Tata Nexon Smart Base Model: An Affordable SUV with 5-Star Safety

The Tata Nexon Smart base model is a 5-star rated muscular SUV that combines robust build quality with essential features. This article explores what the Smart base model offers, focusing on its petrol variant, updated pricing, and core specifications.

Updated Pricing and Variants

The Tata Nexon Smart base model is available only in a petrol option. Diesel variants start from the Smart+ trim. With recent updates, the ex-showroom price for the Smart petrol model now begins at ₹7,31,000, which is approximately ₹7,000 less than its previous starting price of ₹8,00,000.

The on-road price for the Smart petrol is now around ₹8,39,000, marking a significant reduction of approximately ₹1,15,000 from the earlier price of ₹9,45,000. If you opt for the Smart CNG variant, expect an on-road price of around ₹9,45,000, reflecting a rough ₹1,00,000 difference between petrol and CNG versions. Financing options are available, for instance, with a down payment of ₹39,000 for a ₹6,00,000 loan, EMIs could be around ₹19,000 for 3 years or ₹12,000 for 5 years.

Exterior Design and Features

The Nexon Smart base model boasts a strong exterior presence. In the front, it features the Tata logo at the center, a glossy black front grille, and a black lower grille. Dual-functional DRLs act as both daytime running lights and indicators. The LED headlamps are manually adjustable. The engine bay remains somewhat open. This compact SUV offers a ground clearance of 208 mm.

From the side, the vehicle comes with dual wipers and washers and a plain roof. You won’t find wheel covers on the 16-inch steel wheels in this base model, but these can be installed later as accessories. The car is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The tire profile is 195/60 R16. Black cladding runs along the side. The ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) are in a matte black finish, requiring manual folding and internal stick adjustment. The A-pillar is body-colored, while door handles are black and the B-pillar is body-colored. The car comes with a 3-year or 1 lakh km warranty, which is extendable.

At the rear, the Nexon Smart includes LED tail lights, though only a part of them illuminates. It sports the Tata logo, a high-mount stop lamp, an integrated spoiler, and a power antenna. The Nexon badging is prominently displayed. Reflectors incorporate the reverse light, and two ultrasonic parking sensors are provided. The license plate light is a white LED. The rear suspension setup and exhaust pipe are visible underneath.

The boot space measures 382 liters. The tailgate can only be opened using an internal button. A parcel tray is not included but can be added later. Hooks are provided for hanging items, with a capacity of 3 kg each. The rear seat is 100% foldable. The spare tire is a 16-inch steel wheel of the same size as the main tires and includes a jack and tool kit. CNG variants will have twin cylinders placed below, still leaving usable boot space.

Comfortable and Safe Interior

The interior of the Tata Nexon Smart features an all-black theme. As a base model, it lacks a touchscreen infotainment system or a rear camera, but these can be installed aftermarket for an estimated cost of ₹30,000-₹35,000. It offers six airbags, and there’s an option to turn the passenger airbag on or off using the key.

In the rear, there are no power windows, and door openers are in matte black. While there are no speakers in the back, bottle holders are present. The seats are made of fabric. The cabin does not have rear AC vents. The floor features a slightly raised tunnel. The rear offers good legroom, thigh support, and headroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers. Two adjustable headrests are provided, along with three-point seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

For the front, the car comes with a normal manual physical key for locking and unlocking. The door trims are black, and front power window controls are available. ORVMs are adjusted via a stick. There’s space for bottles and small items in the doors. The fabric seats offer a manual recline option. The car features a manual transmission with ABC pedals. Levers for opening the bonnet and fuel cap are also present.

The dashboard presents a clean, all-black look. It features a fully digital instrument cluster that displays RPM, speed, fuel level, outside temperature, range, trip A/B, and average mileage. The steering wheel has an illuminated Tata logo but no mounted controls. Manual controls for headlamps and wipers are on the stalks. The flat-bottom steering wheel is tilt-adjustable.

The center console is all black and houses manual AC controls for fan speed, temperature, and airflow. A hazard light switch and a boot unlock button are also present. The vehicle features a five-speed manual transmission. A 12V charging outlet is available, but there is no USB port in this base variant. Three drive modes are offered: City, Eco, and Sport. Two cup holders and additional bottle holders are provided. The car comes with a manual handbrake. The glovebox is deep, offering space for documents and even features internal glass holders. An manually adjustable IRVM and a white LED roof light are standard. The co-driver’s sun visor includes a vanity mirror, while the driver’s side has a ticket holder.

Powerful Engine Performance

The Tata Nexon Smart petrol variant is powered by a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine. This engine delivers 118 bhp of power and 170 Nm of torque. It offers a mileage of approximately 18-19 kmpl. While a three-cylinder engine may produce slightly more noise compared to a four-cylinder unit, proper insulation is provided. Under the bonnet, you can easily access the coolant reservoir, battery compartment, and the ABS/EBD unit.

For those considering other options, the 1.5-liter Revotorq diesel engine (available from Smart+ variants) produces 113-114 bhp of power and 260 Nm of torque, with an impressive mileage of up to 21 kmpl. The Nexon offers engine options across petrol, CNG, diesel, and EV variants in its lineup.

Dimensions and Color Options

The Tata Nexon Smart has a length of 3995 mm, a width of 1804 mm, and a height of 1620 mm. The wheelbase measures 2498 mm. The vehicle is available in a white color. Higher variants offer additional color choices such as Dark Edition (all-black), Pure Grey, Daytona Grey, and Royal Blue.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a key highlight of the Tata Nexon. Even the base Smart model comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:

• ABS with EBD
• Six airbags
• Reverse parking sensors
• Reverse assist system
• Seatbelt warning
• Engine immobilizer
• Crash sensor
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Conclusion

The Tata Nexon Smart base model presents a compelling package for SUV buyers seeking a balance of affordability, 5-star safety, and essential features. With its muscular design, efficient petrol engine, and competitive pricing after GST benefits, it stands as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, competing with rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra 3XO.