The Tata Nexon.EV has undergone significant upgrades to make it more appealing in the market. We had the opportunity to drive this electric vehicle (EV) on the streets of Pune for a few hours, and here is our experience.
The Tata Nexon.EV has been a popular choice in the compact SUV segment for its electric capabilities. However, for the 2023 model, Tata Motors has taken it a step further by introducing various styling improvements, enhancing the motor performance, and incorporating a host of new features. This is not just a minor update; it is a significant leap from the previous generation model, making it even more attractive to potential buyers.
Starting with the design, Tata has done an impressive job with the facelift. While the car maintains the same silhouette from the side, it now features sleek LED lighting. The front of the car showcases an LED light strip that runs across the bumper, connecting the daytime running lights (DRL). The rear also sports triangular LED units with a strip running through them. In addition to these changes, the car boasts a redesigned bumper with aero inserts and a slightly modified grille, differentiating it from the internal combustion engine (ICE) model. The 16-inch alloy wheels remain the same as the updated ICE model. When you start up the car, the LED lights welcome you with a futuristic startup sequence. Overall, the car’s new look is eye-catching and turns heads on the streets.
Tata Motors refers to the new motor as the “Gen 2 motor,” which has a smaller packaging and is approximately 20 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. It can spin up to 16,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The Nexon.EV is available in two variants: Long Range (LR) and Medium Range (MR). The LR variant boasts a range of approximately 465 kilometers, while the MR variant offers a range of around 325 kilometers (as per ARAI). The LR variant is equipped with a 40.5-kWh battery pack, while the MR variant features a 30-kWh battery pack. The top-spec LR variant, which we had for this review, claims a 0-100 sprint time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. It generates 144.6 horsepower and 215 Nm of peak torque.
As we embarked on our drive, we immediately appreciated the power delivery calibration. The car feels incredibly smooth, and the steering is light, making it effortless to navigate through city traffic. The three drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) can be easily switched using the knob selector, and each mode proves valuable in different driving conditions. For stop-and-go traffic, Eco mode ensures a smooth ride. However, as soon as we left the congestion behind, switching to City mode enabled us to easily overtake and zip through the city. City mode is more than sufficient for daily driving, and with an average daily commute of approximately 35 to 40 kilometers, a driver should be able to go three days without charging the car. Engaging the paddle-shifters added to the driving experience, allowing us to toggle through the four levels of regen. The regenerative braking system works effectively in the city, enhancing the car’s range and reducing the need for constant brake pedal usage. Compared to the previous model, the regeneration has been improved by 10 to 15 percent.
The suspension setup leans towards the stiffer side, which means driving quickly over rough roads can be less pleasant as you can feel the thuds. However, the car truly shines on smooth roads and handles corners exceptionally well. The brakes offer good bite and ensure precise stopping.
On the interior front, the new seats provide excellent comfort. The rear seats are adequate for shorter individuals but might feel cramped for taller passengers. The main highlight is the new 12.3-inch central screen, which is larger than the ICE model’s screen. It is paired with a 10.25-inch dashboard screen. Similar to the updated ICE model, the Nexon.EV features a new steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo at its center. Below the central screen are capacitive touch buttons for various controls, which function smoothly. To simplify operations while driving, the air conditioning controls are switches, reducing distractions for the driver. The center console offers numerous new functions, indicating Tata’s focus on incorporating every possible tech feature to enhance the EV’s appeal.
One notable feature is the 360-degree camera, accessible through the central screen. It displays the blind spot on the side of the car whenever an indicator is turned on, reducing the risk of collisions. Additionally, the new JBL sound system delivers high-quality audio and offers customization options through the central screen. Users can personalize the sound or choose from pre-set modes. One of the major updates is the introduction of Arcade.EV, which allows users to connect their favorite streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney Hotstar, and Amazon Prime. The car even allows downloading a couple of games. The idea behind this feature is to keep the driver entertained while waiting for the car to charge. While some fellow journalists experienced glitches with the central screen, the unit in our car worked flawlessly. The touch sensitivity was excellent, and there was no lag while navigating through menus. To alleviate range anxiety, the car now supports Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) charging, enabling another Nexon.EV or a compatible EV to be charged using the car itself.
In conclusion, Tata has done an exceptional job with the new Nexon.EV. Our time spent with the car left us highly impressed. It proves to be an excellent vehicle for city driving, and with its array of tech features, it is sure to attract a wider range of customers. In the near future, we will conduct a more detailed road test to evaluate its performance on the highway, its handling on twisty roads, charging times, and provide a comprehensive review of all the features it offers.
Tags: car, CAR India, cars, EV, New, nexon, Nexon EV, Tata, Tata Nexon, Tata Nexon EV, technology, update