Although this SUV has undergone a second facelift, the changes both inside and out give the impression that it is a brand-new SUV.
Introducing the Nexon in 2017, Tata Motors joined the compact SUV market. The SUV had its share of troubles, but the Indian automaker took feedback seriously and fixed the flaws. The Nexon’s journey has been long and tortuous, but with an update in 2020, the Nexon has surpassed its rivals and is now the undisputed market leader in the compact SUV sector.
The Nexon facelift stands out from the competition thanks to its 2023 space-age look and new amenities, but have the ergonomics and fit-and-finish in the cabin improved?
2023 Tata Nexon facelift exterior design
The updated Tata Nexon for 2023 is fully revised. There is a completely new nose or cowl, as well as new fenders and a bonnet. The tall ridges on either side and the higher position of the bonnet give the impression that it is larger. The new Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), which have interesting slat-like elements, are mounted high on the bonnet. The DRLs are connected by a high-mounted false grille, while the primary projector headlight and fog lights are located lower down, enclosed in wide brackets that resemble air intakes. The angular bumper, which seems to force air towards the air curtains and then divert it around the wheels, gives the design a beautiful finishing touch.
The Nexon’s highly slanted windscreens and curved coupe roof remain the same from the side. The Nexon’s decorative band, or “hockey stick,” that runs down the windows, has been replaced with new 16-inch alloy wheels with inlays and no longer features a contrasting colour. Like the nose, the back has been completely renovated. The back trademark lights of the Nexon have changed, and they now have a connecting band that swipes when you lock or unlock the car. The Tata logo now sort of “floats” in three dimensions, and there is a wider spoiler on top that, oddly, hides the rear wiper. The fit and finish, though, isn’t very great around the taillights and in a few other spots.
2023 Tata Nexon facelift interior and features
The 2023 Nexon’s interior is completely different from the one in use today. It is influenced by the Curvv idea and has a futuristic appearance. Tata Motors has finally updated the outdated 7-inch infotainment system with a cutting-edge 10.25-inch touchscreen and an all-digital instrument cluster with high resolution. The navigation map was also displayed on the drive’s console. The new two-spoke steering wheel features haptic touch controls and a digitised Tata logo for the first time.
The dashboard panels on the highest versions have simulated carbon fibre and are body colour. Physical buttons and knobs in the centre console have been replaced by touch buttons by Tata Motors. Additionally, it has a wireless phone charger, a 9-speaker JBL music system, and a 360-degree camera. The Nexon’s fit and finish could still use improvement due to the irregular panel gaps and the awkward cabin ergonomics. There is nowhere else to put the cup holders, so they remain tucked inside the glove for some reason.
2023 Tata Nexon facelift review: Driving Experience
Both the 1.5-liter diesel and the 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine remain in the Nexon. The turbocharged petrol engine produces 170Nm of torque and 118bhp of power. A new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is connected to the engine. When you press the accelerator, the engine starts up gradually. There is a noticeable turbo lag up to 1,800 rpm, after which the initial 3-cylinder engine congestion starts to dissipate. The 1.2-liter has always been strong in the mid-range powerband, but with the quick-shifting DCT automatic, the driving experience is smooth and engaging. It downshifts swiftly compared to other dual-clutch automatics that aren’t German, however occasionally it takes a couple of seconds to complete the task.
The more fuel-efficient option is the diesel workhorse. It produces a robust 260Nm and 113bhp. By 1,600 rpm, the engine overcomes the turbo lag and begins to build speed, although power increases linearly. Due to the big gear ratio, which we experienced in the model with a 6-speed manual transmission, it is perfect for commuting and long highway drives.
The Nexon has always provided a ride quality that is unmatched in its class, and after driving the 2023 avatar through potholed roads and high speed bumps, the suspension was configured to provide a smooth ride on any surface. The steering weight is evenly distributed and provides good input. Although one can feel the body roll in the turns, the SUV is still predictable and assured.
2023 Tata Nexon facelift review: Verdict
The Nexon has a lot going for it, including an enhanced passenger experience and features, a futuristic look, a smooth ride, and an engaging 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Everything now hinges on the price of the new small SUV. The Nexon continues to be the safest SUV in the market, despite stiff competition from the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Bree and Fronx, Kia Sonet, and even more cheap SUVs like the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
