Tata Nexon Smart Plus S

Namaste, car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Deciding on your next car is always a big deal, isnt it? Especially here in India, where we weigh everything from our budget and safety features to monthly maintenance costs, the latest tech, and of course, reliable company service. You want a car that not only looks good but also offers peace of mind on every journey. Well, if youre on the hunt for a compact SUV that ticks all these boxes and more, then you absolutely need to check out the new Tata Nexon Smart Plus S. Let's dive deep into what makes this particular variant a smart choice for many Indian families.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S comes with robust engine options designed for both spirited performance and fuel efficiency.

• 1.2L Turbo Petrol Engine (Revotron): This three-cylinder turbocharged unit produces 120 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. It's peppy enough for city commutes and highway runs.
• 1.5L Turbo Diesel Engine (Revotorq): For those who prefer diesel, this four-cylinder engine offers 115 PS of power and a strong 260 Nm of torque. It's known for its excellent fuel economy and strong pulling power.

Design Overview

The Nexon Smart Plus S carries forward the refreshed design language of the new Nexon facelift, making it a head-turner on Indian roads.

• Exterior: It boasts a modern, aggressive stance with its split headlamp design featuring sleek LED DRLs, a wide grille, and a sculpted bumper. The SUV silhouette is maintained, giving it a commanding road presence. The rear gets connected LED tail lamps, adding to its contemporary appeal.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-designed cabin. The dashboard has a clean, minimalist look. The dual-tone interior theme (depending on the variant) gives it an airy feel. Quality of materials is good for its segment, and the seats offer decent comfort for long journeys.

Key Features

The Smart Plus S variant offers a compelling list of features that enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• Infotainment System: A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Sunroof: A convenient electric sunroof, perfect for those pleasant weather drives.
• Connectivity: Tata's iRA connected car technology for a range of smart features.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature.
• Driver Aids: Cruise control for relaxed highway driving.
• Convenience: Automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

What is the Ground Clearance of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S offers an impressive 208 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions, including potholes and unpaved paths.

What is the Boot Space of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S

The Nexon Smart Plus S provides a practical 382 litres of boot space, sufficient for weekend luggage or family grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1804 mm
• Height: 1620 mm
• Wheelbase: 2498 mm

Powertrain Options

Tata Nexon Smart Plus S offers versatile transmission choices:

• Petrol: Available with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
• Diesel: Available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT.

Safety Features

Safety is a cornerstone of the Tata Nexon. The Smart Plus S variant comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features:

• 6 Airbags (standard across the Smart+ range and above)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control (TC)
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

The Tata Nexon has consistently set benchmarks for safety in India. Its ratings speak for themselves:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (Pre-facelift Model)	5 Stars	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP (Facelift Model)	5 Stars	5 Stars

Note: The Bharat NCAP rating applies to the facelifted Nexon, which the Smart Plus S is a part of, affirming its top-tier safety.

Rivals of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S competes in the highly competitive compact SUV segment in India. Its main rivals include:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Tata Nexon Smart Plus S to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Exceptional Safety: A 5-star Bharat NCAP rating gives immense peace of mind.
• Feature-Rich: Comes with desirable features like an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and connected car tech.
• Stylish Design: The refreshed look is modern, aggressive, and appealing.
• High Ground Clearance: 208mm is perfect for Indian roads and light off-roading.
• Multiple Powertrain Options: Choice of petrol or diesel, and manual or AMT transmissions to suit various driving styles.
• Solid Build Quality: Tata cars are known for their robust build.

Cons

• Engine Refinement: While powerful, the engines can feel a bit noisy at higher RPMs compared to some rivals.
• AMT Performance: The AMT can feel jerky in stop-and-go traffic; a proper automatic (like a DCT) is only available in higher petrol variants.
• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it's not the roomiest in the segment for three adults.
• Service Network Variability: While Tata Motors has a wide service network, the quality can vary by dealership.

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S truly stands out as a compelling package in the competitive compact SUV segment in India. It strikes a fantastic balance between style, features, and most importantly, safety. With its 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, it offers unparalleled protection for you and your family. The inclusion of an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and connected car technology in this variant makes it a value-for-money proposition for those looking for modern conveniences without breaking the bank.

While the engine refinement and AMT gearbox could see some improvements, these are minor points compared to the overall strong offering. If you prioritize safety, a strong road presence, and a good set of features at a sensible price point, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus S should definitely be on top of your test-drive list. It's a smart, safe, and stylish choice for the modern Indian car buyer.

Happy Motoring!

Your Automotive Journalist at [Your Blog Name - e.g., CarDekho India]