The subcompact SUV space has seen a flurry of recent launches as manufacturers scramble to cater to the preferences of India's style-conscious yet budget-focused youth buyers. For 2024, Tata has gone the extra mile to comprehensively enhance Nexon's appeal and cement its standing amidst newer competition snapping at its heels.

Major updates across design, features and powertrains have enhanced the Nexon's appeal considerably. But the real kicker is Tata still managing to position the Nexon as a value for money proposition despite significant improvements.

So what makes the Tata Nexon such a complete package without demanding a premium price? Let's analyse the key aspects to understand where it hits the sweet spot between affordability and desirability.

There's no getting away from the Nexon's radically transformed design that modernises its overall appearance. The new styling plays a major role in setting it apart from rivals while highlighting Nexon's dynamic persona. Distinctive highlights include:

• A sleeker front grille flanked by slim LED headlamps
• Eye-catching 16-inch alloy wheels featuring tri-arrow detailing
• Z-shaped LED tail lights joined by an LED light bar with tri-arrow motifs
• New exterior colour options further enhance kerb appeal

The coupe-inspired roofline also lends the Nexon an athletic stance while balancing longer rear overhangs. Cleverly integrated design touches make the Nexon seem more expensive than it actually is while reflecting contemporary style.

Matching its exterior individuality, the Nexon's cabin looks trendier while interior quality sees substantial improvement. High-end materials coupled with metallic accents lift the ambience to premium levels. The dual-tone dashboard layout looks cleaner and makes way for a convenient 10.25-inch touchscreen occupying the centre stage.

Responding to user feedback, ergonomics are enhanced by redesigned seats with improved cushioning. Automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting, electric sunroof and an audio system account for major comfort and convenience. Safety sees an upgrade as well, with electronic stability control and brake sway control introduced for added reassurance.

Under the hood, the Nexon presents a choice between Tata's proven 1.2L turbo-petrol and 1.5L turbo-diesel engines. Generating 118bhp, the responsive Revotron engine delivers brisk acceleration along a flat torque curve while still returning 17 to 18 kmpl fuel efficiency (ARAI rated).

For highway cruising and overtaking punch, the Nexon diesel produces 108bhp and an impressive peak torque of 260Nm, translating into effortless real-world performance.

Both engines are paired to either a competent 6-speed manual, a convenient AMT automatic or a 7-speed DCA gearbox, depending on the variant. Delivering good refinement and efficiency without compromising daily drivability or dynamics, these powertrains strike an ideal balance benefiting owners.

The Tata Nexon base variant measures 3,995mm in length, 1,804mm in width and 1,620mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,498mm. It has a healthy ground clearance of 208mm and a boot space capacity of 382 litres. The 44-litre fuel tank allows a reasonable range between fill-ups.

This practical sub-4-meter footprint, coupled with generous ground clearance, makes the Nexon well-suited for urban commutes and light weekend getaways.

Safety always remains a key priority for Tata Motors, and the latest Nexon carries this legacy forward in style. Already a trailblazer by becoming India's first five-star rated car in Global NCAP crash tests, the Nexon aims for segment-leading occupant protection standards in the upcoming generation as well.

Beyond mandated basics, including dual front airbags and ABS braking, Tata also offers six airbags as standard, electronic safety aids like ESC, hill hold control, roll-over mitigation and more, depending on the variant. Reinforced steel construction adds reassurance of structural integrity in case of an impact, underlining Nexon's formidable safety credentials.

Now, we come to the cherry on top - aggressive introductory pricing that amplifies Nexon's value proposition even as competition is on the rise. Despite major upgrades to nearly all departments along with growing production costs, prices have witnessed only a marginal increase over outgoing models because of Tata's effective cost management.

On-road prices now start from Rs 9.17 lakhs for the Nexon Smart petrol, going up to Rs 18.36 lakhs for the top-spec Nexon Fearless Plus diesel automatic. There are broadly four trim levels offered, giving customers the flexibility to choose a variant suiting specific features or budget preferences.

Overall, this is excellent value considering segment-leading dimensions, styling, drivability and safety standards the Nexon delivers at each corresponding price point.

The 2023 Tata Nexon allows customers to add a dash of personalisation through the choice of 7 vibrant exterior colour options. Buyers can pick between various shades, including Calgary White, Flame Red, Creative Ocean Blue, Pristine White, Pure Grey, Daytona Grey and the uniquely named Fearless Purple.

This extensive colour palette consisting of neutral metallic shades contrasted with eye-catching bright hues should appeal to buyers across age groups who want Nexon's exterior styling to reflect their distinctive personality. With colours ranging from subtle to standout, Tata offers ample customisation for owners to style the Nexon to suit their preferences.

The Tata Nexon impresses as a well-rounded subcompact SUV that punches above its weight. Combining head-turning looks, premium feel, energetic performance and generous equipment, the updated Nexon makes perfect sense for style-conscious buyers on a budget.

Tata has injected contemporary design, driving enthusiasm and comfort while retaining down-to-earth pricing. For customers seeking excitement on a sensible budget, the comprehensively enhanced Nexon bridges emotion and logic with standout appeal across areas to maintain its winning momentum amidst fresh competition.

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