Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel

Hey car enthusiasts and smart buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new car that ticks all the right boxes? When it comes to buying a vehicle in India, we all have a checklist, right? Things like your budget, the safety features for your loved ones, the monthly maintenance costs, what latest tech is packed inside, and of course, the reliability of the company's service network. Finding that perfect balance can be tough, but some cars truly stand out. Today, we're putting one such popular SUV under our spotlight: the new Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel. This compact SUV has been making waves, and we're here to dive deep into what makes it a compelling choice for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel comes powered by Tata's proven 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engine. This motor is known for its strong performance and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for both city commutes and highway cruising.

• Engine Type: 1.5L Revotorq Diesel
• Maximum Power: 115 PS at 3,750 rpm
• Peak Torque: 260 Nm at 1,500-2,750 rpm
• Transmission: Primarily available with a 6-speed Manual transmission in this specific variant.

Design Overview

The Tata Nexon recently received a significant facelift, giving it a much more modern and aggressive look.

Exterior:

The new Nexon boasts a striking front fascia inspired by Tata's Curvv concept, featuring a sleek DRL signature, split headlamp design, and a refreshed grille. The rear also gets a complete overhaul with connected LED tail lamps, giving it a premium appeal. The overall stance is bolder and more muscular.

Interior:

Step inside, and you'll notice a refreshed cabin layout. The dashboard is redesigned with a more contemporary feel. While the Smart Plus S is a mid-range variant, it still offers a comfortable and well-laid-out interior with good quality materials for its segment. The seats are supportive, and there's ample space for five occupants, making long journeys comfortable.

Key Features

Even as a mid-tier variant, the Smart Plus S Diesel offers a respectable list of features to enhance your driving experience and convenience:

• Infotainment Screen: A 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with clear display.
• Connectivity: Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wired).
• Sunroof: Yes, the 'S' in Smart Plus S signifies an electric sunroof, a highly desirable feature in India.
• Climate Control: Manual air conditioning.
• Other Notable Features: Steering-mounted controls, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear parking sensors with camera, follow-me-home headlamps, and multiple driving modes (Eco, City, Sport).

What is the Ground Clearance of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel?

The Tata Nexon boasts an impressive ground clearance, making it well-suited for varied Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven terrains.

• Ground Clearance: 208 mm

What is the Boot Space of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel?

For your luggage needs, the Nexon offers a practical boot.

• Boot Space: 382 Litres

What are the Dimensions of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel?

The Nexon is a compact SUV, fitting perfectly into the sub-4-meter category.

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the diesel variant, it is good to know that the Tata Nexon is available with two engine choices to cater to different preferences:

• 1.2L Turbo Petrol Engine: 120 PS power, 170 Nm torque. Available with 5-speed Manual, 6-speed Manual, AMT, and 7-speed DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic) transmissions.
• 1.5L Revotorq Diesel Engine: 115 PS power, 260 Nm torque. Available with 6-speed Manual and AMT transmissions.

Safety Features

Tata has always prioritised safety, and the Nexon is a testament to that commitment. The Smart Plus S Diesel variant comes equipped with a solid set of safety features:

• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags (higher variants get 6 airbags).
• Braking System: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances vehicle stability during critical manoeuvres.
• Other Safety Tech: Traction Control, Roll-over Mitigation, Brake Disc Wiping, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control, and Reverse Parking Camera with Sensors.

NCAP Rating

The Tata Nexon has set benchmarks in safety, consistently achieving high ratings from various independent crash test agencies.

Rivals of Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India, with several strong contenders. The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel competes with:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Unmatched Safety: With its 5-star BNCAP rating, the Nexon offers peace of mind.
• Strong Diesel Performance: The 1.5L Revotorq engine provides good power and torque, making it great for both city and highway driving.
• Striking Design: The recent facelift gives it a very modern, premium, and distinctive look.
• High Ground Clearance: Handles rough Indian roads with ease.
• Feature-Rich (for its variant): Inclusion of an electric sunroof and essential tech makes it appealing at its price point.
• Solid Build Quality: Known for its robust construction.

Cons:

• Diesel Engine Noise: While refined, some diesel clatter can be noticeable, especially at higher RPMs.
• Rear Visibility: The thick C-pillar can sometimes hinder rear visibility.
• Limited Airbags in this Variant: While higher variants offer 6 airbags, the Smart Plus S comes with 2, which might be a consideration for some buyers looking for maximum airbag count.
• Boot Space: While adequate, some rivals offer slightly more boot space.
• No Wireless Charging or 360-degree Camera: These premium features are reserved for top-end variants.

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel presents itself as a highly attractive package for Indian car buyers. It blends robust safety, a punchy and fuel-efficient diesel engine, modern design, and a respectable list of features, including a sunroof, all at a competitive price point. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the absolute top-end models, it offers the core Nexon experience – strong performance, segment-leading safety, and a distinctive road presence. If you're looking for a safe, stylish, and practical compact SUV with the proven reliability of a diesel engine and the added delight of a sunroof, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus S Diesel should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that truly stands out in a crowded market, offering excellent value for money and the peace of mind that comes with owning a Tata. Happy driving!