Video summary

Tata Nexon Long Term Ownership Review

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Tata Nexon (long-term ownership review) — discussed specifically in the context of its 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder petrol + CNG setup.

Key features & performance (petrol vs CNG)

Torque claim & real-world test

  • Company claim: 170 Nm in 1st gear on both petrol and CNG.
  • Reviewer test: confirms 0–60 in ~8 seconds on both fuels.

Overtake / pickup feel (moving car)

  • From a stop (launch): torque/pickup feels similar between petrol and CNG.
  • During overtaking from mid-speed: petrol responds slightly quicker than CNG, with a micro-delay in CNG throttle response.

Engine feel & noise

  • With AC on, engine vibration increases, and vibration is felt lightly on the clutch/accelerator pedal.
  • The reviewer notes 3-cylinder vibration + a bit more noise, but says Tata addressed it using insulation/form pads around noise/engine paths.

Mountain performance

  • Reviewer drove it beyond Manali and says CNG performance remains strong and doesn’t feel like it’s “wasting” power compared to petrol.

Visibility, comfort, and drivability

Visibility issues (negatives)

  • A-pillar obstruction: thick A-pillars make it hard to see scooters near the side while turning.
  • Rear visibility: due to the sloping roof and mirror view, objects far behind aren’t visible well—visibility improves only when they’re close.

Gearbox behavior (negative)

  • Gear shifting isn’t “smooth” for fast changes.
  • Normal driving is fine, but the reviewer says it won’t suit “racing”/sporty gear changes.

Reliability / consistency issues (drivetrain behavior)

Clutch/lift inconsistency (intermittent negative)

  • In 2nd gear, the car usually picks up speed.
  • However, around ~10 out of 100 times, it may vibrate and stall/stop.
  • Sometimes it stops; sometimes it doesn’t—leading to inconsistent behavior that reduces confidence for aggressive starts.

Rust / corrosion experience

Where rust shows up

  • Rust exists, but at different locations than commonly cited Tata issues.
  • The reviewer reports that typical areas (door metal meets/plastic beading) aren’t affected the same way, but rust appears where water gets trapped (around water-stopping beading/edges).
  • Paint peeling/rust was noticed at the trapped-water spot, and it seems it may reappear depending on fixes.

Battery & service interactions (major ownership point)

Battery failure within 1 year (negative)

  • Battery got damaged after hazard lights left ON for ~510 minutes (two incidents).
  • Reviewer mentions warranty context (battery under Tata RS terms like “2 years or 400 km”).
  • Estimated external replacement cost: about ₹5,400.

Positive: fast support

  • Tata RS staff response was fast:
    • Both times, they arrived within ~1 hour and helped without charging for assistance.

Reviewer advice

  • Replace the battery about every year to avoid being stranded.

Early-batch software fixes & minor glitches

CNG accelerator non-response (fixed)

  • Early issue: while moving, pressing the accelerator could result in no response / sudden stop.
  • Later fixed via a software update, after which the issue didn’t reoccur.

Trip/mileage display glitches (minor)

  • Trip A/B often shows 30 and range appears lower than expected during fuel-switching context.
  • CNG “always full” reading mentioned.
  • Resetting the trip and switching back to petrol corrected the display.

Passing/dipper headlight behavior (rare)

  • About 1 in 1000 times, using passing/dipper may keep the headlight on.

6th-gear engagement (negative, early)

  • Early on, 6th gear sometimes didn’t engage / stuck.
  • Resolved with a small adjustment.

Infotainment / Android Auto / connectivity

  • Android Auto is wired; base speaker quality is described as “okay.”
  • Auto-connection improvement: uses a ₹1300 wired Android Auto dongle
    • Connects automatically when replugged.
    • Doesn’t reconnect automatically if the phone goes far, but reconnects after removing and reinserting.
  • An earlier indicator-related disconnection issue is mentioned as being straightened out and no longer happening.

What’s changed/added (ownership customization & practical experience)

Common add-ons installed

  • Armrest (~₹700)
  • Dashcam
  • Horn wiring
  • Storage/phone mount (magnetic; keeps phone cool using AC)
  • Roof rails
  • Seat covers (~₹3000) with fitting cost around ~₹500
  • Anti-fingerprint film / screen lamination
  • TPMS / tyre pressure sensor (~₹1500)

Tyre change

  • From 215/60 R16 to 205/60 R16
    • Reviewer reports improved handling/body roll by about 4–5%
    • Noise increases slightly

Noise reduction efforts

  • Insulation + rubber seals in doors to reduce cabin noise.

Tyre noise comparison

  • Earlier tyres (Bridgestone Tour) reduced highway noise more.
  • New CAT’s Secure Drive increases noise by about ~10–15%, but it doesn’t bother music/highway noise.

Tyre / handling & safety impressions

  • Handling improves with the narrower tyre profile, and steering feedback improves slightly.
  • Reviewer emphasizes noise insulation and fender lining to prevent dirt/water entering underbody spaces—helping reduce rust risk.
  • Safety/durability impression is positive: no major flaw causes rejection.
    • Parts durability is good even after minor hits (rear reflector broken; rest fine).

Suspension, brakes, and wear

  • Brake wear: pads have about 60–70% life remaining.
  • Rear drum brakes: “new till now.”
  • Suspension: reported unchanged and fine.

Service experience (varies by centre)

  • Reviewer stresses service quality depends on the specific service centre.

Examples:

  • Good centre: fixed the accelerator non-response issue via a quick software update (~5 minutes).
  • Another centre: paint mismatch issues on a fender claim and difficulty diagnosing an indicator issue.

Indicator issue resolution

  • After complaint and asking them to mail details, technicians called back.
  • Fixed via calibration with laptop; no parts replacement.

Service cost & upselling (consumption warning)

Reviewer advice:

  • Avoid unnecessary extras in one service to reduce high bills.
  • Be skeptical of recurring suggestions like coolant change and brake cleaning unless truly needed.
  • Coolant change not too frequently (reviewer suggests ~every 3 years).
  • Unnecessary “coatings” and add-ons are cited as major drivers of billing.

Overall verdict / recommendation

Verdict

  • Long-term ownership appears strong for highway performance consistency and durability, with improvements in insulation and rust-related areas.

Key caveats

  • Intermittent drivetrain inconsistency
  • Gearbox not ideal for aggressive driving
  • Visibility limitations
  • Rust at trapped-water points
  • At least one early/rare electronics/gear issue
  • Battery failure risk within a year (in this case due to hazards left ON)

Recommendation

  • Recommended if you drive normally and maintain carefully.
  • Not ideal if you expect sporty “racing” behavior, want perfect display/infotainment behavior, or are highly sensitive to rare electrical/gear consistency issues.

Unique points mentioned (consolidated)

  1. 1st-gear torque ~170 Nm on both petrol and CNG; 0–60 ~8s.
  2. Launch/stop-and-go feels similar on petrol vs CNG.
  3. Overtaking from mid-speed: petrol quicker; CNG has micro-delay.
  4. Engine vibration increases with AC on; felt on clutch/accelerator.
  5. Insulation/form pads help control noise.
  6. A-pillar obstructs visibility while turning.
  7. Rear visibility limited due to mirror/roof slope.
  8. Gearbox not smooth for fast shifting; not suited for racing.
  9. 2nd gear inconsistency: ~10/100 times may stall/stop after vibration.
  10. CNG strong on mountain trips beyond Manali.
  11. Rust exists but at different location (water-trap edges); paint peeling observed.
  12. Battery damaged within a year (hazards ON ~510 minutes); replacement ~₹5,400; fast Tata response.
  13. Suggests yearly battery replacement.
  14. Early CNG accelerator non-response fixed via software update.
  15. Minor dashboard glitch: trip/range shows 30 and incorrect range; CNG “full” anomaly; reset + fuel switch fixes.
  16. Passing/dipper sometimes keeps headlight on (rare).
  17. Early 6th-gear engagement issue fixed via adjustment.
  18. Wired Android Auto; dongle ₹1300 improves workflow.
  19. Indicator-related disconnect issue fixed.
  20. Multiple add-ons: armrest, dashcam, horn wiring, storage/phone mount, etc.
  21. Roof rails; seat covers (~₹3000 fitting ~₹500); anti-fingerprint film.
  22. TPMS sensor ~₹1500 (tyre pressure accuracy claim).
  23. Tyre change 215/60 R16 → 205/60 R16 improves handling/body roll ~4–5%; slightly noisier (~10–15%).
  24. Door insulation + rubber seals reduce noise.
  25. Fender lining prevents dirt/water ingress, lowering rust risk.
  26. Brake pads ~60–70% life left; rear drum “new.”
  27. Suspension unchanged and durable after minor impacts.
  28. Service varies by centre: quick software fix at one, calibration/paint mismatch issues at another.
  29. Avoid upselling; coolant suggested ~every 3 years (per reviewer).
  30. Overall: no major flaw; best suited for normal driving.

Speaker / role separation

  • The review appears to be delivered mainly by one reviewer/speaker covering performance tests (petrol vs CNG), vibration/noise, visibility/comfort, reliability, rust, battery incidents, infotainment/connectivity, aftermarket additions, tyres/handling, and service-cost/service-centre experiences.
  • References to “company says” and “service centre technicians” are present, but there are no clearly distinct additional speakers indicated in the subtitles.

Original video