The Tata Nexon, already a formidable player in the compact SUV market, ups its game with the introduction of the iCNG variant. It’s the first SUV in India to offer four powertrain options—petrol, diesel, electric, and CNG. Additionally, it boasts the title of India’s first turbocharged CNG SUV paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. But how does this new variant perform in everyday driving conditions? We took it for a spin around Pune to find out.

Design and Practicality
The Nexon iCNG looks almost identical to its petrol and diesel siblings, with only the ‘iCNG’ badge and windshield stickers differentiating it. The dual-tone paint scheme, particularly in Creative Ocean and white, enhances its modern, edgy look. Signature elements like sharp LED DRLs, a bold grille, and sleek alloy wheels remain unchanged, maintaining the Nexon’s contemporary appeal.

Inside, the changes are minimal but practical. The all-black upholstery with blue stitching refreshes the cabin’s look. A new CNG-specific button on the centre console allows for easy switching between petrol and CNG modes. The instrument cluster now includes a dedicated CNG trip meter and dual fuel gauges, enhancing user experience.

A notable feature is Tata’s innovative twin-cylinder CNG setup. The 60-litre CNG tanks are cleverly placed under the boot floor, maintaining 321 litres of usable luggage capacity. Although this is slightly less than the standard Nexon, it remains practical for urban use. The spare wheel, mounted beneath the vehicle, can be accessed via a bolt in the boot floor, which might be challenging in crowded areas.

Driving Experience in Pune
The Nexon iCNG feels smooth and effortless driving through Pune’s busy roads. Switching between petrol and CNG modes is seamless via the dedicated button, with no noticeable lag or performance drop. The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine, adapted for CNG, delivers 100hp and 170Nm of torque. Despite being 20hp lower than the petrol version, the torque remains the same, ensuring a robust performance. The car accelerates smoothly and responds well to part-throttle inputs, even with the additional 120kg weight from the CNG tanks.

Ride and Handling
Tata has made subtle adjustments to the suspension to accommodate the additional weight of the CNG tanks, with impressive results. The Nexon iCNG retains its composed ride quality, easily handling Pune’s notorious potholes. The slightly softer rear suspension is noticeable, especially over speed breakers, but it never compromises comfort.

The light steering at low speeds is advantageous for manoeuvring through tight spots, and it gains weight nicely at higher speeds, providing confidence during highway drives. Overall, the Nexon iCNG handles its petrol and diesel counterparts similarly, a significant achievement considering the added weight.

Features and Comfort
The Nexon iCNG is available in various trims, ensuring that buyers don’t have to sacrifice features for fuel efficiency. The top-end Fearless + PS DT variant is packed with amenities such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The JBL sound system offers excellent audio quality, perfect for long drives or daily commutes.

Safety remains a priority with six airbags, ESP, and a 360-degree camera included in the top-spec trim. CNG-specific safety features like a fire extinguisher, automatic fuel cut-off, and leak detection with a gas release mechanism add peace of mind.

Comfort is another strong suit, with the spacious cabin comfortably accommodating five adults. The sunroof adds to the airy feel, and rear passengers will appreciate the ample legroom and headroom.

Performance and Efficiency
In real-world driving, the Nexon iCNG performs nearly as well as its petrol counterpart. The ability to start directly in CNG mode conserves petrol during startups. Acceleration is smooth, with minimal performance gaps between the two fuel modes. The 0-100 kph sprint takes 14.69 seconds in CNG mode, slightly slower than petrol.

Fuel efficiency is where the Nexon iCNG excels. Tata claims an ARAI-rated figure of 24 km/kg, and in a preliminary highway test, it managed 204 km on 7.5 kg of gas. However, frequent trips to Pune’s CNG stations may be necessary due to refuelling queues.

Verdict: The iCNG on the Cake
The Tata Nexon iCNG emerges as a practical, efficient, and well-rounded SUV. With seamless CNG technology integration, it offers affordability without compromising performance. Tata’s thoughtful design, from twin-cylinder tank placement to retained boot space, sets it apart as a segment-first innovation.

While minor issues like engine clatter at idle and tricky spare wheel access exist, they don’t overshadow the Nexon’s strengths. Priced between ₹8.99 lakh and ₹14.59 lakh, it competes well with rivals like the Maruti Brezza CNG. For those seeking a versatile compact SUV with lower running costs and no compromise on features, the Tata Nexon iCNG completes the set.