Five things we like about the Tata Nexon, and four that can be improved

The new Tata Nexon SUV will be launched within a few weeks. It is one highly anticipated compact SUV. We have just driven this red hot SUV and here are five things we think will work in the Nexon's favour, and stuff that can be improved.

Things we like

Looks: If looks alone can sell, Tata has a winner in its hands. Be it from any angle, the Nexon looks fantastic. Kudos to the designers then!

Space: Every Tata car, right from the days of the Sumo, has been known for cabin space. The Nexon is no different. While the sloping roofline looks like it will eat into head room, it surprisingly doesn't.

Features: Some never-seen-before features in this segment debut in the Tata Nexon. This includes the floating touchscreen infotainment, provision to hold an umbrella in the front door, drive modes, parking assist and wide angle rear view camera. Lest we forget, the wristband-type RF-based optional key.

Safety: While most of the current compact SUVs offer safety features as an option, the Tata Nexon gets dual airbags and ABS as standard. Plus the OE brakes are just fantastic.

Value for money: While the prices aren't out yet, given the positioning of this SUV, expect the Nexon to have a killer price tag. Our estimate is spec to spec, the Nexon should undercut the Maruti Vitara Brezza by around Rs 50,000.

Things that can improve

Quality: Well, as much as we hate to say it, the quality isn't still up to the mark. During this particular drive, we had issues with the handbrake and gear knob. These are minor niggles which the company said they will sort out before the production cars are dispatched to the dealerships.

Engines: While they are among the most powerful engines available in this segment, the performance is a tad subdued. The engines have been tuned more towards driveability and efficiency than outright performance. The portly 1300kg kerb weight too doesn't help matters much. A wee bit of enthusiasm from either of the motors will be appreciated.

Features: Surprising to find this sub-head here? Well while the feature list is impressive, it misses out on a few essentials which we have come to expect from this segment. This includes auto-up driver side power window, auto dimming IRVM, auto headlamps and wipers.

Ergonomics: While there is no complaint with the seating space, there are a few ergonomical issues. The USB port access aft of the gear lever is placed in a deep recess and accessing it is a problem. Similar is the sunglass holder which again can hold only small frame glasses. The umbrella holder too can hold a brand new umbrella but  once you use the umbrella, it's a tad difficult to put it back into the same slot. Did we mention that it will strictly hold a 2-fold umbrella?