Saar: To start with, Tata Motors will offer the AMT unit only in the top-spec variant of the Nexon.

When Tata Motors launched the Nexon in September last year, it promised that an AMT (automated manual transmission) is being fine-tuned for the sub-4 metre SUV and that it will soon be launched. That time, my friends, is near. At a media event yesterday, Tata Motors showcased the much-awaited Tata Nexon AMT to the experts from the industry. It is expected to go on sale sometime next month. And to start with, the homegrown automaker will only offer the AMT unit in the top-spec variant of the Nexon. It will be badged at XZA+.

So, which engine will it come mated to? Both. Any other major changes in the recipe? Almost none but we will get back to this question later. Anything new that Tata will bring on the table with the Nexon AMT? Yes. A couple of things actually. One, a new dual-tone, orange and silver, body paint with the AMT-equipped variants. And two, a new catchy but misspelt term to describe the new gearbox – ‘HyprDrive’.

Image Source: IAB

HyprDrive? Yes. Tata has a habit of introducing such terminologies to add some zing to the marketing material. On paper, this AMT unit does inject more convenience in driving to the table. Apart from the two-pedal setup, which has its pluses, Tata Motors has equipped the 6-speed automated manual transmission with hill assist and creep functionalities. What’s more, the multi-drive modes – Eco, City and Spot – will remain on offer with the AMT too. The new gearbox also has a manual mode, which comes handy more often than expected. The rest of the features kit on the XZA+ will remain identical to the XZ+. However, we do believe that at a later stage, Tata Motors will expand the Nexon’s lineup further by introducing the AMT unit in the mid-range XT variants as well.

Also Read: Tata Nexon XZ Launched At Rs 7.99 Lakh

Going back to the question we left unanswered. Yes, there is a slight change in the weight of the car. Since AMTs are heavier than the equivalent manual transmissions, the Nexon’s kerb weight has gone up by 15kg for both petrol- and diesel-fed variants. But that isn’t enough to bring any noticeable change in the driving experience.

Apart from that, the engines remain unaltered. The Nexon gets 110PS/170Nm on tap from its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 110PS/260Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. Both engines are currently offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. With the introduction of the AMT in its recipe, the Nexon will become the only car in the sub-4 metre SUV segment to have an automatic available with both diesel and petrol engines. The Ford EcoSport is offered with a torque-converter unit but only with its petrol engine. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Honda WR-V don’t have automatics at all.

As far as pricing for the Nexon AMT, or should we say Nexon HyprDrive, is concerned, expect to pay a premium of around Rs 50,000 over and above the XZ+ variants. The manual petrol and diesel variants are priced at Rs 9.02 lakh and Rs 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).