2023 Tata Nexon facelift’s two-spoke steering wheel spotted before official launch

It’s no longer a hidden surprise that Tata Motors is diligently working on a comprehensive update for one of its best-selling models, the Nexon compact SUV. The test mule of the revamped Tata Nexon has been frequently spotted undergoing trial runs, cleverly masked under heavy camouflage. However, the latest sighting of this prototype has unveiled several key features that were previously unknown about the upcoming Nexon facelift.

The extensively updated Tata Nexon maintains its appealing crossover design, but both the front and rear profiles of the SUV will undergo significant refinements. Although the front fascia of the Nexon facelift test mule is shrouded, it has given away some notable details. Evidently, the new Tata Nexon will sport a rejuvenated front end, highlighted by a new split grille design and a distinct split layout for the headlamp assembly.

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Drawing inspiration from the Curvv concept and the test prototypes of the forthcoming Harrier and Safari facelifts, the new Tata Nexon will adopt a split headlamp arrangement. This will feature an uninterrupted daytime running LED strip that spans the front fascia. The lower section of the headlamps, located on the front bumper, is anticipated to showcase more elaborate LED projectors. Although the test mule lacks the ADAS radar and camera, a camera lens is visible on the front bumper, hinting at the Nexon facelift’s inclusion of a 360-degree parking camera system.

From the side profile, the test mule appears largely unchanged from the current version, but it rides on fresh 16-inch alloy wheels. These machined wheels exhibit a distinct turbine-inspired design. The rear profile is also expected to debut a thoroughly updated tail lamp assembly with revised LED inserts and a continuous LED connecting bar. Additionally, the rear bumper will undergo revision, featuring new reflectors and a skid plate.

Leaked images of the refreshed Tata Nexon, captured during testing, also provide a sneak peek of the extensively revamped interior. Notably, there’s a new two-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, adorned with a glossy black finish in its center hub. It integrates a digital display and is complemented by a new fully digital instrument console featuring a TFT display. The dashboard receives a facelift as well, showcasing redesigned AC vents.

Tata Motors has also revamped the design of the center console, introducing the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has already made its debut in the Nexon EV Max. The lower portion of the center console has been reworked, featuring a more premium-looking gear knob and a glossy black finish for the panel housing cup holders and the drive mode controller knob. In terms of upholstery, the test mule displays dual-tone black and purple seats.

In all likelihood, the upcoming Tata Nexon facelift will incorporate a revised 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, while retaining the current 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. The 6-speed manual transmission will carry over to the new version, but the 6-speed AMT is expected to be replaced by a new 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, similar to the one found in the Altroz DCT.

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