5 SOLID reasons why the Nexon is a much better buy than the Brezza/EcoSport

Tata Motors has just launched the much-awaited Nexon. With this, the automaker has finally entered the sub 4-metre compact SUV segment. The new vehicle will take on Maruti Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport, and it already looks very, very promising. Here are 5 solid reasons why the Nexon is better than the Brezza/EcoSport.

Super-sharp price

Tata has put a winning price tag on the Nexon. Even though the prices are introductory, it is bound to attract a lot of customers. The Nexon starts at Rs. 5.85 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

In comparison, the Ford EcoSport (base petrol) is expensive by Rs. 1.3 lakh. The Maruti Vitara Brezza, which is only available in the diesel avatar at the moment is costlier by Rs. 53,000 than the base diesel version of the Tata Nexon. As you can see, the price difference is huge even though the Nexon offers a longer list of features right from the base version. Advantage Tata here.

Loaded with features

The Nexon comes loaded with features and a long list of first-in-segment features too. The car gets LED DRLs and signature tail lamps. There is a sliding tray in the middle that is named as “Grand Central Console”. It adds a very premium feel to the vehicle’s interior. The vehicle also comes with the first-in-segment 6.5-inch floating type HD infotainment system. It gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The system is connected to 8 Harman speakers in the top-end variant (none of the other cars offer so many speakers). Also, the Nexon gets an optional wearable key band, which is designed to lock, unlock and start the car without the need of a physical key, which is another futuristic touch on the car. The only thing the Brezza and the EcoSport offer more than the Nexon is the cruise control system.

Fresh face

The Nexon is the latest entrant in the market, which means it will attract a lot of eyeballs. That sure is an advantage that will work in the favour of Nexon. The vehicle is also unique because of another reason – it is the curviest of the three. That Nexon looked almost like its concept version was a pleasant surprise to many.

With the top-end dual roof colour, the Nexon offers a three-colour exterior, which sure turns a lot of heads. Sure, the uniqueness will wear off if the Nexon becomes a hit for Tata – but if you care about standing out, this should keep you happy for at least a year.

Power

With the Nexon, Tata has introduced two brand new engines. The compact SUV is powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 108 Bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque. It equals the Ford Ecosport EcoBoost (the most powerful Ecosport) in terms of torque, and is thus the joint leader when it comes to petrols.

As far as diesels go, the 1.5-litre diesel engine on the Nexon is a brand new motor which develops a maximum power of 108 Bhp and peak torque of 260 Nm. It is the most powerful diesel engine in the segment, by a big margin. The Ecosport’s 1.5 liter diesel makes 98.6 Bhp-200 Nm while the Brezza’s 1.3 liter diesel puts out 89 Bhp-200 Nm.

Drive modes

The multiple drive modes are the first-in-segment feature in Nexon. Nexon comes with three modes – Eco, City and Sport. The driver can shift to any mode on the fly. Shifting between the modes drastically changes the behaviour of the vehicle.  The modes also alter the power delivery of the engine. For example, the diesel engine only delivers 85 Bhp in Eco mode, 95 Bhp in City mode and 108 Bhp in Sport mode. It is very effective way of saving fuel too, and in a mileage-conscious country, this feature is likely to be much appreciated.