Tata Nexon To Feature 6-Speed AMT

Recommended Read: Tata Nexon Review: First Drive

The Nexon is raking in all the buzz at the moment, and with very good reason. Tata's first crack at the sub 4-metre compact-SUV space promises to be mega with the kind of equipment on offer. 

Dr. Tim Leverton, chief technology officer at Tata Motors confirmed that AMT avatars of the Nexon are being readied as we speak. As of now, it is unclear as to which engine will get the auto-shifting gearbox. But, considering the fact that the petrol and the diesel engines share the same TA6300 gearbox, it’s possible that Tata will offer a two-pedal variant with either motor. The Nexon automatic will be launched “before the end of this FY”, which means it could possibly make an appearance at the 2018 Auto Expo.

(Tata Tiago AMT's gear lever pictured for reference)

To quickly recap, the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine on the Nexon develops 110PS of power and 170Nm of torque. The three-cylinder engine is a souped up version of the Tiago’s powerplant. The 1.5-litre engine, on the other hand is entirely new and develops 110PS of power and 260Nm of twist. Both engines get three driving modes as well viz. Eco, City and Sport and come paired with a 6-speed manual transmission for now. 

Highlights on the Nexon include standard dual airbags and ABS, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker Harman-tuned audio system and projector headlamps with daytime running lamps. It also gets a tilt-adjust steering, automatic climate control, rear air-con vents with fan speed control and a segment first - an activity key. 

Tata is aiming squarely for the one that started it all, the Ford EcoSport, and the current king of the hill, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Will it be able to take the throne? Only time will tell. The launch is still a month or two away, and we’re expecting prices to range between Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.