[drritwik]

So the new car was required. My trusty steed for the last 11 years...the hyundai i10 (P) had run 1.4 lakh kms
The new requirement mandatorily had to be a "safe" car. It was of utmost priority because of the route my wife had to travel 4 times a week for her work at Diamond Harbour from Calcutta. It is a single lane road, 50 kms each side...with the state transport buses ruling the road as if it was gifted to them.
To make things short I booked the Tata Nexon 1.2 (P) XM model on the 22nd of July 2021 with Dulichand Motors, Calcutta. The car arrived at Calcutta end August. The sales advisor was very patient and helpful all the way and accepted my request for a PDI. Post the PDI and all the payments done, I received the car on the 9th of September 2021.
As I pen this down today, my vehicle has already breached the 1000km mark and is due for its first service and within this period I have recently concluded a long-ish drive to maybe write a few pros and cons of the Nexon.
Pros: The long drive was from Calcutta to Burdwan and on to Rampurhat. So those who are from this part of the country would be able to judge better. Road conditions from Burdwan to Rampurhat and more so from Burdwan to Calcutta are not that great but, I was really impressed with the ability of the Nexon to tackle rough roads with aplomb.
The ability of the Nexon to mask speed were equally impressive. Maybe more so for me as I am coming from driving a Hyundai i10 for so many years.
Ride is calm and composed in the Nexon and no two ways about it, and this is another reason that it masks speeds so effectively.
The AC is super effective.
The rear sit as akin to a couch at our homes. As my wife majorly will be using this car, I prioritized on the rear seating comfort as she is chauffer driven always.
Coming from an i10, I love the amount of space the Nexon offers in all aspects
Cons: I have never ever come across such pathetic projector set ups. In my drive back at night, I had to near constantly drive in high beam. Have to change the low beam set up asap. Some advice on the best set up would be welcome along with the need and/or advantage of fog lamps alongside.
Still to find the ideal driving position. But I guess that will happen in a short while.
Previously I have said that the AC is super effective but, the downside is that as soon as the AC is switched off, the cabin temperature rises very quickly. This was not the case in the i10 which had an equally effective AC.
Mileage as of now is showing 13.5 on the MID but I think I am getting close to 11. And this is combined of highway and city drive. Havn't yet had the opportunity of doing a tank to tank calculation though. Hoping this should increase in another couple of thousand kms run.
Fit and finish as always with Tata is a hit n a miss. The inner rubber linings, the door lining and quite a few more parts makes one think after spending handsomely.

Hoping to pen an initial ownership review soon as time permits. Till then I will be putting in my experience in short bursts with the Nexon in this thread.

[shamanth]

Originally Posted by drritwik

Cons: I have never ever come across such pathetic projector set ups. In my drive back at night, I had to near constantly drive in high beam. Have to change the low beam set up asap. Some advice on the best set up would be welcome along with the need and/or advantage of fog lamps alongside.

Just upgrade to HID bulbs, I went for Osram 4200K, for low beam projectors and LED for highbeam. It made a huge difference, especially low beam. I seldom need high-beam now, even on highways.

[drritwik]

Hi Shamanth. Thank you for the response. Is it required to change the high beam set up? Asking as I was really very impressed with the high beam as it is. Also if you could help on fog lamps.

One query I have if anyone can help with it. I am looking at changing the normal antenna in my Nexon XM with the shark fin one. Now the thing is outside it costs between Rs 500 to Rs 700 but from Tata and also from Boodmo it costs 3.5k. Am I missing something here?? Which would be the one to go for as I do not want to compromise on the FM reception quality either.

Thank you

[NovemberKing_91]

Originally Posted by shamanth

Just upgrade to HID bulbs, I went for Osram 4200K, for low beam projectors and LED for highbeam. It made a huge difference, especially low beam. I seldom need high-beam now, even on highways.

Hi,

About upgrading the headlights, going for the Osram lights, post installation, will the need for a pair of fog light still remain? Or should we just install a pair of fog lights instead?

[shamanth]

Originally Posted by NovemberKing_91

Hi,

About upgrading the headlights, going for the Osram lights, post installation, will the need for a pair of fog light still remain? Or should we just install a pair of fog lights instead?

If you upgrade to HID for low beam, you don't need to upgrade fog light to HID, some do upgrade their fog also to HID instead of low beam.

I already had fog lamp in my Nexon, so there was no need for me add fog lamps. And fog lamps are for different purpose altogether.

I would prefer upgrade low-beam to HID, if you don't have fog lamp get it installed if required.

[shamanth]

Originally Posted by drritwik

Hi Shamanth. Thank you for the response. Is it required to change the high beam set up? Asking as I was really very impressed with the high beam as it is. Also if you could help on fog lamps.

No, its not required to upgrade high beam.

I went on and upgraded to LED light, and it did improve brightness quiet a bit than stock. I got 4300K Auxbeam LED.

[krishnakumar]

Hi Nexon owners,

With the initial excitement of XUV7OO waning and their rather lackluster mid-variant lineup, I've kinda reverted to my old list with Nexon as the top contender.

Couple of questions to the owners:

1. How mod-friendly is the Nexon? (Not talking about engine tuning, but more like creature comfort modifications like auto up-down windows)

2. How does the AMT perform? Is it liveable with?

3. Which dealership would you recommend in Bangalore?

4. Since the service intervals are too short (6 months) have you incurred higher expense? In general, what has been your thoughts on this?

[evinay]

Originally Posted by shamanth

Just upgrade to HID bulbs, I went for Osram 4200K, for low beam projectors and LED for highbeam. It made a huge difference, especially low beam. I seldom need high-beam now, even on highways.

Can you please let other Bengaluru folks know where did you get them installed?
I have a 2019 model Nexon. The low beams are still stock and they are almost always useless during night drives.

[coldice4u]

The only upgrade required for improving the low beam in a projector setup is a pair of good HIDs. If you go through the forum you'll find an assortment of threads and multiple posts vouching for the effectiveness including in the Nexon.

Almost all recent Tata cars with come with 19W fog lamps which are as good as useless. To understand how useless they are, consider the fact that the reversing lamps in most cars come with a 21W bulb! The only positive thing about the fogs is i think that they make the front of the car look complete.

[mihir_m13]

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

Hi Nexon owners,

With the initial excitement of XUV7OO waning and their rather lackluster mid-variant lineup, I've kinda reverted to my old list with Nexon as the top contender.

Couple of questions to the owners:

1. How mod-friendly is the Nexon? (Not talking about engine tuning, but more like creature comfort modifications like auto up-down windows)

2. How does the AMT perform? Is it liveable with?

3. Which dealership would you recommend in Bangalore?

4. Since the service intervals are too short (6 months) have you incurred higher expense? In general, what has been your thoughts on this?

I've test driven the AMT - and i did not like it. My thinking is - people who have learned driving recently or experienced but sedate drivers would not have a problem with it. But people like me who have been driving for like 20+ years - i'd stick to manual.

About service intervals - My family has owned 3 cars in the last 30 years and we've never had to take any of our cars to the "Authorised Service Center" - except for the first 3-4 free services. There too you only pay for the oil and filters. Outside of that - we've always gotten our oil change and minor repairs and services from the local garages. That costs about a 4th of the prices quoted by the dealer and we've never had a problem with that.

Yes - in case of an accident where you want to claim insurance - then going to a dealer is much simpler.

[shamanth]

Originally Posted by evinay

Can you please let other Bengaluru folks know where did you get them installed?
I have a 2019 model Nexon. The low beams are still stock and they are almost always useless during night drives.

I got it done by Motoman in South Bangalore Motoman Car Accessories (Car Spa Bangalore & Detailing | Car body painting shop near me| Car Dent Repair Bangalore)
098444 42288
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MiirmcSjRuq6WgGk7

For North Bangalore they could go for EVO at Cambridge Layout. You have bigger option here can go for his custom setup or Osram HID depending on what you are ready to spend.. Also owner Satya is active member of Team-BhpEVO - Custom Car Audio and Projector Lighting Specialist.
098453 76094
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nTTQccsQaJuSLVnBA

[krishnakumar]

Hi all,

Nexon is on the top of my list of contenders and I was trying to narrow down my variant options. Would be great if someone could help me get some clarity.

Overall Requirements

Budget
I'm have budgeted ~15L for the OTR. I'm also allocating another ~1-2L for some accessories and other incidentals, however if I could fit everything within the 15L budget, that'd be perfect.

Usage requirements
Primarily highway usage for long trips and weekend mall crawls/contingency office rides. Since both my wife and I get office transportation, we don't need the car as a daily driver for city commute. However, I'm expecting an annual mileage of 15,000 - 20,000 km and most of it on the highways.

Hence, I'm going with Diesel as the poison of my choice. I'd also need some reliability in terms of fuel economy and hence staying away from Turbo Petrols owing to their sensitivity.


The Confusion

As a requirement, I'd need a car with Cruise Control - since I'm looking at 750km of one-way haul to my hometown. I'd also be regularly plying to Wayanad (my native) which is ~600km round trip.

In Nexon Diesel, only the XZ+ (S) variant is getting cruise control which is a bummer because it is 80k more than XZ+ (which has mostly everything I need). It also eats into my additional budget for accessories and incidentals.

I'm trying to understand the 80k makes sense overall or whether there is a workaround here. For the amount, in XZ+ (S), I'm getting:

1. Cruise Control
2. TPMS
3. Rain sensing wipers
4. Automatic headlamps
5. Sunroof
6. Leather on steering wheel and knob

The TPMS is a very easy DIY aftermarket accessory and Leather (#6) is also something that I can easily get it done from a good upholstery shop (probably better this way since I can customize it as well)

I actually think I'll never use rain sensing wipers and while the automatic headlamps could be useful it is something that is not important to me.

Lastly, I'm actually a little bit concerned about the sunroof. While it is one of those things that has its huge positive on rare occasions, whether I'll have a niggle free experience (especially in a Tata) feels like a gamble with no consistent upsides. Not only that, it robbed me of a built-in sunglass holder which is something that I'll definitely use every single drive. If existing owners feel otherwise, please do share your thoughts on this!

Which led me to thinking, the TPMS is a very affordable DIY that'll barely cost me 3k. Same is with the leather wrapping - maybe around 3k? Is it worth paying 74k for cruise control. This leaves me with the following options:

Option 1
Buy the XZ+ variant and add everything as an aftermarket accessory. I have seen videos of Cruise Control being added on Hyundai/Kia vehicles with OEM parts, but not on Nexon. Is this possible? Has someone done this?

Option 2
Pay the additional 80k and get the cruise control stock. This makes sense if Option 1 doesn't exist/the aftermarket solutions are risky. Or, if the sunroof (which cannot be added aftermarket) is a real advantage, then this seems like a good compromise.

Option 3
Change my mind and prove cruise control is not worth it and therefore stick with XZ+, add the TPMS and leather.

[NovemberKing_91]

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

Option 3
Change my mind and prove cruise control is not worth it and therefore stick with XZ+, add the TPMS and leather.

Hello sir,

My reasoning would be, what do you need the cruise control for? It is more of a convenience feature, which, in case absent, does honestly not matter a lot. Also, do you value the cruise control to be worth the extra 80k that is eating into your budget? Or the scare of a leaky sunroof?
Cruise control being quite a major electromechanical addition (if done aftermarket), the chances of getting a warranty void is high, other than the possibility that it does not work absolutely as intended. So, if you feel that cruise control is an absolute must-have, then I'd say, go for the one that is factory fitted.
An alternative may be that you ask the Tata Dealership if they can customize your car and not provide you with the sunroof on the top model. Off course there will be some price differences and some negotiations involved, but it does not hurt to try.
On a completely personal level, I found the cruise control switches to be highly interfering with the horn pad, but then I guess it becomes a habit later.

Please do keep us updated with your final decisions.
Cheers!

[Reinhard]

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

In Nexon Diesel, only the XZ+ (S) variant is getting cruise control which is a bummer because it is 80k more than XZ+ (which has mostly everything I need). It also eats into my additional budget for accessories and incidentals.

If you buy the XZ+ or above - what do you intend to add more via aftermarket accessories that will make a difference to the 80K required for the XZ+(S)?

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

The TPMS is a very easy DIY aftermarket accessory and Leather (#6) is also something that I can easily get it done from a good upholstery shop (probably better this way since I can customize it as well)

TPMS is not at all a DIY accessory. At least not the internal one, which is better. Don't go for the external one - its very vulnerable to theft. The Nexon's OEM leather wrapped steering is really good. Hard to get that finish and complete coverage outside.

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

I actually think I'll never use rain sensing wipers and while the automatic headlamps could be useful it is something that is not important to me.

The automatic headlamp and wipers - are actually a byproduct. The sensors for rain (& light, contained usually in same module) are required anyway to ensure an automatic closing of the sun-roof if it rains. Since the sensors are present - the feature of automatic lamps and wipers is also integrated. Thats about it. Both are a good feature of course and work quite well in the Nexon, have seen it.

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

Option 1
Buy the XZ+ variant and add everything as an aftermarket accessory. I have seen videos of Cruise Control being added on Hyundai/Kia vehicles with OEM parts, but not on Nexon. Is this possible? Has someone done this?

Thats a BIG NO at least from me personally. I would strongly advise not to make customizations that fiddle with engine control and automation. A malfunction or failure - can have fatal outcomes. Its not just the buttons on the steering (like in case of some German cars) - the BCM will also need an update to enable the feature. Something that Tata ASC can never do. There is no customizable software (like VW VCDS etc) that can enable / disable features.

Originally Posted by krishnakumar

Option 3
Change my mind and prove cruise control is not worth it and therefore stick with XZ+, add the TPMS and leather.

This is the only choice you really have to make. Whether cruise control is that important for you or not. Only you can decide that. Its a new technology anyway in mass market cars. 10 years (or even just 5) ago - nobody had this and we were still doing thousands of kilometers without complaining. (And absolutely fine if one feels its a must, we are paying for comfort in a car as well).

If your regular intended highway actually allows cruise control usage, does not have frequent intersections / villages / speed breakers / ghat sections - then cruise control makes sense. Otherwise it doesn't since it will keep getting disengaged & you'll have to work the gears as well.

On the other hand - if you are sure that cruise control is needed & it will definitely be useful in your planned areas of travel - the 80K odd premium you pay for this variant - is pretty much justified by the additional features that you get.

[krishnakumar]

Thanks Reinhard for your responses!

Originally Posted by Reinhard

If you buy the XZ+ or above - what do you intend to add more via aftermarket accessories that will make a difference to the 80K required for the XZ+(S)?

The idea is to minimze my expense as much as I can. Currently some of the accessories that I am planning to add are as below:

1. Auto Up windows
2. Backlit switches for the driver (these two are obviously added to the list after reading your wonderful posts!! )
3. Possible headlight upgrade (depending on how good the setup is for me, but since I have seen many complaining about the stock, I'm budgeting some money here)
4. Ceramic/PPF coating - depending on more research on these
5. Maybe some vinyl wrapping on those white plastic bits that wrap around the car - depends on how the color scheme actually turns out

Thats a BIG NO at least from me personally. I would strongly advise not to make customizations that fiddle with engine control and automation.

I'm certainly not planning to make any ECU changes. In the Korean twins, it can apparently be added just by replacing the steering switch module and making some changes to the wiring, all without any splicing - for them, it is enabled at a system level and just lacks the switch for it. The query was whether this is possible in Nexon at all like this. If at a system level it's not enabled then I'm not taking this route.

This is the only choice you really have to make.
If your regular intended highway actually allows cruise control usage, does not have frequent intersections / villages / speed breakers / ghat sections - then cruise control makes sense.

Yes I think it'll be important to me. The 3 highways that I'll be plying regularly are the NH44 (Bangalore to Kanyakumari), NH48 (Bangalore to Mumbai) and NH275 (Blr to Mysore) which are all, let's say cruise control friendly.

My legs get really sore on such long drives, especially since my wife is still learning to drive properly. So being the sole driver, I'm adding a bit of weight to this point.

the 80K odd premium you pay for this variant - is pretty much justified by the additional features that you get.

Is the sunroof good in Nexon? Are there complaints about it? If it's a decent functional addition to have it'll be easier to justify the 80k premium.