profile. 

These latest spy shots also show the flared wheel arches of the Nexon. Like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, the Nexon is expected to come with a contrasting color option for the roof and LEDs for both headlights and tail lamps.

Inside, Tata will offer a dash mounted touchscreen display. This will be the familiar Harman-developed unit that’s easy to operate and has a nice sounding 8-speaker music system. What’s also new is the Land Rover-style rotary knob for the drive modes – City, Eco and Sport. Tata is bound to pack the Nexon with loads of equipment. Expect top-spec variants to come with electric mirrors, steering mounted controls, climate control, push-button start, ABS, airbags, rear AC vents, different drive modes and some more.

Under the hood, the Nexon is expected to introduce a new 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine that Tata is currently developing. It is expected to develop 110bhp and 260Nm of torque. In comparison, the EcoSport makes 99bhp/205Nm from its 1.5-litre diesel engine while the Vitara Brezza’s 1.3-litre unit is good for 89bhp and 200Nm. 

Tata is expected to reveal the Nexon by the end of this year. When launched, it will take on similarly sized vehicles like the Ford EcoSport and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.