Tata Motors has launched the Nexon CNG, with prices start at Rs 8.99 lakh, marking another industry-first for the brand: a turbocharged CNG model. The CNG-powered Nexon is available in 8 variants, with the top-spec Fearless + PS manual variant costing Rs 14.59 lakh. Like the rest of Tata Motors’ CNG portfolio, the Nexon iCNG gets the brand’s dual-cylinder CNG kit, and higher-spec variants get features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera.
Compared to the petrol Nexon, which is priced from Rs 7.99 lakh, prices for the CNG versions start Rs 1 lakh higher. The Nexon CNG comes in Smart, Smart +, Smart + S, Pure, Pure S, Creative, Creative + and Fearless + PS variants. The range-topping variant gets features such as the aforementioned panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless charger, ventilated front seats, four speaker and four tweeters, and other comfort features like leatherette upholstery.
In terms of safety kit, all variants get six airbags and ESP as standard, though the top-spec variant gets auto headlight and wipers, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitor, front parking sensors, and an auto-dimming IRVM, among other bits.
The Tata Nexon CNG is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that makes 100hp and 170Nm, which is 20hp down when compared to the petrol model; the torque figure is the same as the petrol version though. It has an ARAI-rated efficiency figure of 24km/kg. The Nexon iCNG comes only with a manual gearbox, but, like the Tiago and Tigor CNG, there could be an AMT variant later.
Tata says that thanks to the dual-cylinder technology, the Nexon iCNG boasts of a 321-litre boot space, which is still 61 litres down on the petrol and diesel versions. The CNG tank can hold a water equivalent of 60 litres.
The Nexon CNG rivals the likes of the Maruti Fronx CNG (Rs 8.47-9.33 lakh), Toyota Taisor CNG (Rs 8.72 lakh) and the Maruti Brezza CNG (Rs 9.29-10.65 lakh).
All prices, ex-showroom, India