Car customers in India are becoming increasingly conscious about safety features over fuel efficiency. As a result, entry-level car sales are gradually declining in favor of compact and micro SUVs.
One major reason for this shift is the comprehensive safety features and solid build quality that higher-segment cars offer compared to entry-level models.
The Popular Hatchback:
The Maruti Suzuki Swift remains a popular hatchback in the Indian market due to its impressive mileage and affordability. It consistently sells about 15,000 units monthly, making it one of the company’s most successful models. The Swift’s starting ex-showroom price is Rs. 6.24 lakh.
Tata Nexon: The Market King:
However, Tata Motors’ Nexon compact SUV is currently one of the best-selling models in the compact SUV segment, with a similar monthly average of 15,000-16,000 units sold.
Priced starting from Rs. 8.15 lakh ex-showroom, the Nexon offers superior safety and value. It has earned a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP, making it one of the safest cars in its segment.
Strength and Durability:
Compared to the Swift, the Nexon boasts nearly 1.5 times more steel in its construction, giving it a superior curb weight of 1250-1300 kg against the Swift’s 875 kg. This makes the Nexon significantly stronger, using around 400 kg more steel than the Swift.
Multiple Powertrains:
The Tata Nexon is available in petrol, diesel, and electric variants. A CNG variant is also expected to be launched soon. The SUV is priced between Rs. 8.15 lakh and Rs. 15.80 lakh ex-showroom.
The petrol model is powered by a 1.2-litre engine, while the diesel model features a 1.5-litre engine. The petrol version offers a claimed mileage of 17 kmpl, while the diesel variant delivers up to 23 kmpl.
Key Takeaways:
- Indian customers now prioritize safety over fuel efficiency, driving demand for compact and micro SUVs like the Tata Nexon.
- The Tata Nexon has a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating and uses significantly more steel than the Maruti Suzuki Swift.
- The Nexon is available in petrol, diesel, and electric variants, offering a versatile range of choices to meet customer needs.