Production Nexon stays true to concept

    Design team worked closely with engineering team at Tata Motors to keep concept highlights on production car.

    Published On Feb 17, 2016 09:26:00 AM

    1,10,789 Views

    Tata unveiled the production Nexon that was true to the concept it had debuted at the Auto expo 2014. The production car features the same dramatic coupé roof line with an SUV stance, the flared wheel arches and large tyres, like the ceramic waist trail finisher, foglamp bezel, and the DRL tubes. 

    Speaking to Autocar India, Pratap Bose, head of design department at Tata Motors, stated that the design team fought with, and also had many discussions with the engineering team to achieve its current design. Both teams worked hard together – as this kind of engineering takes a lot to keep the production car true to concept. As an example, he highlighted how just the Nexon's coupé-like roof line had to be shaved off millimetre-by-millimetre and the rear seat angles adjusted to ensure that the "Tata's DNA of space" inside was not affected.  

    On the outside, the small SUV features styling elements like a chrome 'Humanity Line' on the upper part of the front grille, sleek looking projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, a sloping roofline, LED tail-lamps with chrome accents and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Nexon also gets a ground clearance of 200mm.

    For the interior, the Nexon has incorporated innovative features like a floating centre screen, an umbrella slot in the doors, a Drive mode selector knob and a glovebox release button, disguised as the Nexon logo. 

     

    It also features a Harman-sourced 6.5-inch ConnectNext touchscreen infotainment system with eight speakers. Features such as voice control and command recognition are also offered.
     
    Following the success of the Range Rover Evoque that bore a strong resemblance to the concept, Tata is continuing this approach on the Nexon as well. The carmaker is also expected to offer the production Nexon with a high level of design customisation at the time of sale.
     
    The Nexon gets two engine options, a new 108.5bhp, 1.5-litre diesel mill, and a more powerful, turbocharged version of the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine seen on the Zica. Both engines will be mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox with three drive modes.
     
    The compact SUV will lock horns with the likes of the Ford EcoSport, the Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Maruti Vitara Brezza when it goes on sale later in 2016.
     
    Besides the Nexon, Tata also unveiled its Hexa crossover, its soon-to-be-launched Zica hatchback, a Zica-based compact sedan, and India’s first indigenous hot-hatch named Bolt Sport at the Expo.
     
    Sergius Barretto

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.29%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.38%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.40%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.94%

    Total Votes : 1575
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe