Tata Nexon EV Facelift 2023 Review: The Tata Nexon is a significant car for Tata Motors. It's known for establishing Tata as a maker of safe vehicles and being one of India's top-selling compact SUVs.
This brings me to the 2023 Nexon EV facelift, or Nexon dot EV, as Tata likes to call it. Let's explore what Tata has done to enhance this popular electric vehicle in the 2023 Nexon EV facelift.
Starting at the front, you'll notice that the Nexon EV facelift sports a distinct look compared to its standard counterpart. It's a refreshing change that sets each version apart.
The new Nexon EV embraces an edgier design, departing from the previous bold and mature style, aligning perfectly with market preferences.
The side profile maintains the unmistakable Nexon identity, despite the introduction of distinctive new alloy wheels.
The most significant change in the 2023 Nexon EV facelift is at the rear. It boasts a connected LED bar and new tail lamps, providing a fresh appearance.
Also, the LED bars at the front and rear do a nice little welcome/goodbye dance when you lock/unlock the car. The visual drama doesn't end there - the front bar also acts as a battery level indicator when the vehicle is being charged.
Step inside the Nexon and you’d be greeted with a brand new dashboard. Keeping up with the times, this dashboard is completely redesigned with a tech-forward approach.
For instance, look at that new gigantic 12.3-inch infotainment display that’s standard on the top-end variant.
It is not just huge but also fully loaded. For instance, it features a dedicated app store of its own. You can download apps to watch videos on it. However, do not freak out; users can only watch videos when the car is stationary.
The Nexon EV is indeed feature-rich, with goodies like a 10.25-inch driver’s display, sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charger, 9-speaker JBL audio system, cooled glovebox, and more standard on the top-end variant.
However, not everything inside the cabin is perfect. For instance, the new steering wheel with a backlit Tata logo looks futuristic but easily collects fingerprints and scratches. The overall plastic quality in the cabin is average at best.
The updated Nexon EV comes in two versions: Medium Range and Long Range. We've got our hands on the latter, equipped with a 40.5 kWh battery pack.
Tata claims it can cover 465km on a single charge, which is a bit more than before. However, your actual range will depend on your driving style and traffic conditions.
The Gen 2 motor driving the wheels is now also over 20kg lighter than before. It pumps out around 142 bhp and 215Nm of torque.
Driving the Nexon EV is a surprisingly fun affair. In sports mode, you can unleash the full power of the motor, coupled with snappy throttle response.
Tata claims that this car can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in under 9 seconds, which is quite believable.
The performance does suffer considerably in City and Eco modes. However, this trade-off is worth it for extended range, or those days when you prefer a more relaxed drive.
You also get three levels of regenerative braking, which, interestingly, is now controlled by paddle shifters. Level 3 is quite strong and does take some getting used to, but it will contribute to the overall range.
You get both standard AC charging and DC fast charging options with the new Nexon EV. Not just this, there is vehicle to vehicle charging (for charging another vehicle) and a vehicle to load option (for powering other appliances).
The Nexon has always struck a good balance between ride and handling for a high-riding vehicle, and this new version is no different. The ride quality is pliant, and it absorbs broken road surfaces with ease.
The handling, on the other hand, is as good as it gets on a compact SUV. The body roll is kept well in check, while the steering is quite sensitive to inputs as well.
The Nexon EV facelift is a thoroughly accomplished vehicle. Its new design looks smashing, and it comes loaded to the brim with new technology.
The added range is just the icing on the cake. As always, it remains an enjoyable car to drive.
Tata Nexon EV Facelift 2023 Price: If you're considering an EV in the ~₹20 lakh price range, the updated Nexon EV should be at the top of your list.
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