| Senior - BHPian
Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dubai/Bengaluru
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'Not every family member comes home on two legs, some drive in on all four wheels'
Cars have always been an extension of our family. Waking up at the strike of dawn and giving it a clean bath has been a family 'parampara'. So, when we had to decide on a car that would be with us for some time to come, the decision had to be carefully thought out. Never have we disposed of any of our four wheels for lack of performance or niggles. Issues with the machine, however small, get immediate attention and is sorted. It's more like a relationship in which you invest time. And the cars have also returned the love amply. It's such an obsession that we don't rest till it's back on its feet and returned to original condition.
Our first gen Zen was with us for 15 years and was sent away in showroom condition (Reason for sale: AC couldn't keep up with the rising heat). Next came the Eon but the car sat too low and would graze every hump. It's a fantastic car for that money, but the low ground clearance was something I couldn't correct. Got spacers installed, upgraded the rims and tyres (spent 45k), but it still fell short!
Nothing in life is perfect, we have to make it perfect!
Ok, the story starts with Bangalore and it's rapidly disappearing 'roads'. Going out and about in the Silicon city takes great patience these days. The 'Mars like terrain' called for a 'Rover'. Regular cars just wouldn't do, it had to be an SUV. Something compact so it's easily manageable, be it for parking or driving. Choice of fuel was Diesel as a project coming up outside the city demands a good amount of travel.
Cars test driven -
The Brezza - The Brezza had good ground clearance but meek build and rattling interiors in my cousin's car just didn't cut it. I did not like the turbo lag and the engine as well. Just did not feel as well tuned as it's on the Swift.
XUV 500 - We almost picked up the XUV500 Automatic as it ticked all boxes. But a close friend was having a tough time parking his car on our narrow roads, and advised against it. He uses his wife's Micra Automatic in the city and the XUV is relegated to long trips only.
Ecosport - We somehow did not like the dashboard. It looks futuristic and the car is definitely able but it wasn't a resounding 'yes' from the family. The rear bench was very cramped for three people to sit in comfort as well.
Nexon - The Nexon had a lot going for it even before it was launched. I was keenly following this model since its debut at the Auto Show. It has a very striking personality and looks to kill. You can view it from far and know it's a Nexon. Even when you look at International models like Suzuki Vitara and Nissan Kicks, which I have driven in the Gulf, this looks distinct.
So when it landed in Bengaluru guess who was waiting - briefcase in hand!
Love at first sight!
I just had a quick look at it and hadn't even taken a test drive, this had to be it. The choice of materials used, the dark fabric, the well damped switches, everything - screamed quality. It didn't even get one second to stretch its legs after a long ride from the factory and was snapped up immediately.
It's close contender, the Brezza played it very safe with its looks but the Nexon was in 'uncharted territory' even when it came to design. I liked this thought! The car is a great 'rough rider' and looked the part.
Reliability was never a question in my mind as we, as family, tend to make the machine perfect as time develops. We achieved it with all our previous cars, and even on this no effort will be spared!
The front gets instant approval. It's aggressive hawkish stance is a killer! The rear polarized a few but it just grew on the 'nay-Sayers'. Ditto, the white highlights on the side. The first few days I took the car out, guys were taking selfies with the car (especially college kids). Even now, it pulls in a second glance. People just love the design and the stance. So many guys ask questions about the car wherever I stopped, be it at traffic signals or at the Mall - which I answer patiently. Glasgow Grey really suits it to the core along with the contrasting white accents. The Company did highlight the Red and Blue during launch but in my opinion these colours don't do justice. Maybe, a different shade of these colours could do the trick! In white, the lines get washed away and the silver looks like a non-starter. This is purely my feeling, and the guys at the different Dealerships I visited were also of the same view.
A close friend has also booked the car and in Glasgow Grey after getting my 'thumbs up'. He will get it in Jan as waiting periods have climbed (Maruti guys called him and assured Brezza delivery within a week - shows increased production by the Company - but he wants the Nexon). Knowing Maruti, I have no doubt that Brezza will get updated interiors in the near future, matching the Nexon's.
Only the top end would do!
We chose the fully loaded XZ+, as most of the features are what we would use on a daily basis. The dual tone roof on the next variant did not interest us. The absence of 6 airbags (As in the Ecosport) did disappoint, but this is the car which had 99% of things that we wanted, so we went with the decision.
Drives amazingly well!
The Nexon is a delight to drive in the city and devours the highway with its newly derived 1.5liter mill. The diesel engine has very little turbo lag (I don't feel it) and is linear in its power delivery. It's not an easy feat achieved by Tata as both Suzuki and Honda are struggling to find a sweet spot in Diesel engines. The clatter is hardly audible in the well insulated cabin. Kudos to team Tata Motors on this achievement!
Tall performer!
Ground clearance is an ample 210MM, and is more than adequate for Bangalore's road humps and craters. Shocks are slightly 'springy' but do their job.
Class leading interiors!
The plastics used, the fabric on the seats, the nicely damped buttons, the chunky steering wheel, screamed quality. Seats are snug and comfortable. Leg space is adequate. Storage bins are amazing.
Chilling Air Conditioning!
Like all Tata cars the AC is quite a performer and chills in no time. Bangalore is cool right now so fan speed 1 is adequate. It gets slightly noisy as you move up. Rear blowers throw out adequate air. Mind you, these are just blowers and don't get a separate compressor.
Basically, there is very little that we do not like in this car!
Good dealer experience!
Dealer experience with Aadya Motors was very good, and small complaints were immediately attended to. Chandru, the SE was very humble, answering all my queries, ably aided by both Ms. Sevandhi and Mr. Ibrahim. Deadlines were chased by me, to the minute, and stuck to - by the Dealership. They're moving into a swanky new showroom very close to Hebbal Lake, and are concentrating on that. But I'm happy they still gave me time!
'Fully loaded' would be an understatement!
Feature-wise the car is pretty well equipped. The three driving modes really work and are not a gimmick at all. The least favourite with me is 'Economy' (needs more throttle input and is 'testy' under tight city conditions), would use this in the Highway. 'City mode' is ideal, and is the most in use, while 'Sport' sips a lot of fuel and reduces 'range', but gives it beautiful pick-up and handling.
Decent average!
Fuel economy stands at 13-14 in Sport mode with an incremental gain of 2KMPL in City and a significant gain in 'Economy mode'. I'm assured of much better numbers post first service.
Talk to me, Baby!
Voice command is a delight to use. I adjust temperature and fan speed using this. Even for music it's very handy. Skipping tracks and selecting them by number is done in a cinch. For Eg "Play Track Number 7" command gets a proper response. In this respect the Ford unit was slightly more responsive, but this gets the job done, no issues.
Superior sound!
The Harman Kardon unit is the life of the car! With 8 speakers, the sound stage is the best on any car under 20 lakhs. It has individual settings for your music preference, and gets used extensively. I don't find the 480p display 'laggy' at all as reported elsewhere, (could be because I insisted on the latest software update during delivery). The system needs to be tuned for individual preference and could sound flat the first time. Rear camera is adequate even in dark conditions. Radio reception through the shark fin antenna is adequate - though it loses signal a few times on the highway. Looks trendy though!
Well weighted steering feedback!
Driving is precise and weighs up adequately as the car gains momentum. It's very similar to Fiat I felt. The gears are precise, though I doubt the 6th will ever get used - given our traffic conditions. Even on the Bangalore-Mysore highway I could only move up to 5th, max. The first 4 gears are impeccable with good ratios. The vehicle has covered 1000Kms so far in city as well as on the highway, so let's see how things pan out! Right now I'm enjoying the drive thoroughly.
A place for everything and everything in its place!
Space management on the inside is amazing with rear seats providing 100% flip & flat fold. Boot space is a good 350 litres. There are storage spaces on all doors. The glove box is really deep and has nice slots for essentials like a pen, writing pad, car papers etc. It has cup holders built in but that's too much of a stretch for the driver to reach.
Truly Grand!
The Grand Central Console is really impressive with deep bins to keep things away from prying eyes. I use the storage space under the 'Tambour sliding door' a lot, with USBs and spare phone neatly tucked away from sight. The elbow rest is great, even though it doesn't slide forward. I feel a longer hand rest could have come in the way so this is a good enough arrangement for me.
Even the wiper's premium!
Love the well designed wipers with their 'plush' sweep (Gives a nice wide wipe). Please try this if you can. The water spray's actually a 'nice shower' on the windshield!
Designed to please!
The instrument cluster is a joy to behold and has great back-light - The 'intensity' is just right and doesn't irritate at night. The mandatory displays are easy to read, with one stand out feature - the door open indicator - which tells you exactly which door is open. Great feature to have.
Never in the dark!
The projector headlights are really good (driver's side light is slightly angled away from incoming traffic). DRLs look really posh! I like this better than Brezza's as the light has a nice spread on the ground.
Confident on any terrain!
The Bridgestone Turanza tyres (215/60 R16) are very good. Prefer these over Goodyear Assurance, which few other owners got. Tyres are fitted at the factory and linked to warranty, so can't be changed at dealer lever. Road noise is well controlled and inspires confidence while taking corners.
Note: Recommended tyre PSI is 30 (and it is at this setting that it gets bumpy at low speeds). They perform better when maintained anywhere be tween 26-28 PSI and don't feel the bumps much. But this is detrimental to the life of the tyres. Team Tata Motors should re-look this aspect, but I'm not complaining - It's fine.
Wheel wells gets full cladding and under-body has anti-rust coating, confirmed at 3M. 16'' Machine-cut alloys wheels in dual finish look stunning!
So overall a great package, the Nexon has arrived at the time we need it the most - to grace our garage, and how!
Few irritants:
Android Auto only (I use iPhone)
USB port should have been inside the bin
Only driver-side power window switches are back-lit
The 2 power outlets work but the charger unit tends to slip out, (It's not holding it snugly).
The rear view mirrors don't fold in smoothly, notice some noise.
Large bonnet gaps and space between windshield and A pillar accumulating debris (can be cleaned only with compressed air)
'A' pillar is quite 'thickish' - (guess it's safer) - but got used to it now.
2 Airbags only - Why Tata?
Spare wheel isn't an alloy.
Rear seat belt 'hinge resting slots' look poorly finished (like an after thought)
The request key could have been sleeker.
Turn signals are in a hurry to cut off. (Wanted it to last a second or two more)
Glove box cover fouls with front passenger knee, when open
The NEX ON, in a nutshell:
WHAT'S ON!
-Aggressive SUV stance
-'High' driving position
-Solid build (Doors close with a solid thud)
-Smooth gears
-1.5L engine pulls like a bull on steroids
-Harman Kardon System with 8 Speakers
-Grand central console with its creature comforts/storage
-Highest ground clearance
-Multi Drive Mode Dial
-'Premium feel' at all touch points - even the wipers sweep in a plush manner
-Voice commands/alerts
-Unique umbrella pockets in front door came handy during the best/worst monsoon showers we have ever received (water from a wet umbrella goes out through a channel)
-Rear seat comfort with hand-rest
-Deep (cooled) glove box
-Park assist guide-ways on screen
-Boot gets 4 hooks and a light
-Cabin gets convenient hooks to hang stuff and the front passenger gets a nifty flip type near the foot
-Spring loaded hand grabs gives premium feel
-Different textures are great to touch
-Chunky steering wheel, looks fabulous
NOT ON!
-Inconsistent voice recognition (Embarrassing in front of co-passengers when it doesn't work)
-Inconsistent lock/unlock from remote. Need to check if it's locked every time
-Only front two airbags even in the top-most variant (Team Tata Motors, I was prepared to pay for 6 airbags)
-Power socket doesn't hold charger snugly, letting it slip
-Noisy side mirror folding mechanism
-Limited head space - I hit my head every time I get in the driver seat, even my feet have to be maneuvered in (after adjusting steering to highest position). This is a big bummer, but I really need the high ground clearance so it's fine!
-Mails/queries not replied to from people listed on Tata Motors website, passenger car division (TM, take this seriously) This is no time to be shy
-Plain vanilla visor lets down the impeccable cabin (without back lit mirror)
-Sun-glass holder is just a slot (could be better designed)
-No roof light for rear passenger
Alternatives that were considered (Wanted only mini SUV):
Vitara Brezza
XUV 500
Price discounts and accessories:
-Since this was a hot new SUV, and we wanted it the very first day, there was no room for any negotiation.
-Did not receive even a pin as a free accessory. The mud flaps, floor mats etc were all paid for.
The infamous handling charges and insurance:
-All charges, including handling of Rs 6,500, were paid
-Got insurance from outside at a little under 20K from this great guy at New India Assurance (Can PM you the ref).
-Haven't taken bumper to bumper.
-The dealership quote was between 32K and 38K.
-Bought 2 year additional warranty, as its a new model with a new engine.
(Please go through dealership quotes in fine detail as one dealer KHT was quoting 3K more in Road Tax (this is illegal). That was on the first day of launch so could explain the confusion, maybe it's revised now)
Top tip: Carry a print out of the TeamBHP PDI, and take a day to do this - as it proved invaluable in my case.
I had to reject my first allotted car based on this (Aadya Motors was sweet enough to accommodate, but not sure if every dealer will be as patient).
Usage: At least 50Kms daily
Fuel efficiency: 13-16 in City and 18 on Highway (Tank full-Tank full method)
Please let me know what you think of the Nexon on this thread. Will detail out the service experience/parts reliability in future as right now it's rock solid!
Have added few pictures of the Nexon's strong points below, hope you like them.
My newly increased corporate responsibilities and frequent travel leave very little room for 'passions', but I will update the thread at regular intervals for sure. 'Itna toh banta hai' for our beloved 'TeamBHP'
The much discussed and polarizing ceramic strip! (This demands a lot of attention, and a micro-fiber cloth is always close at hand just for this panel). In this picture I feel like the TATA MOTORS logo is proudly inching forward, away from the body, like a Gargoyle. Also seen is the smartly integrated rear view camera. This does it's job and is clear, in dimly lit situations as well.
Note: The ivory finish on the strip cannot be wrapped by 3M for protection as it's non-metal.
Last edited by Rudra Sen : 25th October 2017 at 14:09.
Reason: back to back posts merged.
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24th October 2017, 10:40
(1)
Thanks
. It earns a place in a separate ownership review.
