Tata Nexon iCNG Launched: India’s First Turbo CNG Car, 24 km/kg Mileage, ₹8.99 Lakh

Tata Motors launched the CNG version of its popular car, the Nexon, on September 24. This compact SUV comes with a turbo-petrol engine, making it the first car in India to combine a turbo-petrol engine with CNG. The company claims that the car will provide a mileage of 24 km per kilogram of CNG.

Variants and Pricing

The Nexon now comes with a panoramic sunroof and CNG powertrain. Tata has introduced the Nexon iCNG in four variants, offering eight trims. Its price starts at ₹8.99 lakh for the Smart variant and goes up to ₹14.59 lakh (ex-showroom, all India) for the top-end Fearless Plus PS variant.

Cost Comparison with Regular Models

The CNG version of the car is ₹1 lakh more expensive than the regular petrol model, which is priced between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹11.20 lakh. The diesel version of the Nexon ranges between ₹9.99 lakh and ₹15.29 lakh. Tata Nexon iCNG competes with Maruti Brezza SCNG and Maruti Fronx SCNG.

Twin-Cylinder Tank Setup

The Nexon iCNG’s exterior and interior design remain unchanged, with the major modification being in the boot space. It features a twin-cylinder tank setup with a capacity of 60 liters (two 30-liter cylinders). This technology provides the Nexon iCNG with 321 liters of boot space, 61 liters less than the petrol and diesel variants.

Safety Features: Gas Leak Detection

Like other models, Tata Motors has equipped the Nexon iCNG with a gas leak detection safety feature. In the event of a CNG leak, the leak detection technology automatically shifts the vehicle from CNG to petrol mode. The system also alerts the driver about the gas leak.

Additionally, a micro switch is provided to keep the car off during refueling. This switch cuts off the ignition as soon as the fuel cap is opened, preventing the car from starting until the cap is securely closed. The instrument cluster also provides a “close fuel lid” alert.

Performance: Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and Electric

For performance, the Tata Nexon iCNG is powered by a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol CNG engine, generating 100PS of power and 170Nm of torque. It is tuned with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but there is no automatic transmission option yet.

In the ICE-powered version of the Nexon, this engine generates 120PS of power and 170Nm of torque. There are options for a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission), and 6-speed AMT (automated manual transmission).

Additionally, the Nexon also has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that produces 115PS of power and 260Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed AMT gearbox options. Tata Nexon is also available in an electric version, making it the first car in India to come in petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric versions.

Exterior: New Design LED Setup and Alloy Wheels

In terms of design, the Nexon iCNG is similar to its regular petrol-diesel model. It features a new LED DRL split headlamp setup in the front, with LED headlamps installed on the sporty bumper below.

Diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels of 16 inches are available on the side. The rear comes with fully connected LED tail lights, which the company calls the ‘X factor tail lamp.’ It also features a welcome and goodbye function.

Interior: 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System

The car’s cabin includes a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. Additionally, a touch panel HVAC unit on the dashboard and a new gear selector on the center console have been introduced. The Tata Nexon CNG features a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The top variant of the car comes with front ventilated seats.

Features: Voice Command Electric Sunroof

The Tata Nexon is equipped with several advanced features. These include Tata’s IRA 2.0 mobile-connected technology, a voice-assisted electric sunroof, a JBL 9-speaker sound system, a wireless charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a first-in-segment navigation display on the instrument cluster. The top variant also offers cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, leather upholstery, and an electric panoramic sunroof with voice command.

Safety Features: 360-Degree Camera and TPMS

For safety, the Nexon is equipped with a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, a first-in-category blind-view monitor, ESP, 6 airbags, hill-hold control, roll-over mitigation, traction control, ISOFIX child anchor seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).