Tata Nexon CNG - There’s One for Everyone Now!
Tata Motors is taking great strides in the CNG space with revolutionary offerings like the split CNG tanks that other manufacturers also appear to be adopting. The Nexon CNG is the latest offering from the homegrown brand and is the first CNG car to use a turbocharged engine instead of a naturally aspirated unit. Moreover, Tata Motors is now the first brand to offer a vehicle with all four major fuel options, i.e., Petrol, Diesel, Electric and CNG. Let's dive in and find out what's it like behind the wheel.
One of the biggest talking points about the facelifted Nexon has been its design. The DRLs and the lower bumper look very sharp. Even the 16-inch alloys are extremely cool and from the side, the SUV looks quite bubbly. The connected taillights are a neat touch and there aren't any distinguishable design changes that can help you tell this apart from a standard petrol or diesel powered Nexon. The only way you could tell it apart is the 'i-CNG' badge at the bottom of the boot lid.
There are several different colour options to take your pick from but I personally really dig this 'Creative Ocean' shade that comes with a white roof which does look stunning under the perfect light. But I'd still opt for the 'Fearless Purple' though which is paired with a black roof and really stands out, especially in the dark.
On the inside, the story continues, the cabin is identical to the regular Nexon. The dark upholstery makes the cabin look dingy, but Tata has been generous in using nice materials around. The only big difference I noticed is the addition of a CNG switch in the centre console. Can't call it a switch as it is a touch-sensitive button which is by far the nicest way I have ever switched from petrol to CNG and back.
There's also a full-size panoramic sunroof on this CNG model which is surprising because the standard Nexon comes with a single-pane unit. As a matter of fact, this Nexon CNG comes fully loaded with features. So CNG is not a compromise anymore? The stylish 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a similarly sized digital instrument cluster, cooled front seats, an air purifier, a JBL sound system, auto climate control and a wireless charging pad are all carried over to the Nexon CNG. The instrument cluster has some obvious new graphics to display the CNG information including remaining levels and trip info.
The Nexon CNG features Tata's innovative twin-cylinder technology that uses two smaller 30-litre tanks to store CNG instead of a single oversized tank. The tanks are stored under the boot floor and give you 321 litres of usable luggage space in the boot which is only about 61 litres smaller than the regular Nexon. It's still very usable and from the looks of it, I don't think you would ever need more space than what you see.
Safety features include 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera with blind spot monitor, a tyre pressure monitor, and front parking sensors. CNG-specific safety comes in the form of a fire extinguisher, engine auto shut down when the fuel cap is open and even auto CNG cut-off and release whenever a leak is detected.
The well-known 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine powers the Tata Nexon CNG. However, the 120PS power output of the motor has been detuned to provide a lesser yet respectable 100PS but torque numbers remain consistent at 170Nm of torque. It only comes mated to a 6-speed manual but we expect to see an AMT in the coming future. It's surprising that Tata hasn't offered the automatic transmission from the launch because we know for a fact they already have the tech to provide one.
Much like the standard petrol-powered Nexon, this model here is also in no hurry. Being a CNG it doesn't enjoy brutal acceleration, I mean it isn't supposed to. It definitely doesn't feel underpowered in any way but it prefers to pick up the pace more gradually rather than hurriedly. There are a few jitters that travel about the cabin upon lift-off but things start to calm down once you find your stride. You might also want to avoid revving this engine out as it gets way too noisy and it's not a very melodious noise.
The Nexon CNG also has the capability of starting directly into CNG mode which really helps save those few drops of petrol that you would otherwise waste. Switching from CNG to petrol or vice versa on the go is very easy and you don't notice a massive difference in the power delivery after the switch. It's only when you pay close attention to the drivetrain while making the switch that you feel the difference between petrol to CNG.
The manual transmission feels very much like every bit much like a Tata. The throws are a bit too long and the clutch pedal feels like it fights back every time. On the highway, it feels effortless but in stop-and-go traffic when you're just paying around with 1,2 and 3 that rubber band effect could get frustrating. It does take some time getting used to this clutch but once you do it isn't that hard to live with.
Compared to petrol, CNG weighs around 120 kg more and to deal with that added weight, Tata has modified the spring level of the suspension. The suspension efficiently absorbs small undulations on the road and even when hitting bigger potholes on the highway, the ride is still smooth and comfortable. Even the steering feels well-weighted at slow and higher speeds which is quite impressive and making u-turns in tight spaces is a breeze.
Keep in mind that the Nexon CNG still has some of the same issues as the standard Nexon. The engine doesn't feel as refined and the fit and finish around the cabin could be a bit questionable at times. All that aside though, if you walk into a Tata Motors dealership, you will find a Nexon for yourself as the SUV is now offered broadly across all powertrains and there are dozens of variants to choose from. So finding the perfect match is quite easy.
Prices for the Tata Nexon CNG start from Rs 8.99 lakh to 14.59 lakh (ex-showroom) making the top variant a bit too pricey. It is more expensive than its direct rival, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG but keeping in mind what more you get for the added price, I think the gap is understandable. Most people would be happy with one of the 'Creative' itself, so keep your eye open to that.