Tata Motors Nexon

The 2023 Tata Nexon brings a sharper design, a more tech-laden cabin, and six standard airbags to a segment where safety has traditionally been an afterthought. Built on a proven platform with petrol and diesel engine choices, it covers a wide price band from accessible entry-level trims to near-premium configurations. Its five-star Global NCAP rating, rare at this price, continues to be the single most compelling argument for the Nexon in a fiercely competitive compact SUV market.

Tata's 2023 Nexon overhaul was more than a cosmetic refresh. The redesigned exterior adopts a bolder character with sharp LED daytime running lights, a wider air intake, and a sculpted bonnet that gives it a more premium visual weight than its predecessor. The coupe-style roofline that has distinguished the Nexon since launch is retained, lending it a sporty silhouette in a segment of predominantly upright boxes. At 208 mm of ground clearance, poorly surfaced city roads and moderate off-road diversions are well within the car's ability. Under the bonnet, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol produces 120 bhp and 170 Nm, offering spirited performance for urban use, though some three-cylinder trade-offs, light vibration at idle, modest top-end stretch, are unavoidable. The 1.5-litre diesel is the better long-distance companion, with 260 Nm of torque arriving low in the rev range and ARAI-certified efficiency just above 23 kmpl. Petrol variants pair with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch; the DCT suits city work well but exhibits a slight hesitancy below 20 km/h in heavy stop-go conditions. The cabin has taken a meaningful step upward. Fearless-grade variants receive a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, a 9-speaker JBL audio system, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree surround-view camera, a combination that places it ahead of segment rivals on features-per-rupee grounds. The cabin air purifier with AQI display is a practical bonus for urban buyers. Rear legroom is adequate for two passengers but tighter for a third adult, and the 382-litre boot, while usable, sits slightly below the class average. Safety is the Nexon's defining argument. All variants ship with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control as standard, a commitment few rivals at this price point match. The five-star Global NCAP rating from 2023 testing confirms a structural integrity that inspires genuine confidence. Tata rounds out the package with ISOFIX mounts, tyre pressure monitoring, and hill-start assist, delivering a safety specification that remains a clear benchmark for the segment.