In a bid to revive declining sales and compete against the newly launched Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon now gets a cheaper new base model called Smart (O). Nexon has been among the best-selling SUVs in the country for a few years now. Its 5-star safety rating, striking bold looks, latest tech and convenience features, and multiple powertrain options are some of the reasons why people gravitate towards it. However, Mahindra has changed the game by launching the new XUV 3XO at an attractive starting price of Rs 7.49 lakh, ex-showroom. To counter that, Tata Motors has introduced a new base model and slashed the prices of some of its other variants significantly.
Tata Nexon Gets New Base Model
Tata Motors is calling it the Smart (O) trim. It has a price tag of an enticing Rs 7.99 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that the previous base model (Smart) had a retail sticker of Rs 8.15 lakh, ex-showroom. It is not clear whether the Indian auto giant will continue to offer that trim or will this new version replace it. The mid-level variant goes by Pure in Tata Motors’ parlance. That has a starting price of Rs 9.80 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, there is a difference of a whopping Rs 1.81 lakh, ex-showroom between the two. Despite being the base model, the Smart (O) gets useful amenities like:
- 6 Airbags
- Electronic Stability Program
- LED Headlamps with DRLs and LED Taillamps
- Multi-Drive Modes – Eco, City, and Sport
- 2-spoke Steering Wheel with Illuminated Logo
- Front Power Windows
- Reverse Guiding Sensors
Price Cut on Smart+ and Smart+ S Variants
Not just that, Tata Motors has dropped the prices of Smart+ and Smart+ S by Rs 31,000 and Rs 41,000, respectively. These trims are for those who want some additional features over the base model. These now cost Rs 8.89 lakh and Rs 9.39 lakh, respectively. The top features of these two variants are:
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System by HARMAN
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4-speaker Audio System
- Reverse Camera
- Steering-Mounted Controls
- All Power Windows
- Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
- Auto Headlamps (Smart+ S)
- Voice Assisted Electric Sunroof (Smart+ S)
- Rain Sensing Wiper (Smart+ S)
| Variant | Price | Difference |
| Smart (O) | Rs 7.99 lakh | – |
| Smart | Rs 8.15 lakh | – |
| Smart+ | Rs 8.89 lakh | Rs 31,000 |
| Smart+ S | Rs 9.39 lakh | Rs 41,000 |
| Pure | Rs 9.80 lakh | – |
Our View
Tata Motors is certainly feeling the heat after the arrival of the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The two Indian auto giants have been on the rise for a while now. They keep competing in similar categories. The compact SUV space is one such segment where the Nexon and XUV 3XO lock horns directly. In April, Tata experienced declining sales for its Nexon which has forced it to implement this new strategy of offering new variants and announcing price cuts on the existing models. We shall have to wait to see what impact it has on the sales charts going forward.
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