Tata Nexon might be launched this year before the launch of the Kite 5 sedan

According to latest reports, Tata Motors will launch the Nexon compact SUV for the Indian market this year, even before the launch of the Kite 5 sedan. There has been a delay in the launch of the Zica hatchback and the company doesn't want any hindrance in the introduction of the Nexon.

The Nexon is internally dubbed as ‘Osprey’ or the ‘X104’. It is based on a modified X1 platform and will share several design elements and features with the Zica hatchback. The car gets a sporty look with an aggressive front grille, upright bonnet, projector headlamps and fog lamps. Though the concept sports ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, we can expect the final production version to get a front disc and rear drum brakes. The features in the cabin are expected to be similar to the ones in the Zica.

Tata Nexon will be available either with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged mill or the new all-aluminium Revotron petrol engine; and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine. The engines will come mated to a five-speed manual with the probability of the AMT gearbox on offer as well.

The Nexon compact SUV was displayed at Tata's pavilion at the 2016 Auto Expo recently. The one shown at the 2014 Auto Expo was in the concept form, but the one exhibited at the biennial event this year was a near-to-production vehicle. When launched, it will be positioned between the Safari Storme and Zest; and will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and others in the segment.