Tata Nexon AMT: City Slicker

The launch of the Tata Nexon back in 2017 set the segment ablaze. With its unconventional SUV styling and one of the most powerful engines in the class, the Nexon quickly jumped the ranks and started trading punches with the segment leaders.

Now, Tata has released the Nexon with an AMT gearbox to expand its reach to a wider audience and cash into a rising preference of automatic transmission over manual. We took the Nexon AMT for a run through the city and here's what we think.EXTERIORWe will not spend much time on the outside as it is exactly the same as the manual Nexon which has been here for a good amount of time. However, we will quickly run through it to refresh your memory. You get the same exterior design with rather unusual elements seen more on concepts than on production vehicles.The chunky front end with glossy black grill and large headlamp units look handsome. Front fog lamps are surrounded by black or contrast white cladding while a huge air intake at the bottom dominates the look.Over on the side, you immediately notice the coupe-like roofline and the contrast ceramic white strip that runs across the car underneath the window line that merges with the tail lamps and also the grey roof that adds to that funkiness. All this sits on smart looking alloy wheels.INTERIORInside is the same story, everything remains the same, which isn’t bad at all. The materials used inside the cabin is of great quality and the fit and finish of the dash are really good. The controls of the dash are well laid out, the buttons for the air con and power windows get piano black surrounds which feel premium. The Harman based infotainment system is one of the best. It is smooth and easy to use.The Nexon scores well in terms of practicality too and you get loads of storage options. You get large bottle holders and an umbrella recess(it can hold a small umbrella and has a drainage hole too) in the front door pads, a massive cooled glove box with a removable tray, a deep centre storage box and the cup holders integrated into rear centre armrests. The seats are supportive and comfortable which is also the case with the rear seats; it is easy to get comfortable in here.[gallery size="full" ids="7008,7007,7009"]PERFORMANCENow, this is where the Tata Nexon has changed, you get the same engine choices. The 1.2-litre Revotron turbo petrol that makes 108 bhp and 170 Nm of torque, and the 1.5-litre Revotorq turbo diesel that makes 110 bhp and 260 Nm of torque.

While both of the engines were mated to a manual transmission, now these engines are mated to an AMT transmission. This makes a difference that shows in daily driving.

It gets the same six-speed transmission. But now, using hydraulic actuators, it changes gears with clutch-less gearshifts. The shift between gears is jerk free and smooth, there is also a creep function that allows the driver to, well creep forward during traffic situations.This AMT becomes a boon in low-speed city driving making the experience easy and convenient. There is a slight turbo lag when you have to get a move on but nothing to bore you out. Once the lag is put through the car picks up speed and shifts are slick and effortless.

Like in the manual version, be it the Eco, City or Sports mode, there is more than enough go with seamless power.

In the Eco mode, in pursuit of fuel economy, the gearbox shifts up early, and the power feels constrained. City mode makes it a little better, but the Sports mode is completely different. The surge in power is quick and the car revs much better.Overall the AMT is really good, it is smooth and provides good power to the mid-range to help you make those overtakes and helps the car cruise with ease on the highway. Also, the creep function makes a drive in rush hour traffic relatively stress-free.VERDICT We loved the Tata Nexon when it first launched, and after driving this AMT variant, the love has only grown stronger. The unique exterior and the plush and practical interior have now been paired with a convenient AMT transmission resulting in a package that makes the hectic drive to work easy and fun once again.