Tata established a nice area with its fancy-looking Nexon and the manufacturer is now planning to make a better overall offering by giving it an AMT transmission. Maruti’s Brezza holds the sales record in its segment but it lacks the option of an AMT box. Then there is the Ford’s Ecosport which can be only had with an auto box if you chose the petrol option. This makes the Tata the only compact SUV to come with an auto option for both petrol and diesel. However, the Nexon uses a basic AMT box that isn’t as smooth as the torque converter in the EcoSport.
Making the exterior a bit more exciting is the new colour option. This is a two-tone orange and silver colour scheme. However, this colour option can only be had in the top-spec XZA+ model. The car remains unchanged inside while continuing to be a premium place to be.
How does it drive?
The AMT Nexon comes with the same drive modes (Eco, City and Sport) which are seen in the manual alternative. The car also comes with the creep function which is really helpful, especially in city traffic. After driving the diesel AMT model we were left quite impressed, this four-cylinder engine works well with this gearbox. It takes off the line smoothly and the following shifts are no different. It worked really well and almost behaved like a regular torque convertor transmission.
Once you engaged the Eco mode, you will notice the car shifting much sooner and the shifts themselves are smoother. The Sport more however, is the mode to choose if you are need to get somewhere in a hurry. This mode uses more of the powerband. Once you shift into the manual mode, you are able to control the shifts. Keep in mind though, this doesn’t mean the shifts will get any quicker.
The three-cylinder petrol motor produces 110hp and 170Nm of torque. But, the AMT box in this car doesn’t work as well as it does in the diesel variant. The throttle is a bit choppy and it takes off in a crude manner. However, the difference between the AMT boxes in both cars is significant. Overall, the shifts in the diesel model are considerably nicer than the petrol.
Should I buy one?
Tata has said that it will reveal the prices for both, the petrol and diesel AMT models in the first-half of May 2018. Knowing Tata, the Nexon models will be priced competitively. Even though the AMT petrol car is a decent on its own, the diesel AMT is the model of choice. We feel it would be a good city car for those looking for a stylish automobile.
