Tata Nexon real-world fuel economy tested, explained

The Nexon, one of India’s best-selling compact SUVs in India, offers buyers the widest powertrain choice with turbo-petrol, diesel, CNG and electric versions, priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 17 lakh. We tested the real-world fuel efficiency of its diesel manual version, and these are our findings.

1. Weighs 1,357kg
2. Gets Eco drive mode
3. 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 115hp/260Nm

Powering the Nexon is a 115hp/260Nm 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The SUV has multiple drive modes, including Eco, in which we conducted our fuel-efficiency tests.

In our city cycle, with average speeds of around 18kph, the 1,357kg diesel Nexon returned an impressive 16.5kpl; in the highway cycle, where the average speed was 54kph, it achieved 19.4kpl. For reference, the Nexon diesel spins at 2000rpm in sixth gear while cruising at 100kph.

Interestingly, to meet current emission norms, Tata Motors has deployed a clever technology called the Passive Selective Catalytic Reduction system, which helps save costs. It does so by eliminating the need for an AdBlue tank, among other components, used in diesel cars with the complete Selective Catalytic Reduction system. And as there is no AdBlue, which requires regular refilling, even maintenance works out to be cheaper.

Autocar India’s fuel-efficiency testing

Before our real-world fuel efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. We drive these in fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai while maintaining certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, these cars only have the driver, who runs the air con and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and wipers, when required, just like a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tanks to full again.

Also see:

Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon comparison video

Tata Nexon gets nearly Rs 1 lakh discount this month

Tata Nexon CNG launched at Rs 8.99 lakh