Discover the New Tata Nexon i-CNG: Turbo Power with CNG Efficiency

The all-new Tata Nexon i-CNG is here, featuring a unique combination of a turbo petrol engine with a factory-fitted CNG option. This makes it the only car in its segment to offer a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine with CNG. This article will explore its features, specifications, and pricing.

Pricing and Variants

The Tata Nexon i-CNG base model starts at an ex-showroom price of 8 Lakhs. The top model can go up to 16-17 Lakhs. The Creative Plus CNG variant is priced at ₹12,09,999 (ex-showroom) and approximately ₹14,10,000 on-road in Lucknow. For comparison, the Creative Plus Petrol variant costs ₹1,199,999 (ex-showroom) and around ₹13,00,000 on-road in Lucknow.

Exterior Design and Features

The Nexon i-CNG boasts a muscular design. The Creative Plus variant comes with a smart key for lock, unlock, boot unlock, and follow-me-home lamps. Two smart keys are provided.

Front Profile Highlights

At the front, the Tata Nexon i-CNG features a Tata logo on a gloss black front grille. The Creative Plus variant includes a 360-degree camera with a visible camera placement and two front bumper sensors. The lower grille is black, and a white skid plate adds to its robust look.

Side View and Wheels

The side profile includes dual-functional indicators that work as both indicators and DRLs. It has projector LED headlamps with an automatic function, though this variant does not have fog lamps. The ground clearance is an impressive 208 mm. The car comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes. The tire profile is 215/60 R16 radial. Black cladding and a matte black A-pillar enhance its tough appearance. The auto-foldable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) integrate indicators and 360-degree camera units. Silver-finished roof rails are also present.

Rear Design and CNG Integration

The rear features connected LED tail lights, a shark fin antenna, and black B-pillars. Unique to the CNG model are the i-CNG badge and a dedicated CNG sticker. The car offers a plain roof, but a panoramic sunroof option is available for the Nexon CNG, which is a significant upgrade from the smaller electric sunroof found in regular Nexon models.

Smart and Safe Features

The Tata Nexon i-CNG prioritizes safety and convenience. It comes with a 5-star safety rating.

Advanced Safety Technology

Safety features include six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, a reverse parking camera, a speed alert system, and seatbelt warnings. It also includes an engine immobilizer, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers. A unique safety feature: the car will not start if the fuel/CNG cap is open, and it will automatically shut off if the cap is opened while the engine is running. When indicating, the corresponding side camera activates, providing extra safety.

Convenience Features

The smart key allows keyless entry through a request sensor on the door handle. Inside, the auto-dimming IRVM, white LED cabin lights, and a microphone enhance comfort. The driver side has a ticket holder, and the co-driver side includes a vanity mirror. The glove box is cooled and offers deep storage space for documents.

Spacious and Feature-Rich Interior

The interior of the Nexon i-CNG combines comfort with modern technology.

Rear Cabin Comfort

Rear doors feature body-colored handles, chrome door openers, white handles, speakers, bottle holders, and power window controls. The fabric seats in the Creative Plus variant come with child seat mounts and three-point seatbelts. Rear AC vents are provided for passenger comfort, though there are no charging outlets in the rear. Adjustable headrests are available for two passengers.

Driver’s Cockpit and Technology

The driver’s door includes all four power window controls, ORVM controls (electrically adjustable and foldable), and a reflector light. The fabric seats offer height adjustment and recline options. The dashboard features a three-tone design with a white finish. The car has a push-button start for ignition.

The fully digital instrument cluster displays RPM, speedometer, and separate bars for CNG and petrol fuel levels. It provides information like trip, average mileage, range, and audio details. The flat-bottom steering wheel has an illuminated logo, along with controls for telephony, infotainment, and the MID. The steering is tilt-adjustable. Stalks control automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. A dedicated switch allows conversion between CNG and petrol modes. The CNG variant does not include drive modes.

The center console houses a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, and AUX connectivity. A shortcut button activates the 360-degree camera, which offers excellent quality with 2D, 3D, and side views. Automatic climate control is managed via the touchscreen, allowing adjustment of fan speed and temperature. Below the screen, buttons for hazard lights, boot unlock, door lock/unlock, 360-degree camera, and CNG/petrol conversion are present, along with AC controls. A 12V charging outlet, Type A, and Type C USB ports are available. The car comes with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Powerful Engine and Performance

The Tata Nexon i-CNG stands out with its engine specifications, offering both power and fuel economy.

Turbo CNG Engine

Under the hood is a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, making it a pioneer in the Indian market for offering a turbo engine with a CNG option. The engine bay houses the ABS/EBD unit, battery, and the integrated CNG kit, along with insulation on the bonnet.

Mileage and Fuel Options

In CNG mode, the engine produces 100 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, delivering an impressive mileage of 24-26 km/kg. When running on petrol, it generates 118 BHP of power and 170 Nm of torque, with a mileage of 19-20 kmpl. The torque remains consistent across both fuel types, while the power output varies. The petrol tank capacity is 44 liters. The i-CNG system includes an auto-cut feature to prevent fire or leakage.

Dimensions and Overall Appeal

The Tata Nexon i-CNG is a compact SUV with a length of 3995 mm, a width of 1804 mm, and a height of 1620 mm. Its wheelbase is 2498 mm. The car comes in various colors, including White, Grey, Creative Ocean, Fearless Purple, Dark Color, and Red.

Practical Boot Space

Despite housing dual CNG cylinders (twin 30+30 kg cylinders), the Nexon i-CNG offers a practical 321 liters of boot space. The cylinders are neatly covered, and hooks with a 3kg capacity are provided. A yellow boot light and a full-size spare wheel (steel rim) are also included, which is a rare and welcome feature in CNG cars.

Conclusion: Why Choose the Nexon i-CNG?

The Tata Nexon i-CNG is an excellent option for car buyers looking for a compact SUV that combines the power of a turbo engine with the cost-effectiveness of CNG. Its segment-first features, strong safety rating, ample boot space, and comprehensive list of amenities make it a compelling choice for everyday commuting and long journeys. The manufacturer offers a warranty of 3 years or 1 lakh km, which can be extended for additional charges.