Tata Nexon Long Term Ownership Review

Product reviewed

Tata Nexon (long-term ownership review) — discussed specifically in the context of its 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder petrol + CNG setup.

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Key features & performance (petrol vs CNG)

Torque claim & real-world test

• Company claim: 170 Nm in 1st gear on both petrol and CNG.
• Reviewer test: confirms 0–60 in ~8 seconds on both fuels.

Overtake / pickup feel (moving car)

• From a stop (launch): torque/pickup feels similar between petrol and CNG.
• During overtaking from mid-speed: petrol responds slightly quicker than CNG, with a micro-delay in CNG throttle response.

Engine feel & noise

• With AC on, engine vibration increases, and vibration is felt lightly on the clutch/accelerator pedal.
• The reviewer notes 3-cylinder vibration + a bit more noise, but says Tata addressed it using insulation/form pads around noise/engine paths.

Mountain performance

• Reviewer drove it beyond Manali and says CNG performance remains strong and doesn’t feel like it’s “wasting” power compared to petrol.

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Visibility, comfort, and drivability

Visibility issues (negatives)

• A-pillar obstruction: thick A-pillars make it hard to see scooters near the side while turning.
• Rear visibility: due to the sloping roof and mirror view, objects far behind aren’t visible well—visibility improves only when they’re close.

Gearbox behavior (negative)

• Gear shifting isn’t “smooth” for fast changes.
• Normal driving is fine, but the reviewer says it won’t suit “racing”/sporty gear changes.

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Reliability / consistency issues (drivetrain behavior)

Clutch/lift inconsistency (intermittent negative)

• In 2nd gear, the car usually picks up speed.
• However, around ~10 out of 100 times, it may vibrate and stall/stop.
• Sometimes it stops; sometimes it doesn’t—leading to inconsistent behavior that reduces confidence for aggressive starts.

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Rust / corrosion experience

Where rust shows up

• Rust exists, but at different locations than commonly cited Tata issues.
• The reviewer reports that typical areas (door metal meets/plastic beading) aren’t affected the same way, but rust appears where water gets trapped (around water-stopping beading/edges).
• Paint peeling/rust was noticed at the trapped-water spot, and it seems it may reappear depending on fixes.

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Battery & service interactions (major ownership point)

Battery failure within 1 year (negative)

• Battery got damaged after hazard lights left ON for ~510 minutes (two incidents).
• Reviewer mentions warranty context (battery under Tata RS terms like “2 years or 400 km”).
• Estimated external replacement cost: about ₹5,400.

Positive: fast support

• Tata RS staff response was fast:
  • Both times, they arrived within ~1 hour and helped without charging for assistance.

Reviewer advice

• Replace the battery about every year to avoid being stranded.

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Early-batch software fixes & minor glitches

CNG accelerator non-response (fixed)

• Early issue: while moving, pressing the accelerator could result in no response / sudden stop.
• Later fixed via a software update, after which the issue didn’t reoccur.

Trip/mileage display glitches (minor)

• Trip A/B often shows 30 and range appears lower than expected during fuel-switching context.
• CNG “always full” reading mentioned.
• Resetting the trip and switching back to petrol corrected the display.

Passing/dipper headlight behavior (rare)

• About 1 in 1000 times, using passing/dipper may keep the headlight on.

6th-gear engagement (negative, early)

• Early on, 6th gear sometimes didn’t engage / stuck.
• Resolved with a small adjustment.

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Infotainment / Android Auto / connectivity

• Android Auto is wired; base speaker quality is described as “okay.”
• Auto-connection improvement: uses a ₹1300 wired Android Auto dongle
  • Connects automatically when replugged.
  • Doesn’t reconnect automatically if the phone goes far, but reconnects after removing and reinserting.
• An earlier indicator-related disconnection issue is mentioned as being straightened out and no longer happening.

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What’s changed/added (ownership customization & practical experience)

Common add-ons installed

• Armrest (~₹700)
• Dashcam
• Horn wiring
• Storage/phone mount (magnetic; keeps phone cool using AC)
• Roof rails
• Seat covers (~₹3000) with fitting cost around ~₹500
• Anti-fingerprint film / screen lamination
• TPMS / tyre pressure sensor (~₹1500)

Tyre change

• From 215/60 R16 to 205/60 R16
  • Reviewer reports improved handling/body roll by about 4–5%
  • Noise increases slightly

Noise reduction efforts

• Insulation + rubber seals in doors to reduce cabin noise.

Tyre noise comparison

• Earlier tyres (Bridgestone Tour) reduced highway noise more.
• New CAT’s Secure Drive increases noise by about ~10–15%, but it doesn’t bother music/highway noise.

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Tyre / handling & safety impressions

• Handling improves with the narrower tyre profile, and steering feedback improves slightly.
• Reviewer emphasizes noise insulation and fender lining to prevent dirt/water entering underbody spaces—helping reduce rust risk.
• Safety/durability impression is positive: no major flaw causes rejection.
  • Parts durability is good even after minor hits (rear reflector broken; rest fine).

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Suspension, brakes, and wear

• Brake wear: pads have about 60–70% life remaining.
• Rear drum brakes: “new till now.”
• Suspension: reported unchanged and fine.

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Service experience (varies by centre)

• Reviewer stresses service quality depends on the specific service centre.

Examples:

• Good centre: fixed the accelerator non-response issue via a quick software update (~5 minutes).
• Another centre: paint mismatch issues on a fender claim and difficulty diagnosing an indicator issue.

Indicator issue resolution

• After complaint and asking them to mail details, technicians called back.
• Fixed via calibration with laptop; no parts replacement.

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Service cost & upselling (consumption warning)

Reviewer advice:

• Avoid unnecessary extras in one service to reduce high bills.
• Be skeptical of recurring suggestions like coolant change and brake cleaning unless truly needed.
• Coolant change not too frequently (reviewer suggests ~every 3 years).
• Unnecessary “coatings” and add-ons are cited as major drivers of billing.

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Overall verdict / recommendation

Verdict

• Long-term ownership appears strong for highway performance consistency and durability, with improvements in insulation and rust-related areas.

Key caveats

• Intermittent drivetrain inconsistency
• Gearbox not ideal for aggressive driving
• Visibility limitations
• Rust at trapped-water points
• At least one early/rare electronics/gear issue
• Battery failure risk within a year (in this case due to hazards left ON)

Recommendation

• Recommended if you drive normally and maintain carefully.
• Not ideal if you expect sporty “racing” behavior, want perfect display/infotainment behavior, or are highly sensitive to rare electrical/gear consistency issues.

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Unique points mentioned (consolidated)

1. 1st-gear torque ~170 Nm on both petrol and CNG; 0–60 ~8s.
2. Launch/stop-and-go feels similar on petrol vs CNG.
3. Overtaking from mid-speed: petrol quicker; CNG has micro-delay.
4. Engine vibration increases with AC on; felt on clutch/accelerator.
5. Insulation/form pads help control noise.
6. A-pillar obstructs visibility while turning.
7. Rear visibility limited due to mirror/roof slope.
8. Gearbox not smooth for fast shifting; not suited for racing.
9. 2nd gear inconsistency: ~10/100 times may stall/stop after vibration.
10. CNG strong on mountain trips beyond Manali.
11. Rust exists but at different location (water-trap edges); paint peeling observed.
12. Battery damaged within a year (hazards ON ~510 minutes); replacement ~₹5,400; fast Tata response.
13. Suggests yearly battery replacement.
14. Early CNG accelerator non-response fixed via software update.
15. Minor dashboard glitch: trip/range shows 30 and incorrect range; CNG “full” anomaly; reset + fuel switch fixes.
16. Passing/dipper sometimes keeps headlight on (rare).
17. Early 6th-gear engagement issue fixed via adjustment.
18. Wired Android Auto; dongle ₹1300 improves workflow.
19. Indicator-related disconnect issue fixed.
20. Multiple add-ons: armrest, dashcam, horn wiring, storage/phone mount, etc.
21. Roof rails; seat covers (~₹3000 fitting ~₹500); anti-fingerprint film.
22. TPMS sensor ~₹1500 (tyre pressure accuracy claim).
23. Tyre change 215/60 R16 → 205/60 R16 improves handling/body roll ~4–5%; slightly noisier (~10–15%).
24. Door insulation + rubber seals reduce noise.
25. Fender lining prevents dirt/water ingress, lowering rust risk.
26. Brake pads ~60–70% life left; rear drum “new.”
27. Suspension unchanged and durable after minor impacts.
28. Service varies by centre: quick software fix at one, calibration/paint mismatch issues at another.
29. Avoid upselling; coolant suggested ~every 3 years (per reviewer).
30. Overall: no major flaw; best suited for normal driving.

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Speaker / role separation

• The review appears to be delivered mainly by one reviewer/speaker covering performance tests (petrol vs CNG), vibration/noise, visibility/comfort, reliability, rust, battery incidents, infotainment/connectivity, aftermarket additions, tyres/handling, and service-cost/service-centre experiences.
• References to “company says” and “service centre technicians” are present, but there are no clearly distinct additional speakers indicated in the subtitles.