The Tata Nexon has been a cornerstone in Tata Motors' line-up. A practical compact SUV with an excellent ride quality and oodles of features is almost celebrated by the brand. Aside from this, there are loads of powertrain options. The introduction of this iCNG version further expands its portfolio into the growing space of cleaner fuel options, offering India's first Turbo CNG SUV.
For private ownership, CNG has had an untrue frugal tightwad kind of appeal. Au contraire it is a cleaner and more cost-effective way of moving around. CNG is an excellent choice for people who actually use their cars extensively around the city, they burn cleaner and save those hard earned bucks. But just so you want to add more zing to the mix and come out proudly, the Tata Nexon iCNG may just be the option for you.
A Familiar Yet Refined Aesthetic
Well, nothing much to report here, the Nexon iCNG retains much of the design language seen in its petrol and diesel counterparts. It has a futuristic fascia which looks cool with those bi-functional LED headlamps on the front. The subtle CNG badging hints at the greener engine under the hood. This Creative Ocean dual tone colour on our test car looks absolutely fantastic, probably the nicest in the range. The 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails add a sense of adventure to resonate with urban buyers, because everybody wants to look adventurous even if they cannot lift a muscle, Instagram beckons.
What sets the Nexon iCNG apart is its intelligent packaging. The dual CNG cylinders are neatly tucked beneath the luggage area, preserving a 321-litre boot for your everyday or travel needs. We say travel because planned correctly, it will take you on longer journeys very easily. Well done Tata with the boot, a challenge many CNG vehicles struggle to overcome.
A Turbocharged Twist
The Nexon iCNG is powered by Tata’s 1.2-litre Revotron engine delivering 99 bhp of power and 170 Nm of torque in CNG mode. This turbocharged setup provides sufficient punch for city commutes and occasional highway runs. The power delivery is smooth with no noticeable lag during transitions between CNG and petrol modes. This is down to its advanced single ECU system which makes fuel system changeovers imperceptible. It is a 3-cylinder engine with 2-valves per cylinder, so it does get gruff, and the engine note is not that enjoyable. This also gets more prominence when you drive its closest rival with a 4-cylinder 4-valve setup, which despite less oomph feels smoother to operate. But yes, once it picks up some speeds, the Nexon iCNG darts into triple-digit speeds quickly, running on CNG.
It genuinely impresses with its responsiveness in urban settings where quick acceleration and manoeuvrability matter most. The Nexon iCNG handles tight corners and heavy traffic with equal confidence. The ride is a fine balance between efficiency and usability. You can use it every day churning though its 9 kg CNG tank which returns around 20 km per kilogramme easily, or go out corner carving running on turbocharged petrol power when the mood takes you fancy. Refuelling is quick and straightforward, thanks to a specially designed nozzle. The added assurance of a modular fuel filter means it delivers both range and reliability for everyday use.
The steering is light yet precise, making it easy to handle in urban traffic. The suspension absorbs road imperfections effectively maintaining cabin composure over rough patches. Its 208 mm ground clearance ensures it can handle speed bumps and potholes with ease, giving you more capability to go off the beaten path often. And no, you do not have to plan ahead for overtaking manoeuvers in CNG mode, it has plenty of poke for that.
Loaded With Tech & Comfort
The whole point of Nexon iCNG is to enhance the appeal aiming at top spec variants, and it offers a cabin that feels both premium and functional. The top-spec variants come equipped with a 10.25-inch floating infotainment system by Harman, which is fairly loud and entertaining. The 360-degree surround-view system with blind-view monitoring, front parking sensors, and a digital instrument cluster with navigation enhances driver confidence and convenience.
Comfort is prioritised with front ventilated leatherette seats, rear AC vents and ample legroom. The voice-assisted panoramic sunroof feels great and air purifier has now become a necessity now. Honestly take away the 360 camera, but a robust purifier and vented seats should be given priority always. Tata offers six airbags, electronic stability program, hill-hold assist, and thermal incident protection as standard in higher trims.
The Tata Nexon iCNG offers decent value in the compact SUV segment. It provides a practical solution for buyers who prioritise cost-effective motoring without sacrificing features, performance or utility. Yes, there are rough edges every now and then, and it can use some more NVH work around the engine bay. And the steering mounted control switches are too far off the edges, making you press buttons whilst using the steering through tight turnings. The gearshift throws are still longer than they should be, and please change the gear knob to a sphere.
However, all these niggles may be over-exacting. The Tata Nexon iCNG redefines expectations for CNG vehicles by offering a package that marries sustainability with convenience and innovation. It appeals to a wide demographic, from urban commuters to small families seeking a reliable and cost-effective SUV. While it may not cater to pedantic buyers, its practicality, comfort, and eco-conscious design make it a worthy contender in India’s evolving automotive landscape.
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