Tata Nexon Smart Plus

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You are not just looking for a set of wheels. You want something that fits your budget, keeps you and your family safe, does not burn a hole in your pocket for monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and is backed by reliable company service. It is a lot to think about. But what if one car could tick most of these boxes? Today, we are taking a close look at a very interesting contender in the compact SUV space: the new Tata Nexon Smart Plus.

The Tata Nexon has been a game-changer in its segment since its launch, known for its bold looks and strong safety record. With the recent facelift, Tata has made it even better. The Smart Plus variant, in particular, aims to offer a compelling package for buyers looking for a blend of essential features, safety, and modern design without going for the top-end trims. Let us dive deeper and see what it brings to the table.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus offers you choices when it comes to what powers your drive.

• 1.2L Turbocharged Petrol Engine
  • Power: 120 PS at 5500 rpm
  • Torque: 170 Nm at 1750-4000 rpm
  • Transmission Options: 5-speed Manual, 6-speed Manual, 6-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
• 1.5L Turbocharged Diesel Engine
  • Power: 115 PS at 3750 rpm
  • Torque: 260 Nm at 1500-2750 rpm
  • Transmission Options: 6-speed Manual, 6-speed AMT

Design Overview

Exterior

The new Nexon Smart Plus carries forward the striking design of the facelifted Nexon. It looks sharp, modern, and very much a part of today's automotive design language.

• Front: Features a bold, split headlamp design with sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) at the top and main headlamp clusters lower down. The grille is clean and futuristic.
• Side:

  The Nexon Smart Plus offers a practical boot space that is good enough for city commutes and weekend trips.

  • Boot Space: Approximately 382 Litres

  Dimensions

  Understanding a car's size is important for parking and city driving.

  • Length: Around 3995 mm
  • Width: Around 1811 mm (without mirrors)
  • Height: Around 1606 mm
  • Wheelbase: Around 2498 mm

  Powertrain Options

  As mentioned in the engine specifications, the Nexon Smart Plus gives you the flexibility to choose between a turbocharged petrol engine and a turbocharged diesel engine, both available with manual and AMT gearbox options. This variety ensures you can pick the setup that best suits your driving style and needs, whether you prioritize fuel efficiency (diesel) or peppy performance (petrol).

  Safety Features

  Safety is a cornerstone of the Tata Nexon. Even in the Smart Plus variant, you get a good set of safety features.

  • 6 Airbags (standard across all variants of the new Nexon)
  • Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
  • Traction Control
  • Hill Hold Control
  • Roll Over Mitigation
  • Brake Disc Wiping
  • Emergency Stop Signal
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

  NCAP Rating Table

  The Tata Nexon has a stellar safety record, earning top ratings from leading global and Indian safety assessment bodies.

  Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
  Global NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	Rating for the pre-facelift Nexon, which set a benchmark.
  Bharat NCAP	5 Stars	5 Stars	Rating for the new, facelifted Nexon, reaffirming its safety.

  Rivals of Tata Nexon Smart Plus

  The compact SUV segment is super competitive in India. The Tata Nexon Smart Plus competes with popular models like:

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

  How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

  Pros (Advantages)

  • Top-notch Safety: With 5-star Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP ratings, it is one of the safest cars in its segment.
  • Striking Design: The new facelift gives it a very modern, premium, and distinctive road presence.
  • Build Quality: Tata cars are known for their robust build, and the Nexon is no exception.
  • Feature-rich (for its variant): The Smart Plus offers essential modern features like a touchscreen and connected tech.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned well for Indian roads, offering a comfortable ride quality over bumps and potholes.
• Multiple Powertrain Options: Choice of petrol and diesel engines with manual and AMT options caters to diverse buyer preferences.
• Tata Service Network: A wide and growing service network offers peace of mind.

• Cons (Disadvantages)

  • Petrol Engine Refinement: While powerful, the 1.2L turbo petrol engine can be a bit noisy and vibrate slightly at higher RPMs.
• Rear Seat Space: While decent, taller passengers might find rear legroom a bit tight on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• AMT Performance: The AMT gearbox, while convenient, can feel a bit jerky, especially at lower speeds, which is common with AMT technology.
• Interior Plastics: While overall fit and finish are good, some hard plastics in the lower sections of the cabin could be improved.

• Conclusion

  The new Tata Nexon Smart Plus emerges as a truly compelling option for anyone looking for a compact SUV in India. It beautifully balances style, safety, and practicality. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of the top-end variants (like a sunroof or 360-degree camera), the Smart Plus variant provides the core Nexon experience -- that is, a safe, stylish, and well-equipped vehicle at a very sensible price point.

  If you are a prospective car buyer prioritising safety above all, want a car that looks fantastic, offers essential modern features, and comes from a trusted Indian brand with a strong service network, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a smart choice for smart buyers, offering a robust package that promises peace of mind and enjoyable drives on Indian roads. Go ahead, take a test drive, and see if it is the perfect fit for your family and your garage