Why Tata Nexon’s Engine Still Disappoints – Even with DCA – and What Rivals Offer Better - Turbo Power World

 The Tata Nexon has evolved over the years in design, features, and safety, but one aspect remains consistently underwhelming — its engine performance and refinement. Even with the latest DCA (Dual Clutch Automatic) addition, Nexon’s core engine problems persist. Meanwhile, rivals like Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and the newly rebranded Mahindra XUV 3XO (formerly XUV300) are offering more refined, powerful, and smoother options.

Let’s dive into why the Nexon engine still sucks, how the DCA upgrade hasn’t fixed its issues, and what engine-wise alternatives you should consider for a better driving experience.

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🚩 Tata Nexon’s Engine – Where It Fails

1. 1.2L Turbo Petrol (Revotron)

• Power: 120 PS

• Torque: 170 Nm

• Transmissions: 6-speed MT / AMT / DCA (new)

❌ Major Issues:

• 3-Cylinder Roughness: The engine is inherently unbalanced, resulting in noticeable vibrations and harshness, especially at low RPMs and idle.

• Turbo Lag: The lag below 2,000 RPM is frustrating, making city driving jerky and overtakes unpredictable.

• Lack of Punch: Despite 120 PS, the car feels sluggish compared to rivals due to poor power delivery tuning and weight.

• Engine Noise: In-cabin engine sound is higher than rivals, making long drives fatiguing.

• DCA Doesn’t Help Much:

  • While the new 6-speed DCA is smoother than AMT, the engine still lacks refinement, making shifts feel clunky at times.

  • Heat Management Concerns: Dual-clutch systems tend to overheat in stop-go traffic; with Nexon’s engine cooling inconsistencies, long-term reliability is a question.

• Real-World Mileage: Often below 13–14 km/l in city driving, despite claimed efficiency.

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🚘 What Competitors Are Offering (Engine-Wise)

Let’s see how other compact SUVs offer better engine-transmission combos and more reliable performance.

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1. Hyundai Venue / Kia Sonet (1.0L Turbo Petrol DCT)

• Power: 120 PS

• Torque: 172 Nm

• Transmission: 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT

• Advantages:

  • Refined and smoother 3-cylinder turbo petrol.

  • Minimal turbo lag, responsive in city and highway.

  • DCT performance is superior, with better shift logic, responsiveness, and cooling.

  • Real-world mileage: ~16–18 km/l.

  • Proven long-term reliability and better service support.

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2. Mahindra XUV 3XO (1.2L TGDi + TC Auto)

• Power: 130 PS

• Torque: 230 Nm

• Transmission: 6-speed Torque Converter (TC)

• Advantages:

  • More powerful and torquey than Nexon.

  • TC gearbox ensures smooth, reliable shifting without the overheating issues of DCTs.

  • Better low-end torque = effortless city driving.

  • Refined operation and higher power-to-weight ratio.

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3. Maruti Brezza / Fronx (1.5L NA Petrol + 6AT)

• Power: 103 PS

• Torque: 137 Nm

• Transmission: 5-speed MT / 6-speed AT

• Advantages:

  • Naturally aspirated engine = no turbo lag.

  • Silky smooth refinement with minimal noise or vibrations.

  • Exceptional reliability and low maintenance costs.

  • Real-world mileage ~18–20 km/l.

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4. Renault Kiger / Nissan Magnite (1.0L Turbo Petrol + CVT)

• Power: 100 PS

• Torque: 160 Nm

• Transmission: Manual / CVT

• Advantages:

  • Refined engine, adequate for city use.

  • Smooth CVT gearbox, ideal for urban conditions.

  • Affordable and good value proposition.

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🛠️ Nexon Engine Reliability Concerns

• Fuel Pump Failures and Sensor Issues have been reported by long-term users.

• DCA Gearbox is new for Tata – long-term durability is untested vs. rivals.

• Service Network: Inconsistent experience with diagnosing engine issues.

• AMT remains unrefined and still on many variants.

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📝 Verdict – Should You Buy Nexon for Engine Performance?

Buy Nexon if:

• Build quality and 5-star safety are your top priorities.

• You are okay with engine coarseness and want feature-rich interiors.

• Occasional driving, not focused on refinement or sporty performance.

Avoid Nexon if:

• You value smooth, refined engine response.

• You drive often in city traffic and need a responsive automatic.

• You prefer peace of mind with engine reliability and better service.

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🚦 Best Alternatives by User Type:

User Type	Recommended Car	Why
Performance-Lover	Mahindra XUV 3XO (TGDi + TC Auto)	Most powerful, smooth TC, fun to drive
Smooth City Driver	Hyundai Venue / Kia Sonet DCT	Smooth, refined engine + proven DCT reliability
Long-Term Reliability Focus	Maruti Brezza / Fronx	Bulletproof NA engine, low maintenance, refined
Budget Seeker	Renault Kiger / Nissan Magnite CVT	Smooth CVT, affordable, light and nimble

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Final Thoughts

Tata Nexon still struggles with its engine refinement, and while the new DCA is a step forward, it doesn’t solve the fundamental problems — coarse engine behavior, turbo lag, and inconsistent performance. If engine smoothness, performance, and long-term durability matter to you, Nexon might not be the best pick.

Rivals like XUV 3XO, Venue, Sonet, and Brezza offer superior driving experiences and are more reliable over the years. Choose wisely — your engine should feel as premium as your ride.