New Tata Nexon: The morning sun glints off the sleek contours of the new Tata Nexon as it navigates through Mumbai’s bustling streets. This isn’t just another facelift; it’s a statement.

Six years after shocking the industry by becoming India’s first 5-star rated car in Global NCAP crash tests, the Nexon has evolved into something that challenges perceptions of what an Indian-made compact SUV can be.

The 2025 iteration represents Tata’s continued commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to the vehicle’s core identity – safety, style, and substance packed into a sub-4-meter frame.

New Tata Nexon From Sketch to Street: The Design Evolution

Remember when the original Nexon debuted? Those quirky proportions and unconventional styling cues raised eyebrows. But Tata stuck to its guns, and gradually, the design grew on us. Now, the 2025 model takes that distinctiveness and refines it with purpose and confidence.

Walking around the new Nexon at Tata’s design studio in Pune, chief designer Pratap Bose explains the philosophy behind the transformation.

“We didn’t want to just update it; we wanted to elevate it,” he says, tracing his finger along the vehicle’s sharp shoulder line. “The original Nexon was bold – this one is assertive.”

That assertion begins at the front, where the fascia has been completely reimagined. Gone is the smiling face of the previous generation, replaced by a more sophisticated arrangement featuring sleek LED daytime running lights that double as turn indicators with a distinctive sweeping pattern. The main LED projector headlamps sit lower on the bumper, creating a split-headlamp design that’s becoming Tata’s family signature.

The silhouette retains the coupe-like stance that made the Nexon stand out, but subtle tweaks to the proportions and character lines give it a more planted appearance. The floating roof design continues, now complemented by chunky 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels with aero inserts on higher trims.

At the rear, the distinctive X-shaped LED taillights have evolved, maintaining family resemblance while looking decidedly more premium. The redesigned bumper with faux skid plate completes the transformation.

“We’ve kept the Nexon’s DNA intact,” says Bose, “but we’ve matured it. It’s like watching someone grow from a teenager into a confident adult.”

Available in striking colors like Flame Red, Ocean Blue, and Pure Grey (with dual-tone options on higher trims), the Nexon makes a visual impact that few vehicles in its segment can match.

The exclusive Dark Edition with its Carbon Black finish and darkened elements adds a touch of urban sophistication for those who prefer a more stealthy appearance.

Inside Story: Where Technology Meets Tactility

Slide into the driver’s seat of the 2025 Nexon, and the transformation is even more apparent. The interior has undergone a comprehensive redesign that addresses many of the criticisms leveled at the previous model while introducing features previously unseen in this segment.

The dashboard follows a more horizontal theme now, creating an impression of width. Material quality has seen tangible improvements in most areas, though some hard plastics remain – a reminder that this is still a vehicle built to a price point.

What stands out immediately are the twin 10.25-inch screens – one for the infotainment system and the other replacing traditional dials in the instrument cluster.

During my week with the Fearless+ variant, I found the infotainment system responsive and intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay connecting seamlessly each time I entered the vehicle.

The JBL-tuned 9-speaker setup (including subwoofer) delivers impressive audio performance, with enough clarity and bass to satisfy most audiophiles. The voice command system worked well for basic functions, though it occasionally struggled with Indian accents and street names.

The digital instrument cluster offers multiple display modes, and I particularly appreciated the navigation view that provides turn-by-turn directions without having to glance at the center screen. However, direct sunlight can make these screens difficult to read at certain angles – a common issue with digital displays.

Climate controls have moved to a touch panel below the infotainment screen. While visually elegant, this requires taking your eyes off the road momentarily – physical knobs are still more intuitive for temperature adjustments. The two-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo feels substantial in hand and houses controls for audio, phone, and cruise control.

Space utilization remains a strong point. The front seats offer good support, and the driving position is commanding, providing excellent visibility.

Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom for a vehicle in this class, though headroom might be tight for those above six feet due to the sloping roofline. The 382-liter boot isn’t class-leading but accommodates weekend luggage for a family of four with smart packing.

Thoughtful touches abound: the cooled glovebox, multiple USB ports (including Type-C), wireless charging pad, and umbrella holders in the doors. The voice-operated sunroof (simply say “Hello Tata, open sunroof”) feels like a party trick at first but proved genuinely useful when hands were occupied with driving.

Power and Performance: Choice Matters

Pop the hood, and the 2025 Nexon offers a trio of powertrains, each with distinct personalities. The 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine (producing 120PS and 170Nm) remains the mainstay, now available with four transmission options: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT, and the new 7-speed DCT with paddle shifters.

During testing on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, the DCT variant impressed with its smooth shifts and responsiveness – a noticeable improvement over the sometimes-jerky AMT of the previous generation. Paddle shifters add a sporty dimension, allowing quick downshifts when overtaking trucks on inclines.

The diesel option continues with the 1.5-liter turbocharged unit (115PS/260Nm), paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed AMT. It remains the choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and long-distance touring, with its strong mid-range torque making light work of highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers.

Perhaps most interesting is the new turbocharged CNG variant – a first in this segment. By maintaining the turbocharger in the CNG mode, Tata has addressed the typical power drop-off associated with CNG conversions.

During a day of city driving, the CNG variant felt nearly as responsive as the standard petrol model while offering significantly better fuel economy.

All variants come with three driving modes – Eco, City, and Sport – that alter throttle response and steering weight. The difference between modes is noticeable, with Sport transforming the character of the vehicle entirely.

On a winding ghat section, Sport mode transformed the Nexon from comfortable family cruiser to an engaging driving machine that belied its tall stance.

Ride quality strikes a fine balance between comfort and control. The suspension (MacPherson struts up front and twist beam at the rear) absorbs broken roads and speed breakers with composure while maintaining body control during cornering. Road and wind noise are well suppressed at highway speeds, making for a refined cruising experience.

The 208mm ground clearance proved valuable during a detour through a rural area after monsoon showers had left behind rutted tracks. While not designed for serious off-roading, the Nexon handles these situations with confidence that urban SUV owners will appreciate.

Safety: The Nexon’s North Star

If there’s one aspect that has defined the Nexon’s identity, it’s safety. The 2025 model builds on this foundation with enhanced structural integrity and a comprehensive suite of safety features.

The high-strength steel construction forms what Tata calls an “iron-clad frame” designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Six airbags are standard across all variants – an impressive commitment in a price-sensitive market where competitors often reserve this for top trims.

During a demonstration at Tata’s safety testing facility, engineers explained how the crumple zones are designed to absorb impact energy while the passenger cell remains intact. The recent 5-star Bharat NCAP rating validates these claims, with the Nexon scoring highly for both adult and child occupant protection.

Active safety features include electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, roll-over mitigation, hill hold assist, and three-point seatbelts with reminders for all occupants. Higher trims add a tire pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree camera with blind spot view, and front parking sensors.

The camera system deserves special mention – its clarity and interface are among the best in vehicles costing twice as much. During a parallel parking maneuver in a tight Mumbai lane, the system provided clear visibility of obstacles that would have been difficult to spot otherwise.

What’s missing is advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like autonomous emergency braking or adaptive cruise control, which some competitors have begun to introduce.

When asked about this, a Tata executive hinted that these features might arrive with future updates, suggesting that the hardware capability exists but software development is ongoing.

Living with the Nexon: Ownership Experience

To understand the day-to-day reality of Nexon ownership, I spoke with Rajesh Sharma, a chartered accountant who upgraded to the 2025 model after owning the previous generation for three years.

“The improvements are substantial,” he says as we walk around his new Daytona Grey Nexon in a Mumbai suburb. “The quality feels a step up, and the technology makes daily driving more enjoyable.”

Sharma particularly appreciates the connected car features through Tata’s iRA 2.0 platform, which allows him to remotely monitor vehicle status, pre-cool the cabin before entering, and track its location – useful features in India’s climate and urban environment.

However, he notes that Tata’s service experience still has room for improvement. “The staff are helpful, but sometimes parts availability is an issue, and the technical expertise varies between service centers,” he explains. This echoes feedback from other Tata owners – the product has evolved faster than the service infrastructure supporting it.

The standard warranty covers 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, with extended warranty options available at additional cost. Service intervals are scheduled at 10,000-kilometer intervals or annually, with maintenance costs generally competitive for the segment.

Running costs depend heavily on the powertrain choice. With petrol prices hovering around ₹100 per liter in major cities, the diesel and CNG variants offer significant savings for high-mileage users.

Insurance premiums benefit from the vehicle’s safety ratings, with comprehensive coverage for the mid-spec variant costing approximately ₹15,000-18,000 annually.

Market Position: Finding Its Place

The compact SUV segment has become fiercely competitive, with almost every manufacturer fielding at least one contender. How does the 2025 Nexon stack up against this crowded field?

Priced between ₹8.00 lakh for the base Smart petrol variant and ₹15.60 lakh for the top-spec Fearless Plus Dark diesel (ex-showroom), the Nexon positions itself as a value proposition offering premium features at accessible price points.

Its primary rivals include the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which counters with features like panoramic sunroof and ADAS; the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, which leverages the brand’s extensive service network; and the Korean duo of Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet, which emphasize technology and premium feel.

What sets the Nexon apart in this competitive set is its combination of distinctive design, comprehensive safety package, and diverse powertrain options. Few competitors can match its breadth of engine and transmission combinations, allowing buyers to tailor their choice precisely to their needs.

The diesel option has become increasingly rare in this segment as emissions regulations tighten, giving the Nexon an advantage with buyers who prioritize fuel economy and long-distance touring capability. Similarly, the turbocharged CNG variant creates a new niche that aligns with the growing interest in alternative fuels.

Sales figures suggest that the Nexon’s approach resonates with consumers. It consistently ranks among the top sellers in its segment, often leading the compact SUV category in monthly sales charts.

The introduction of the electric Nexon.ev alongside the conventional models further strengthens Tata’s position as India’s leading electric passenger vehicle manufacturer.

Looking Ahead: The Road Forward

As we pull up to a charging station where a Nexon.ev is replenishing its batteries, the conversation turns to the future. Where does the Nexon go from here?

Industry insiders suggest that Tata is already working on addressing the few areas where competitors hold an advantage. A panoramic sunroof option is rumored to be in development, while ADAS features could arrive via software updates to vehicles with the necessary hardware already installed.

The regulatory environment will continue to shape the Nexon’s evolution. BS7 emission norms are on the horizon, potentially favoring the CNG and electric variants while requiring further refinements to the petrol and diesel engines.

Market trends indicate growing consumer interest in technology-laden vehicles, suggesting that future Nexon updates might focus on digital experiences and connectivity features. The line between the conventional Nexon and its electric counterpart is likely to blur further as Tata pursues its electrification strategy.

New Tata Nexon Conclusion: More Than the Sum of Its Parts

As the evening light casts long shadows across the Nexon’s sculpted bodywork, it’s worth reflecting on what this vehicle represents. Beyond the specifications and feature lists, the Nexon embodies a shift in India’s automotive landscape – a homegrown product that competes on global standards rather than merely being “good enough for India.”

The 2025 Tata Nexon isn’t perfect. Some panel gaps still betray mass-market origins, certain plastic elements feel cost-optimized, and the service experience doesn’t always match the product’s sophistication. Yet these imperfections don’t diminish what Tata has achieved – a distinctively Indian vehicle that requires no apologies or qualifications.

For buyers in the compact SUV segment, the Nexon presents a compelling proposition that balances emotional appeal with rational considerations.

Its striking design turns heads, its safety credentials provide peace of mind, and its diverse powertrain options ensure there’s a variant to suit most needs and budgets.

In a market increasingly dominated by cookie-cutter designs and homogenized experiences, the Nexon dares to have personality while delivering substance.

That combination of character and capability makes the 2025 Tata Nexon not just a competitive product, but a significant milestone in India’s automotive journey – a vehicle that doesn’t just meet global standards but helps define them.

As we hand back the keys after a week of testing, one thought lingers: the gap between Indian automotive engineering and global benchmarks has never been narrower. With products like the 2025 Nexon leading the charge, that gap continues to close with each passing year.

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