Tata Motors has come a long way since the spacious, competent but unrefined Indica hatchback, and the new Nexon mini SUV joins the Bolt, Zest, Tigor, Hexa and Tiago to try to prove that Tata cars can be as refined as any competitor. They have now formally launched their new Nexon, a sub-four metre long SUV which will only face competition from the Ford EcoSport and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The popular Brezza that sold some 15,000 units in August is clearly their target. A small share of their sales will be a big boost for Tata Motors, so they have pulled out all the stops to make it a winner.

Firstly, the Nexon is offered with both petrol and diesel engines unlike the Brezza that is only offered with a 1,248 cc diesel mill that generates 90 HP. The 1,500 cc Nexon diesel offers 22 per cent more power with 110 HP and there is also a more affordable 110 HP 1,200 cc petrol plant.

Secondly, these engines are mated to a 6-speed gearbox unlike the 5-speed transmission on the Brezza. This will greatly improve the power delivery and ease of driving. The fuel efficiency of these gear ratios can also be improved by a simple multi-drive device that can be turned from ECO to CITY or SPORT modes.

Thirdly, the Nexon is definitely the better looking car. Both cars offer excellent interior space and comfort and a fistful of gadgets for entertainment, navigation, comfort and convenience but the newer Nexon offers a slightly better package overall. Last but not the least, Nexon prices, that have just been announced, are unbelievably attractive.

These factors make an almost unbeatable package except for the fact that the Maruti Suzuki brand enjoys huge popularity giving buyers comfort with its after sales service, spares and resale value in later years.

I first drove the 1,200 cc petrol model on hilly roads in South India and was pleasantly surprised to find that the little three-cylinder engine could deliver a big 110 HP with a capable torque of 170Nm. The first leg was uphill and the little engine pulled the 1,300-kg car with great confidence. The engine accelerated from a low engine speed of 1,500 rpm and did not stall even at 1,200 rpm. On the return journey I drove a diesel model with a 1,500 cc plant also delivering 110 HP with a huge 260 Nm of torque.

The electric steering has a power assist device to bring the wheels back to centre after turning, thus considerably reducing the steering effort. The big 16-inch wheels and high ground clearance made the Nexon look as if the wheelbase was small but the car’s composure on mountain roads was impeccable even when pushed hard.

I could appreciate the performance, the ride and handling on the twisty mountain roads but it was its look that first caught the eye. The projector headlamps marking the ends of the wide distinctive grille with attractive daylight running lights catch the eye with a brilliant white imitation ceramic ‘eye shadow’ under the fog lights, in bright contrast to the bright body colour. The interior was also good with seats in a classy black fabric. There was an easy to use floating dashboard on top of the touchscreen to control navigation, music, communication and reversing. Sound quality in a car is always a big challenge for acoustic engineers so the Nexon has eight speakers to give superior voice and music notes. The Nexon is definitely a car to consider.

The author is the region’s most celebrated automobile columnist