Tata Motors has introduced the much-anticipated Nexon iCNG in India, starting at a competitive price of Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This launch marks another milestone for Tata Motors as they continue to strengthen their CNG portfolio in the Indian market. The Nexon iCNG stands out as the country’s first turbocharged CNG passenger vehicle (PV), designed to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly and fuel-efficient alternatives.
With the Nexon iCNG, Tata Motors has entered uncharted territory by offering India's first turbocharged CNG passenger vehicle. The 1.2-litre turbo bi-fuel (petrol and CNG) engine makes this SUV more dynamic and powerful, compared to the standard CNG vehicles. It delivers 100PS of maximum power and 170Nm of peak torque, ensuring a seamless driving experience. Currently, the iCNG model is available only with a manual transmission, although Tata may offer an automatic transmission in the near future to enhance its appeal.
In terms of competition, the Nexon iCNG enters a highly competitive segment dominated by models like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza S-CNG. Tata’s offering comes with a robust combination of power, efficiency, and premium features, making it a strong contender against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra Scorpio. With its enhanced CNG capabilities and advanced features, the Nexon iCNG is expected to challenge these top-selling SUVs.
The Nexon iCNG marks yet another addition to Tata’s growing range of Nexon variants. Originally introduced in 2017, the Nexon has evolved into one of India's most versatile and popular SUVs. It is now available in four different powertrains: petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric. The introduction of the CNG variant is a significant move that reflects Tata Motors' commitment to offering cleaner and more fuel-efficient options for Indian consumers.
Since its launch in 2017, the Tata Nexon has made significant strides in the Indian market. The SUV crossed the impressive sales milestone of 700,000 units in June 2023, a testament to its popularity. The vehicle has consistently outperformed competitors, including heavyweights like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra Scorpio. The Nexon has been the largest-selling SUV in India for three consecutive fiscal years, with 1,71,697 units sold in FY24, 1,72,139 units in FY23, and 1,24,130 units in FY22.
The Nexon iCNG offers an array of features that distinguish it from other vehicles in its category. One of its standout features is its ability to start directly in CNG mode, which is a convenience rarely found in the CNG segment. The vehicle also features a single ECU that enables automatic switching between petrol and CNG, ensuring that the driver enjoys a hassle-free driving experience. The CNG tank has a capacity of 60 liters, while the fuel efficiency is claimed to be an impressive 24km per kg, making it an economical choice for daily commuters.
The Tata Nexon iCNG is available in a variety of trims to cater to different customer preferences. Below is the variant-wise pricing (ex-showroom):
Smart – Rs 8.99 lakh
Smart+ – Rs 9.69 lakh
Smart+ S – Rs 9.99 lakh
Pure – Rs 10.69 lakh
Pure S – Rs 10.99 lakh
Creative – Rs 11.69 lakh
Creative+ – Rs 12.19 lakh
Fearless+ PS – Rs 14.59 lakh
These diverse pricing options ensure that customers can select the variant that best suits their budget and needs.
The Nexon iCNG doesn’t just offer performance—it also comes loaded with premium features. Key highlights include a panoramic sunroof that enhances the driving experience, leatherette ventilated seats for added comfort, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen powered by Harman for superior multimedia capabilities. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, giving drivers easy access to key vehicle information.
Thanks to its twin-cylinder technology, the Nexon iCNG boasts a segment-leading 321 liters of boot space, ensuring that customers do not have to compromise on storage while opting for CNG technology.
Safety continues to be a priority for Tata Motors, and the Nexon iCNG is no exception. The SUV comes with a 5-star safety rating, a feature that has played a significant role in the vehicle's success. It offers several advanced safety measures such as leak detection, a fire protection device, thermal incident protection, and rear impact protection. These features make the Nexon iCNG one of the safest CNG-powered SUVs in its class.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for the Indian CNG Market
The launch of the Tata Nexon iCNG marks a significant step forward for the Indian CNG market. With its powerful turbocharged engine, advanced safety features, premium interiors, and competitive pricing, it has the potential to reshape the way Indian consumers view CNG vehicles. Tata Motors has once again demonstrated its ability to innovate and offer solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Indian automotive market. The Nexon iCNG is expected to capture the interest of those looking for an eco-friendly, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich SUV.