Tata Nexon

With SUVs being the flavour of the season, Tata Motors seems to have picked up the scent and has been busy constructing a compact SUV for our market. Speculations have suggested that this SUV should be ready to hit showrooms in 2017 and if this is anything to go by, we can expect Tata to showcase this compact SUV in its concept stages at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi.

Exterior

We can safely presume that this baby SUV from Tata could be visually built around the design cues of the Zest and Bolt while retaining the dimensional strengths of the present segment contenders like the EcoSport and TUV300.

Interior

In all likelihood we can be prepared to find interior layouts that match Tata’s current design flair as seen on their other cars in the market today. Also anticipate an array of contemporary features like the car maker has recently incorporated in the Zica hatchback.

Engine

Tata might carry on with the successful 1.3-litre multijet diesel with the output of 90bhp at 4,000rpm and torque of 200Nm at 1,750-3,000rpm. While a five-speed manual transmission will be available, we may also get to taste the five-speed AMT gearbox too. Petrol power will be supplied from the 1.2-litre motor that presently powers the Zest and Bolt. 90bhp at 5,000rpm along with 140Nm at 1,500-4,000rpm is what this engine generates and will be mated to a five-speed manual box.

Tata is likely to introduce this important SUV in the Indian market to compete with the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Maruti Vitara Brezza. Prices should be in the range of Rs 6.50 lakh to Rs 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).