Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You spend hours thinking about your budget, whether the car is safe for your family, how much it will cost to maintain every month, if it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company service is. Finding that perfect balance is key. Well, today we are taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick all these boxes: the new Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA. This compact SUV has been making waves, and for good reason. Let us explore what makes it a compelling choice for Indian car buyers.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L Revotron Turbo Petrol Engine
• Cylinders: 3-cylinder
• Max Power: 120 PS at 5500 rpm
• Max Torque: 170 Nm at 1750-4000 rpm
• Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic (DCA)

Design Overview

The Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA truly stands out with its bold and modern design. Tata Motors has done a fantastic job with the Nexon facelift, and the Dark edition takes it up a notch.

Exterior

• Sleek and Muscular: The new design language makes the Nexon look even more imposing and contemporary.
• Connected LED DRLs: A striking full-width LED Daytime Running Light strip up front gives it a futuristic appeal.
• Bi-functional LED Headlamps: Placed lower on the bumper for a distinct look and better illumination.
• Connected LED Tail Lamps: Mirroring the front, the rear also gets a cool connected LED light bar.
• Dark Edition Elements: This variant features all-black treatment from the grille to the alloy wheels, and even the badges, giving it a very sporty and premium feel.

Interior

• Premium Cabin: Step inside and you are greeted by a modern and upmarket cabin. The Dark edition continues the black theme inside for a cohesive look.
• Dual-Tone Dashboard: Offers a visually appealing contrast.
• Comfortable Seating: Well-cushioned seats provide good support for long journeys.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A crisp fully digital driver display provides all necessary information.

Key Features

The Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA is loaded with features designed to enhance your driving experience and convenience:

• 10.25-inch Floating Touchscreen Infotainment System by Harman
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Voice-assisted Electric Sunroof
• 360-degree Surround View Camera System with front and rear parking sensors
• Wireless Smartphone Charger
• Ventilated Front Seats (Driver and Co-driver)
• Automatic Climate Control with Xpress Cool
• IRAZA Connected Car Technology with remote commands
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Rear AC Vents
• Auto-dimming IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror)

What is the Ground Clearance of Tata Nexon?

The Tata Nexon boasts an impressive ground clearance of 208 mm, which is excellent for handling Indian road conditions and uneven terrains with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Tata Nexon?

The boot space of the Tata Nexon is a practical 382 litres, offering ample room for your luggage and shopping needs.

What are the Dimensions of Tata Nexon?

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1811 mm
• Height: 1606 mm

Powertrain Options

The Tata Nexon is primarily offered with its well-known 1.2L Revotron Turbo Petrol engine. For this engine, you have a choice of transmissions:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 6-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
• 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic (DCA) - this is the focus of our review and offers a smoother driving experience compared to AMT.

Safety Features

Safety has always been a cornerstone for Tata Motors, and the Nexon is a shining example. The Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA variant comes packed with crucial safety features:

• 6 Airbags (Standard across most variants from Smart+ onwards)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hill Hold Control
• Hill Descent Control
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Blind Spot View Monitor
• Emergency Stop Signal

NCAP Rating Table

The Tata Nexon has set benchmarks in vehicle safety in India.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection (Stars)	Child Occupant Protection (Stars)	Notes
Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	Tested in 2018 (Pre-facelift model)
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	Tested in 2023 (Facelift model)

Rivals of Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA

The compact SUV segment is super competitive in India. The Tata Nexon goes head-to-head with some strong contenders:

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza
• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Sonet
• Mahindra XUV300
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Every car has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a balanced look at the Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA:

Pros

• Top-Notch Safety: With its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, it offers unparalleled safety in its segment.
• Striking Design: The facelifted Nexon, especially in the Dark avatar, looks incredibly modern and appealing.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with premium features like ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and connected tech.
• Smooth DCA Transmission: The Dual Clutch Automatic offers a much smoother and more refined driving experience compared to AMTs.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and offer a comfortable ride on diverse Indian roads.
• Strong Road Presence: Its muscular stance and distinctive lighting give it a commanding presence.
• Wide Service Network: Tata Motors has a vast service network across India, ensuring easy access to service and parts.

Cons

• Engine Refinement: Being a 3-cylinder engine, it can feel a bit noisy or vibey at higher RPMs compared to some 4-cylinder rivals.
• Fuel Efficiency: While adequate, the real-world fuel economy, especially with the DCA in city traffic, might not be class-leading.
• Rear Seat Width: While comfortable for two adults, seating three abreast in the rear can be a bit of a squeeze for longer journeys.
• Boot Lip: The high loading lip for the boot can make it slightly challenging to load heavy luggage.

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA emerges as a highly compelling package in the bustling compact SUV segment. It brings together a class-leading safety rating, a feature-packed cabin, an eye-catching design, and the convenience of a smooth automatic transmission. While the 3-cylinder engine has its quirks, the overall package offers immense value, especially for those who prioritize safety, style, and modern amenities. If you are in the market for a stylish, safe, and feature-loaded compact SUV that feels premium and handles Indian roads with ease, the Tata Nexon Fearless Plus PS Dark DCA should definitely be on top of your test-drive list. It is a true 'Made in India' champion that is ready to take on anything.