Shifting into overdrive

There are big gaps in Tata Motors’ portfolio yet to be filled. A premium small hatch is one; a mid-size family sedan is another. The Nexon, though, managed to plug one gap in the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) category. And it has been quite successful, clocking over 28,000 units since launch.

The Nexon’s design and some of its unique, true-to-segment exterior features set it apart from the others in a category that is mostly filled with SUV-style hatches. One feature that it lacked was an automated manual transmission (AMT). Buyers in the small hatch and entry sedan categories are increasingly looking at the convenience of an AMT gearbox. Driving mostly on crowded city roads, they are willing to spend that 6 to 8 per cent extra compared to the same trim manual, so that they may go clutch-free.

In fact, Tata Motors says that it has been encouraged by the demand for the AMT versions of the Tiago and the Tigor, which contribute 25 per cent and 12 per cent respectively to the total volumes of these two models. Naturally, integrating the AMT tranny to the Nexon powertrains was in the wings. We got a taste of the new transmission paired with both the petrol and diesel engines.

Design

The Nexon’s strength is its design, the crossover-like combination of tall stance, raised shoulder line and curved roofline ending in a pert rear gives it special appeal. Of course, it has the sub-four-metre advantage too, though, the inherent limitation of its compact proportions becomes all too clear when you step into the cabin. But, combined with a big leap in fit and finish quality that Tata cars have seen right from the Tiago, the Nexon is a pleasant surprise. The new HyprDrive SSG AMT (short for Self-Shift Gears) is no different — in fact Tata has taken it one step higher with a new online personalisation platform where customers can choose from a range of options including contrast body colours for the roof and many new accessories. The Nexon AMT is also being introduced with a new body colour called Etna Orange and a contrast dual-tone roof colour option called Sonic Silver. The shoulder line garnish, which was in a matte white finish in the manual Nexon is also being offered in the same sonic silver paint in the AMT and looks much better.

Stepping up The fit and finish quality of interiors in Tata cars has improved. - S MURALIDHAR

Cabin

The new Nexon AMT’s cabin sports all the features that the manual transmission version is being offered with, including the 6.5-inch floating dash-top infotainment touchscreen and the eight-speaker Harman Kardon music system. Dual front airbags and ABS with EBD are standard across trim variants. The Nexon’s cabin is not much larger than the average premium hatch in terms of legroom and shoulder room. However, there is ample headroom and there is also a very usable 350-litres of boot space. The AMT version is being offered in the comparable top-spec XZ MT variant, and is called the Nexon XZA+ with SSG.

Performance

For the Nexon SSG AMT, the powertrains remain the same three-cylinder, 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and the four-cylinder, 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engines with their underlying six-speed manual gearboxes. The AMT system sits on top of these trannies.

Like in the Nexon manual transmission, the new SSG version also gets the three drive modes — Expo, City and Sport. With the mode selector dial you can, with one turn, go from City (default) to a peppier Sport mode. Tata Motors has also decided to give the AMT version a triptronic manual mode, where with the flick of the selector stick to the left, the driver can push it up or down to choose a gear. Smart call to also make the Sport mode as default for the triptronic since drivers will opt for manual gear selection mostly during overtakes and quick acceleration.

Both the engines generate 110 PS of peak power and 170 Nm and 260 Nm of peak torque respectively for the 1.2L Revotron and 1.5L Revotorq — identical to the manual transmission variants. Both engines are turbocharged and so, peak torque is available from sub-2,000 rpm levels. Driving is excellent, and the refinement levels of both the engines are good too, considering the other powertrains in this segment. Despite being a three-pot engine, the petrol doesn’t have the usual roughness that is associated with mills in this class.

The AMT gearbox is inherently less capable and less refined than a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a torque converter automatic. It is as yet a technological compromise that enables a clutch-free experience for drivers while not making a heavy dent on their wallets. And with the prospect of delivering the same fuel efficiency as their manual transmission versions, AMTs manage to offer much more bang for the buck. But, that doesn’t mean refinement levels can’t be improved and Tata Motors has demonstrated that with the Nexon SSG AMT. Under light acceleration, the typical head-nodding shift shock can be felt mildly rocking you at the seat.

But, it is tolerably low and at higher speeds and even under heavy acceleration, shift shocks are reduced. Tata engineers have chosen to tie together multiple sensors and let responses flow through a transmission control unit. This has enabled features like the creep function where the car keeps moving forward at speeds under 8 kmph even without throttle input; also smart hill assist where the same engaged clutch keeps the car from rolling backwards when on an incline (even though it doesn’t have an electronic parking brake).

Kick downs are also just that bit faster, though overall response time between throttle input and gear change is still slower compared to CVTs and torque converter gearboxes.

Bottomline

Straight line stability in the Nexon AMT is good even at high three-digit speeds. Even though the suspension seems like it may feel a bit high sprung and bouncy, the overall ride quality is good with a sturdy feel and feedback. There is body roll though, and perceived build quality is good, though there is room for improvement. Some nice nifty features like the wearable Peps key, which customers can wear like a watch and use to open and lock the car really help boost the Nexon AMT’s appeal.

The infotainment system misses offering Apple CarPlay and the electric power steering should feel heavier at higher speeds to inspire more confidence. However, overall, the Nexon HyprDrive SSG is still an excellent AMT option for buyers looking for the convenience of an automatic. Expect a premium of about ₹40,000-₹50,000 over the manual transmission variant. The AMT model is being launched next week.

COMMENT NOW