Tata Nexon Spotted testing; mid-2017 debut expected

Tata’s compact SUV, the Nexon, has been spotted testing outside Pune ahead of its expected debut in mid-2017. Showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, it will be the Indian automaker’s rival to the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra TUV300 and the NuvoSport.

This is the first compact SUV from the big T and sports a completely new design as compared to the Tata Cars. The test car appears to be one that was used in its earlier stages of testing as it sports the naked headlamps and tail lamps, steel wheels as well as signature design for the ORVMs.  

Despite the bareness of this vehicle we can confirm that the production model will sport the large headlamps, high ground clearance, signature Tata grille and contrast coloured roof. The cabin is expected to be standard Tata fare with the addition of a new floating display for the infotainment system.

With a burgeoning demand for SUVs/crossovers not just in India but across the world, it looks like a good time for Tata to introduce the Nexon. It will be offered with the 1.2-litre petrol mill, 1.3-litre Multijet diesel and possibly the 1.5-litre diesel in the Varicor320 setup.