Nexon Xz + 2020 Facelift Malayalam review
The 2020 Tata Nexon facelift is quite extensive and there are a number of changes, especially at the front. It gets a new grille and sleeker headlights as well as a new bumper which has C-shaped surrounds neatly boxing in the lower light cluster, and an integrated bull bar and a faux scuff plate that make it look even more SUV-like. The tri-arrow pattern in the lower air intake is an interesting detail, and looks quite good, but is it a bit too Mercedes? Interestingly unlike other facelifts that are limited to bumper, lights and grille Tata has also given the Nexon a new bonnet; the Nexon received a 5 star Global NCAP crash rating but to meet the new pedestrian safety norms Tata has made the bonnet taller and flatter and this has allowed the design team more freedom with the headlight styling.
Missing on nose of the Nexon facelift, however, are the ‘ceramic’ highlights, a signature of the original car. These white strips do still feature at the base of the windows, defining the rising belt-line and, as earlier, running around the rear. The 2020 Tata Nexon also gets blackened C-pillars, to makes it look less coupe-like, the word ‘Nexon’ is now written across the rear in chrome, and the Union Jack-like tail-lights are an interesting design detail too. Also, in an effort to make it look wider, the Nexon facelift gets faux vents at the bottom of the rear bumper.
Tata’s best-selling SUV now also comes with an uprated 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The three-cylinder unit gets 10hp more, taking its maximum power up to 120hp, thanks to a few hardware and software upgrades. The new BS6 engine gets a new induction system, an uprated turbo, lowered friction levels and a new exhaust system. Tata Motors has also updated the 110hp 1.5-litre diesel engine to make it BS6-compliant. Both engines are available with 6-speed manual gearboxes or AMT automatics, and then there’s also the all-electric Tata Nexon EV.
What are the interior changes to the Nexon facelift?
The 2020 Nexon’s cabin is more familiar. The design of the solid-looking dash, with the free-standing screen at the centre, is carried over, and with the neatly executed chrome-lined vents, it works well too. And the neat glovebox release button that’s sunken into the dash is there too.
The sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel is new, that tri-arrow pattern is also featured on the dash, and the instrument cluster is now a digital LCD panel similar to what you get in the Tiago and Tigor. The classic analogue dials are gone and instead you get a large digital readout for the speedo and LCD bars for other functions. This design seems to be a trend these days but quite honestly the digital rev counter is not as easy to read as a good old needle.
While the build of the dashboard feels tough, the small buttons function well and perceived quality of the cabin has take a step up, attention to detail could be better. The oversized ‘drive mode’ knob (borrowed from the Hexa) is too big and takes up space for a cupholder. And with no traditional cup-holders and no flat surfaces large enough, there really is no secure place to put your phone. Open the sliding, shuttered stowage area and the insides are still unclad and full of joints and sharp edges.
Also, the shallow door-pockets with oddly inclined bottle holders can prove to be an ergonomic issue, but then the umbrella holders in the doors are a nice touch.
The arched window line at the rear means you need to duck a bit while getting in, but once you’re
seated, there’s a fair amount of space here. Legroom is sufficient and better than many of its rivals, headroom is good for six-footers, despite the slight drop in the roof lining, and though the seat back has been reclined to help with headroom, it isn’t too laid back.
How is the Nexon on space, comfort and practicality?
The Nexon has always been a comfortable SUV to sit in, due, in part, to the space-efficient design and wide, roomy cabin. Up front, the seats are placed at a good height, they are wide and there’s a fair amount of space in the driver’s footwell. The new seats are also well finished (the tri-arrow pattern features here too), and what makes the cabin feel airy is the inclusion of the new sunroof.
While there is a big vent to cool you in the rear, there are no USB ports to charge your phone; something Tata could have fixed. There is, however, a 12-volt socket on the parcel shelf behind you. Luggage space at the rear is a useful 350 litres, and you can fold the seats down if you need more.
New kit on includes new LED DRLs, both at the front and rear, ESP, traction control, roll-over mitigation and brake assist as standard, auto wipers, auto headlights and a tyre pressure monitoring system, which we never managed to reset despite repeated attempts.
Another cool and unique feature is ‘Xpress Cool’ function for the AC, which drops the driver’s window to vent the hot air from the cabin for faster cooling.