Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the CNG variant of the Nexon within the next six to eight months.
Tata had showcased the CNG variant of the Nexon at the Bharat Mobility Show in January this year.
The Nexon CNG model has already created strong expectations among customers. NA (Naturally Aspirated) engine is used in all CNG cars currently sold in India.
For the first time, Tata is going to use a turbocharged engine in the Nexon CNG model. So, expectations are high for this car.
Tata to conduct new experiments on CNG:
Tata Motors is the first to offer new features in a CNG car model. For example, until a few years ago, all CNG-powered cars could be started on petrol and then switched to CNG.
But Tata introduced the technology of starting directly on CNG in one of their CNG models.
Likewise, placing the CNG cylinder at the rear of the car has greatly reduced the boot space of the CNG models.
Tata introduced a dual cylinder setup to overcome this problem. This gives users a substantial amount of boot space.
Following this, the company is now gearing up to launch its first CNG model with a turbocharged engine.
Nexon iCNG Engine:
Tata Motors will use the three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine used in the Nexon petrol model in its iCNG model as well.
The company has not shared information about how much power and torque the engine will churn out in CNG mode.
But the turbopetrol engine is capable of producing 118hp of power and 170Nm of torque on petrol.
Along with this turbopetrol engine, Tata is also planning to launch the Nexon iCNG model with the 1.2-litre NA petrol engine used in the Altras and Punch CNG models.
Nexon iCNG Safety Features
Unlike petrol and diesel, CNG fuel is a safer fuel to handle.
Tata will provide safety features such as a micro switch that automatically shuts off the engine during CNG refueling, leak-proof material for the CNG kit to prevent CNG gas from escaping, and thermal protection to prevent overheating.
Apart from this, Tata is considering adding various features like ECU, automatic fuel switching, modular fuel filter design and leak detection system to the Nexon iCNG model.
Nexon iCNG Competitors:
At present, the Nexon ICNG model’s direct competitor is Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza CNG model.
Maruti has given 1.5 liter NA petrol engine in that model. The engine is capable of producing 87hp of power and 121Nm of torque in CNG mode.
However, the Nexon’s turbocharged petrol engine is expected to offer more power and torque than the Brezza engine.
Also, since the Brezza only gets a single CNG tank, it takes up a lot of boot space.
Tata is going to use a twin cylinder setup in the Nexon. Hence, the Nexon will have more boot space than the Brezza. All these are seen as positive features for the Nexon.
