The Nexon has quickly become a best-seller for Tata Motors and now in a bid to broaden its appeal, the Pune-based brand has unveiled AMT (automated manual transmission) variants of its compact SUV at the Auto Expo. The automatic option will be available on both the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel versions. However, the market launch of these automatic variants is still a couple of months away.
Nexon’s AMT is based on the same six-speed manuals that currently do duty on the manual on the compact SUV. Drivers will also have the option to shift gears manually using Tiptronic mode. Tata has retained the driving modes from the manual Nexon on the automatic version; on offer are Eco, City and Sport modes that alter engine characteristics. This AMT system will also feature a creep mode that reduces the need for throttle inputs in stop-go driving scenarios. The gearbox also comes with hill assist that prevents the vehicle from rolling back on inclines.
Visually, there’s nothing to distinguish the AMT and manual versions. The Nexon AMT will debut a new paint shade called Etna Orange. Tata will launch the Nexon AMT in the coming months and you can expect the car to cost about ₹40-50,000 more than comparable manual versions.