Tata Nexon facelift touch-based aircon controls leaked

The Tata Nexon is due to receive a major mid-lifecycle facelift that is expected to launch this August. And while spy shots have already given us a sneak peek at several exterior and interior details, a leaked patent filing by Tata Motors has now revealed the HVAC console on the upcoming Nexon facelift in full detail – an all-new haptic touch panel with physical toggle switches.

1. Nexon facelift to get a mix of touch and physical HVAC controls
2. Will also get a larger touchscreen and full-digital instrument cluster
3. Expected to launch by August 2023

Tata Nexon to feature touch-based HVAC controls

As we have reported before, the Nexon facelift’s interior will draw influences from the Curvv concept, and the HVAC console, too, follows that trend. However, unlike the concepts, which had a floating console, the design patent suggests that this will be an integrated unit largely comprising a touch-based panel and two toggle switches.

There are two rows of haptic buttons – above and below the toggle switches. From left to right, the top row gets toggles for Sport mode, front and rear fog lamps, Eco mode, hazard lights, tail gate release, central locking, 360-deg camera and an auto start/stop button. The lower row is completely dedicated to climate control functions, and even features an Xpress cool function.

Thankfully, Tata has retained physical toggle switches for two of the most used functions – blower and temperature controls – which are always more convenient to use on the move than touch panels. However, it's only a design patent at this point, and hence, does not guarantee that these will make it to production. Do note that a homogenous touch panel will always be more cost effective to manufacture than a mix of touch and physical controls.

We also know that the Nexon facelift will get a new 10.25-inch touchscreen, an all-new two-spoke, multi-function steering wheel and a fully digital instrument cluster, all largely inspired by the Curvv Concepts. This also suggests a notable improvement in interior quality and equipment. For more details on the interior, click here.

Tata Nexon facelift powertrain options

As for powertrain options, Tata could equip the Nexon facelift with the all-new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that was previewed at the Auto Expo with the Curvv ICE concept. This is a three-cylinder unit that produces 125hp at 5,000rpm and 225Nm of torque between 1,700 and 3,500rpm. The current Nexon is sold with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 120hp and 170Nm of torque. The SUV will continue with a 1.5-litre diesel as well, which churns out 115hp and 260Nm of torque.

Tata Nexon facelift price and launch 

The Tata Nexon facelift is expected to be launched around August 2023, and since the model receives extensive updates, we could expect the pricing to increase as well. The SUV has plenty of rivals in this category, including the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV300.