Tata Nexon CNG Launched at ₹8.99 Lakh: India’s First Turbocharged CNG SUV
Tata Motors has officially launched the new Tata Nexon CNG in India, following in the footsteps of the Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG. Packed with multiple features and advanced technology, the Nexon CNG aims to strengthen its appeal among eco-conscious buyers.
The Nexon CNG was first showcased at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo and had been spotted during testing multiple times. The launch of Nexon CNG comes shortly after the unveiling of Tata’s Curvv EV and Curvv ICE models. Starting from the base variant, the Nexon CNG has been priced competitively to attract a wide range of buyers.
Tata Nexon CNG: Expanding Green Mobility
Tata Motors, India’s leading electric car manufacturer, is further expanding its green vehicle lineup with the introduction of the Nexon CNG. In typical Tata fashion, the Nexon CNG sets a few industry benchmarks. It is the first CNG car in India to feature a turbocharged engine and the first vehicle in the country to offer four different fuel options.
The pricing for the Tata Nexon CNG starts at ₹8.99 lakh (ex-showroom), with eight trim levels available: Smart (O), Smart+, Smart+ S, Pure, Pure S, Creative, Creative+, and Fearless+ S. The top-spec Fearless+ S variant is priced at ₹14.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
Turbocharged CNG Performance
The Nexon CNG, India’s first turbocharged CNG vehicle, is powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine supported by Tata’s dual-cylinder CNG technology. On petrol, this engine delivers 118 hp and 170 Nm of torque. When running on CNG, the output is slightly reduced to 99 hp and 170 Nm of torque.
As the first turbo-petrol CNG car in the country, the Nexon CNG offers a balanced blend of turbo performance and the cost-effective running expenses associated with CNG. This combination is expected to attract a wide range of customers.
Tata’s twin-cylinder i-CNG system features two 30-liter cylinders placed under the boot floor, freeing up more usable boot space compared to single-cylinder setups. The system also comes with an advanced ECU and an automatic switch between fuel modes, allowing direct starts in CNG mode. In the event of a gas leak, the i-CNG system automatically switches to petrol mode. For enhanced safety, the Nexon CNG is also equipped with a micro switch to cut off ignition.
Exterior and Interior Features
In terms of design, the Nexon CNG is nearly identical to its petrol and diesel counterparts, with the only noticeable difference being the i-CNG badge on the boot lid. The interior continues to offer a host of premium features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, and a two-spoke steering wheel.
Much like the Tata Nexon EV, which earned a 5-star safety rating from the Global NCAP, the Nexon CNG is expected to maintain high safety standards. It is equipped with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS with EBD, Isofix child seat mounts, electronic stability program, auto-dimming IRVMs, and a rear de-fogger.
Competition
The Tata Nexon CNG will compete in the sub-4-meter SUV segment, going up against models like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG. It will also face competition from other CNG variants, including the Hyundai Exter, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, all of which fall within a similar price range.