Tata Nexon facelift

Quick review

Curvv-inspired exterior design

Large air intake-like front/rear side pods look cool
Decorative contrasting band below window line is gone
Rear looks thoroughly modern with connected LED strip

High-tech interior

Clean design in layers lend sophistication
Terraced dashboard has multiple textures and finishes
Piano black surfaces prone to fingerprints
Fit and finish could be better 

Improved functionality

10.25inch screen sharp, slick, quick to respond
360-deg camera resolution is good
Instrument panel is configurable, has crisp graphics
Capacitive touch buttons for HVAC work well

Seat comfort

Front seats are large with good bolstering
Rear seat comfort, space are very impressive
Seat base is particularly long; backrest can recline
Three can sit abreast in relative comfort  

Petrol-DCT performance

Turbo-DCT combo works well
Refinement, performance isn’t strong off the bat
DCT is smooth and jerk-free, but not quick
Power delivery is smooth, linear, but not sporty 

Diesel-MT performance

Smooth at idle, but gravelly at high rpms
Has some lag below 1500rpm
Punchy, effortless and at its best in mid-range
Clutch is light; Gear lever has long throws and is vague

Ride and handling

Has a hint of stiffness at low speeds
Ride smoothens out as you go faster
Body control is good at highway speeds, feels robust
Steering is light at low speeds, direct at higher speeds

Verdict

What we like:
Smooth twin-clutch automatic
New tech-rich cabin

 

What we don’t like
Fit and finish not as good as rivals
Manual gearbox could be better