Tata Nexon Smart Plus AMT

Hello there, car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? You're probably juggling thoughts about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest tech features, and of course, how reliable the company's service network is. It's a lot to consider!

Well, if you're looking for a compact SUV that ticks many of these boxes, especially if you prefer the convenience of an automatic without breaking the bank, then the new Tata Nexon Smart Plus AMT might just be your perfect match. Today, we're going to dive deep into what makes this particular variant of India's favourite compact SUV a compelling choice.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L Turbocharged Revotron Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1199 cc
• Max Power: 120 PS (at 5500 rpm)

Max Torque: 170 Nm (at 1750-4000 rpm)Transmission: 6-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)

Design Overview

Exterior:

The Tata Nexon has always stood out with its bold, muscular design, and the latest iteration takes it up a notch. The Smart Plus AMT continues this legacy with a striking front fascia featuring sharp LED DRLs and a confident grille. The robust cladding around the wheel arches and the ground clearance give it that proper SUV stance. It looks modern, assertive, and has a strong road presence that commands attention.

Interior:

Step inside, and you're greeted by a clean, driver-centric cabin. The Smart Plus variant focuses on practicality and comfort. The dashboard design is uncluttered, making everything easy to reach. The seats are well-cushioned, offering good support for long journeys. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher trims, the interior feels durable and thoughtfully put together, perfect for daily Indian road conditions.

Key Features

• Infotainment System: 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment by Harman
• Connectivity: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
• Sound System: 4 Speakers
• Comfort: Manual AC, All Power Windows, Electrically adjustable ORVMs
• Convenience: Steering Mounted Controls, Follow-me-home headlamps

Ground Clearance

The Tata Nexon offers an impressive 208 mm of ground clearance. This is excellent for tackling India's often unpredictable roads, speed breakers, and light off-roading conditions with ease.

Boot Space

You get a generous 382 litres of boot space in the Nexon, which is ample for your weekend luggage or grocery runs. It's practical and spacious enough for a small family's needs.

Dimensions

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1811 mm
• Height: 1606 mm
• Wheelbase: 2498 mm

Powertrain Options

While the Nexon offers both 1.2L Turbo Petrol and 1.5L Turbo Diesel engine options with manual and automatic transmissions, the Smart Plus AMT variant specifically comes with the 1.2L Turbo Petrol engine paired with the convenient 6-speed AMT. This combination offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency for city driving and highway cruising.

Safety Features

Safety is a cornerstone of the Tata Nexon's appeal. Even the Smart Plus AMT variant comes with a strong suite of safety features as standard:

• 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Traction Control
• Roll-over Mitigation
• Hill Hold Control
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Reverse Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating Table

The Tata Nexon has consistently set benchmarks in safety, achieving top ratings from leading global and domestic safety assessment bodies.

Rivals of Tata Nexon Smart Plus AMT

The compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. The Tata Nexon Smart Plus AMT directly competes with automatic variants of popular models such as:

• Maruti Suzuki Brezza (LXi/VXi AT)
• Hyundai Venue (S (O) DCT/IVT)
• Kia Sonet (HTK+ iMT/DCT)
• Mahindra XUV300 (W4/W6 AMT)
• Nissan Magnite (XL AMT)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Safety First: With a 5-star NCAP rating, it offers unparalleled safety in its segment, giving you peace of mind.
• Convenient AMT: The 6-speed AMT makes city driving effortless, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Robust Build: Tata cars are known for their solid build quality, and the Nexon is no exception.High Ground Clearance: Excellent for Indian road conditions, making rough patches feel smoother.Spacious Cabin & Boot: Comfortable for five passengers with decent luggage space.Modern Design: Stands out with its contemporary and aggressive styling.Value for Money: Offers a strong package of features, safety, and performance at a competitive price point for an automatic variant.

Cons:

• AMT Jerkiness: Like most AMTs, it can exhibit some jerkiness at lower speeds, though Tata has refined it significantly.

Engine Noise: The 1.2L petrol engine can get a bit vocal at higher RPMs.Feature Set (Smart Plus): While adequate, it misses out on some premium features found in higher Nexon trims (like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging).Rear Visibility: The thick C-pillar can slightly hamper rear visibility.

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus AMT emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian car buyers seeking a safe, stylish, and convenient compact SUV without stretching their budget too far. It brings the convenience of an automatic transmission to one of India's safest cars, making it an ideal choice for urban commutes and occasional highway trips.

If safety is your top priority, coupled with a desire for an easy-to-drive automatic and Tata's expanding service network, the Nexon Smart Plus AMT deserves a serious look. While it might not have every single premium feature, it focuses on the essentials that matter most: safety, convenience, and a strong road presence. It's a smart choice for the smart Indian car buyer.