If we were asked for a vote for the most important car launches this year, Tata Nexon would definitely get a majority. To promote the Nexon, they organized Tata Nexon Skill Arena in Gurgaon where people could drive the Nexon on a specially made track and test the capabilities of the compact SUV. We got to experience it and while the fun was short lived, it was fun.
The course was small but had interesting tasks. At every major obstacle they had three lines – Red Yellow and Green and driver would get highest points for having the wheels on Green strip. First task was to parallel park. Aim was not only to park the car in a right space but also to have the wheels on the green strip – being the center one. Reverse Camera and parking assist did help in the task.
Then was a series of rumble strips – the likes of which are very common in the cities, specially on smaller roads. We did not tip toe the car through it but just went through it with a bit of a throttle and were surprised by the ride quality. The steering did not wobble, Nexon maintained it’s line and just a few jerks made it to the passengers. There were very tight U turns all over the course and small turning radius of 5.1 m coupled with electric steering surely made it a little easier. It also did the slalom course easily. We were not supposed to cross 30 kmph but the Nexon could’ve easily done the slalom at higher speeds, with the steering providing a good feedback and a highly manoeuvrable car.
Then came the articulation. We were pleasantly surprised by how balanced the car felt and how easily it could tread the section. Credit goes to high wheel arches and Independent McPherson Dual-path Strut with Coil Spring suspension upfront and Twist Beam rear suspension with Coil Spring.
Overall we liked the short experience. We think course could’ve been a little more challenging and could do higher speeds but we understand that it is for customers who might not be comfortable with it.
