Tata Motors has always been one of the most preferred car brands in India. Be it a budget-friendly car or a luxurious one, this brand has never disappointed its buyers. Tata Nexon is among its popular offerings, a reliable compact SUV available in both diesel and petrol variants.
So, when a car buyer compares the two variants, several factors must be considered. Driving habits, fuel efficiency needs, and budget are a few considerations that will help the buyer make an informed choice.
This comparison explores how each variant performs across key factors such as mileage, cost, and driving experience to help buyers decide which Nexon best suits them.
Engine and Performance
The Tata Nexon petrol comes with a 1.2-litre Turbocharged Revotron 3-cylinder engine, which offers a smooth and nimble driving experience. This engine is well-suited for city and suburban driving, where frequent stops and smooth acceleration are essential. It’s quieter and delivers refined performance, which many prefer for daily commuting.
On the other hand, the diesel variant is powered by a 1.5-litre Turbocharged Revotorq 4-cylinder engine. The diesel engine produces higher torque and more pulling power, making it better for longer highway drives, carrying heavy loads, or driving on hilly terrain. The response is solid at low speeds, giving a robust driving feel. This means if most of your driving involves highways or tougher terrains, diesel holds an advantage.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
Mileage often becomes the deciding factor between petrol and diesel, especially for the budget-conscious. Official figures show that the diesel Nexon’s mileage ranges from about 23 to 24 km per litre, while the petrol version delivers around 17 km per litre. This gap means diesel offers significantly better fuel economy on paper.
In real-world city conditions, petrol variants typically return mileage between 12 to 13 km per litre, while diesel variants manage closer to 16 to 17 km per litre. For buyers who mostly drive short distances in urban environments, the petrol Nexon is still efficient enough. But if longer distances and highway driving dominate your routine, the diesel model saves a notable amount on fuel, making it cost-effective over time.
Cost of Ownership
The upfront price is a crucial consideration. Diesel car variants tend to be pricier by approximately ₹1 to 2 lakh compared to their petrol counterparts. This is a significant premium and must be balanced against fuel savings.
Based on current fuel prices and mileage, one must drive around 77,000 to 83,000 km in a manual diesel car to break even on the extra purchase cost against the petrol model. For diesel automatics, this break-even distance falls to roughly 42,000 to 47,000 km due to petrol automatic models being slightly less fuel-efficient.
Maintenance tends to be somewhat higher for diesel engines because of the complexity and robust parts required for diesel technology. Petrol engines generally have lower servicing costs and fewer problems, which adds to the advantages for city drivers who favour ease of upkeep.
Driving Experience and Convenience
The petrol car excels in offering a smoother, quieter, and more responsive driving experience for stop-and-go city traffic. The engine feels lively and has a quicker pick-up, which suits urban traffic conditions where gradual acceleration helps.
The diesel Nexon’s higher torque makes it better geared for carrying heavier loads or merging onto highways smoothly. It feels more composed at higher speeds, giving confidence for long trips. However, diesel variants may generate more noise and vibrations, which some drivers find less comfortable for daily commutes.
Choosing Based on Usage Patterns
If most travel involves city driving with occasional highway trips, the petrol Nexon is adequate, cost-efficient initially, and smoother to drive.
For buyers covering high annual mileage, especially long-distance highway driving, the diesel Nexon’s superior mileage and torque justify the higher upfront cost.
Those carrying heavy loads regularly or living in areas with hilly terrain will benefit from diesel’s pulling power.
Budget-conscious buyers who prefer lower initial expenditure and ease of maintenance usually lean towards petrol.
Environmental and Practical Considerations
Petrol engines emit fewer nitrogen oxides and particulates than diesel engines, which face stricter emission regulations. Depending on local policies, this may impact long-term ownership costs and eco-friendliness.
Diesel fuel prices tend to be slightly cheaper than petrol, but fluctuating fuel costs can affect overall savings. The choice also depends on fuel availability and personal preferences about driving noise and refinement.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Selecting between the Tata Nexon petrol and diesel variants hinges on how a buyer uses the vehicle. Petrol variants provide a comfortable, refined city driving experience with lower maintenance costs. Diesel variants offer stronger performance for long-distance or load-heavy use, backed by better fuel efficiency.
For typical urban users, the petrol car is both practical and economical. For those with longer drives or more demanding conditions, the diesel option pays off after significant mileage, especially with higher torque needs. Online car buying platforms can help potential buyers compare actual running costs over time, ensuring an informed choice.
Ultimately, understanding your driving routine and prioritising fuel versus ownership costs will guide the best Nexon variant choice. Both engines have their strengths, so selecting the right fit depends on your lifestyle and budget preferences.
