Unveiling the Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG: A Feature-Packed Compact SUV

Introduction to the Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG

The Tata Nexon is a highly-rated compact SUV known for its muscular design and five-star safety rating. This article introduces the new Dark Edition variant, now available with a CNG option. This model, specifically the Fearless+ PS Dark Edition CNG, brings new features and updated pricing. The base model’s price has been reduced from 8 lakh to ₹7,32,000, offering a benefit of approximately ₹68,000. For the top-end Fearless+ PS Dark Edition CNG, the ex-showroom price is now ₹13,26,000, down from ₹14,90,000. This translates to an ex-showroom benefit of ₹1,23,000, or roughly ₹1.5 lakh on the on-road price. The standard warranty for this car is 3 years or 1,00,000 kilometers, which can be extended.

Exterior Design and Features

The exterior of the Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG boasts a strong, muscular look. At the front, it features the Tata logo in the center and a black lower grille. This compact SUV includes a 360-degree camera system, with a camera placed below the front logo. It comes with dual-functional DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that also act as indicators. Projector automatic headlamps and fog lamps are also part of the front lighting setup. Two front parking sensors and a towing hook option enhance convenience. The car offers a ground clearance of 208 mm. Other exterior features include automatic wipers, a large panoramic sunroof with a black roof, and sleek roof rails. A CNG sticker is also visible on the side.

Moving to the side, the Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG features stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, with a unique pattern for the top model. It has front disc brakes and a tire profile of 215/60 R16. Black cladding runs along the side, and a prominent ‘#Dark’ badge signifies its special edition. The ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) are auto-foldable, folding when the car is locked and unfolding when unlocked. These ORVMs also integrate turn indicators and cameras as part of the 360-degree camera system.

The rear profile of the car looks impressive, highlighting its muscular build and quality. It features connected LED taillights with integrated indicators. The Tata logo is centered at the back, with a reverse parking camera located just below it, alongside the Nexon badge. Rear features include a defogger, a hidden rear wiper, an integrated spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and a panoramic sunroof. Reflectors, reverse lights, and an iCNG badge are present at the lower rear. Two ultrasonic parking sensors are also installed. The car includes a spare tire, a normal steel wheel, which is a useful addition often absent in other CNG vehicles. The fuel filler cap has options for both petrol (with a 44-liter capacity) and a CNG nozzle, depending on the variant. Rear brakes are drum brakes, and a matt black cladding is visible at the rear. The overall dimensions are a length of 3995 mm, a width of 1804 mm, a height of 1620 mm, and a wheelbase of 2498 mm.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG reveals an all-black interior with a large dashboard view. The door trims are black with glossy black door handles, power window controls, speaker, and bottle holders. All seats are leather, and the front seats are ventilated, providing cooling comfort. Electric seat adjustment is not available, with manual options for height adjustment.

The interior boasts a spacious panoramic sunroof, which is larger than those found in some competitor vehicles. For rear passengers, there are AC vents and both Type-C and Type-A USB charging ports. Legroom, knee room, and thigh support are designed for comfort. The car features six airbags, with branding on the pillars, even in the base model. Hooks for coats and an armrest with two glass holders are provided in the rear. The rear also includes a parcel tray and 60-40 split seats. A 12V charging outlet and a boot light are also available in the rear. Two adjustable headrests are fitted for rear passengers, along with three-point seatbelts. The glove box is deep, offering two glass holders, document space, a yellow light, and a tablet holder.

For the driver, the car features a new, leather-wrapped, D-cut steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo. It comes with steering-mounted controls for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster. However, cruise control is not available in this CNG variant. The steering wheel is adjustable for tilt and telescopic positions. The car is equipped with automatic headlamps and automatic wipers. The fully digital instrument cluster displays essential information like speed, CNG status, range, petrol level, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), and can show navigation when connected.

The center console is predominantly black with a single silver accent. It features a 10.25-inch bezel-less touchscreen infotainment system with excellent touch response. This system includes an air purifier with an AQI display and shows the 360-degree camera feed. Connectivity options include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, and AUX. The automatic climate control panel has touch-sensitive buttons, and fan speed and temperature can also be adjusted via the touchscreen. There’s a shortcut button for the 360-degree camera, along with buttons for car lock/unlock, boot unlock, hazard lights, and fog lamps. A touch-sensitive switch allows conversion between CNG and petrol modes. The car includes a 12V charging outlet, Type-A and Type-C USB ports, and a wireless charger pad. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, as the CNG variant is only available with manual transmission (petrol variants offer automatic). Drive modes are not present in this CNG model. An auto-dimming IRVM and a microphone are also included.

Performance and Engine Options

The Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG is powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, turbo-charged petrol engine, operating as a bi-fuel system. In CNG mode, this engine produces 99 BHP (Brake Horsepower) and 170 Nm (Newton-meters) of torque. When running on petrol, the power output increases to 118 BHP, while the torque remains 170 Nm. The petrol engine is expected to deliver a mileage of around 19 kmpl, while the CNG option offers an impressive 26 kmpl. The engine bay includes essential components like coolant, battery, and ABS/EBD units, along with proper insulation. While a 3-cylinder engine might be slightly noisier compared to a 4-cylinder, it is turbo-charged, a first in the segment for a CNG vehicle.

Beyond the CNG-petrol option, the Tata Nexon also offers other engine choices. There’s a 1.5-liter Revotorq diesel engine, a 4-cylinder unit, which produces 114 BHP and 260 Nm of torque. The diesel variant is known to provide a mileage of 20-21 kmpl.

Pricing and Finance Details

The Tata Nexon Fearless+ PS Dark Edition CNG has an ex-showroom price of ₹13,26,000. Its on-road price in Lucknow is approximately ₹15,50,000, which does not include any accessories or extended warranty. This represents a significant saving of ₹1,50,000 on the on-road price compared to its previous cost, thanks to new GST benefits.

For those considering other fuel types, the petrol variant of the Fearless+ PS Dark Edition has an ex-showroom price of ₹12,34,000 and an on-road price of ₹14,60,000. This means there is roughly a ₹90,000 difference between the petrol and CNG variants. The diesel variant has an on-road price of approximately ₹17,00,000, showing about a ₹1,50,000 difference when compared to the CNG model.

Financing options are also available. For an on-road price of ₹15,50,000, with a down payment of ₹5,50,000, a loan of ₹10,00,000 can be taken. The estimated EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) are:

• ₹31,000 for a 3-year loan term
• ₹20,000 for a 5-year loan term
• ₹16,000 for a 7-year loan term

Advanced Safety Features

The Tata Nexon is well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, contributing to its five-star safety rating. These include:

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Six airbags
• Reverse parking sensors
• Reverse parking camera
• Speed alert system
• Seat belt warning
• Engine immobilizer
• Crash sensor
• Traction control
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)

Why Choose the Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG?

The Tata Nexon Dark Edition CNG stands out in its segment, competing with vehicles like the Mahindra 3XO, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, and Kia Sonet. It offers a superior combination of build quality, advanced features, and solid looks. With its updated pricing, efficient bi-fuel engine, and a wide array of safety and convenience features, it presents a compelling choice for a compact SUV.