Tata Nexon Smart CNG

Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You think about your budget, how safe the car is, how much it will cost to run every month, what cool features it has, and how good the company service is. It's a lot to consider! But what if you could get a car that ticks most of these boxes, especially if you want to save on fuel bills? That's where the new Tata Nexon Smart CNG comes in. Let's dive deep and see if this compact SUV is the right choice for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Tata Nexon Smart CNG uses a powerful yet efficient engine. It's a 1.2-litre turbocharged Revotron petrol engine, now paired with a factory-fitted CNG kit.

• Engine Type: 1.2L Turbocharged Revotron Petrol with CNG option
• Power (Petrol Mode): Around 120 PS
• Torque (Petrol Mode): Around 170 Nm
• Power (CNG Mode): Around 99 PS
• Torque (CNG Mode): Around 103 Nm
• Transmission: Likely 5-speed manual, with potential for AMT in higher variants.

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Nexon Smart CNG keeps the stylish look of the refreshed Nexon. It's bold, modern, and has a strong road presence.

• Front: Sharp LED DRLs, a new grille, and redesigned bumper give it a futuristic look.
• Side: Muscular wheel arches and a sloping roofline make it sporty.
• Rear: Connected LED tail lamps add a premium touch.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you will find a cabin that feels premium and full of tech.

• Dashboard: A sleek, layered design with new materials.
• Seating: Comfortable seats, with good support for long drives.

Ambience: The overall feel is modern and well-put-together.

Key Features

The Tata Nexon Smart CNG packs a punch with its feature list, especially in higher variants.

• Infotainment Screen: Up to 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Sunroof: Voice-assisted electric sunroof (in higher trims).
• Camera: 360-degree camera system for easy parking.
• Charging: Wireless phone charging.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control.
• Other Features: Digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats (top trims), height-adjustable driver seat, rear AC vents, and more.

Ground Clearance

The Tata Nexon Smart CNG offers a good ground clearance, which is great for Indian roads.

• Ground Clearance: Around 208 mm (similar to the petrol version).

Boot Space

Thanks to Tata's innovative twin-cylinder CNG technology, the Nexon Smart CNG manages to offer a usable boot space, unlike older single-cylinder CNG cars that left no space.

• Boot Space: Approximately 230-250 litres (Exact figure may vary slightly, but it's significantly better than single-cylinder setups).

Dimensions

The Tata Nexon Smart CNG is a compact SUV, designed to be agile in city traffic while offering good space.

• Length: Around 3995 mm
• Width: Around 1804 mm

Height: Around 1620 mmWheelbase: Around 2498 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the Smart CNG, the Tata Nexon is known for its wide range of powertrain options:

• Petrol: 1.2L Turbocharged Revotron Petrol (Manual & AMT) and new DCA automatic.
• Diesel: 1.5L Revotorq Diesel (Manual & AMT).
• Electric: Nexon EV (Long Range & Medium Range variants).

CNG: 1.2L Turbocharged Revotron Petrol with Twin-Cylinder CNG (Manual).

Safety Features

Safety is a big priority for Tata Motors, and the Nexon Smart CNG is no exception.

• Standard features likely include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control, Hill Hold Control, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
• Higher variants may add features like front fog lamps with cornering function, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), and more.

NCAP Rating Table

The Tata Nexon has set high benchmarks in safety.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Applicability
Global NCAP	5 Stars	3 Stars (old rating) / 5 Stars (latest rating) (Please note: The latest 5-star rating is for the facelifted petrol/diesel Nexon. Structural safety should apply to CNG too.)	Pre-facelift & Facelift Petrol/Diesel Nexon
Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	Facelift Petrol/Diesel Nexon (Expected to apply to CNG as structure is same)

Rivals of Tata Nexon Smart CNG

In the compact SUV segment with a CNG option, the Tata Nexon Smart CNG faces competition from:

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG
• Hyundai Exter CNG (a micro-SUV, but still a strong CNG option)
• Upcoming compact SUV CNG models (if any are launched)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Fuel Efficiency: CNG offers significantly lower running costs than petrol.
• Twin-Cylinder Tech: Usable boot space, a big advantage over other CNG cars.
• Safety: Carries forward Nexon's strong 5-star safety rating.
• Feature-Rich: Packed with modern features for comfort and convenience.
• Stylish Design: Looks modern and appealing, both inside and out.
• Tata's Service Network: Wide and improving service network across India.

Cons

• Reduced Power in CNG Mode: Power and torque output are lower in CNG mode, which might be noticeable on highways or while climbing.
• Higher Initial Cost: CNG variants are generally more expensive upfront than petrol-only versions.

CNG Refilling Network: While improving, CNG refilling stations are still not as widespread as petrol pumps in all regions.Boot Space Still Compromised: While better than single-cylinder, the boot space is still less than the petrol-only Nexon.

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon Smart CNG is a fantastic option for Indian car buyers who want the best of both worlds: the affordability of CNG with the safety, features, and style of a compact SUV. It addresses the common CNG car problem of little to no boot space with its innovative twin-cylinder technology. While you do get a slight dip in power in CNG mode and pay a bit more upfront, the long-term savings on fuel and the peace of mind from its 5-star safety rating make it a very compelling package.

If you're looking for a safe, feature-packed, and fuel-efficient compact SUV for your family, the Tata Nexon Smart CNG should definitely be at the top of your list. It's a smart choice for smart buyers.