Tata Nexon EV review, road test

The range-topping XZ+ Lux variant gets features such as sunroof, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, automatic projector headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, leatherette seats, a cooled glovebox, keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjusted and folding mirrors, a colour-screen instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Harman sound system, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Tata has also introduced SIM-based connected-car features with the ‘Tata ZConnect’ mobile application, which helps owners check their vehicle status, lock and unlock the car, set a geo-fence and track the vehicle. Rear AC blower controls, available on the earlier ICE version, are not present in the current iteration of the Nexon EV, but the SUV still features rear AC vents.

What this EV also misses out on are crucial safety features like ESP and traction control, which are available on the ICE version. The Nexon EV doesn’t get hill-start assist, usually paired with the ESP on other cars, either, but the good news is that the EV barely rolls back on inclines, as the motor takes control and makes it creep forward.

Infotainment

The Nexon’s 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system by Harman has an easy user interface, but the dull display leaves a lot to be desired, especially in direct sunlight. Touch sensitivity seems to have improved, but it still doesn’t feel as slick as rival units. Sound quality from the eight speakers is excellent, with outstanding clarity even at higher volumes. An onboard SIM card helps communicate with the ZConnect application, which can remotely control, locate and even track the car, as well as scan the vehicle to monitor the its health.