The Tata Nexon is one of the most popular compact SUVs in India, admired for its bold styling, strong safety features, and multiple powertrain options. However, one area where Nexon owners often find themselves slightly concerned is mileage performance. Whether you’ve chosen the petrol or diesel variant, getting the mileage figure close to what Tata Motors claims as the ARAI-certified number can feel like a challenge, especially in day-to-day city driving.
While ARAI mileage figures are derived under ideal test conditions, real-world scenarios often include traffic jams, inconsistent speeds, and stop-start situations that reduce fuel efficiency. That’s why understanding the real-world Tata Nexon mileage and taking car-specific measures to improve it can make a significant difference to your fuel expenses over time.
Tata Nexon ARAI Mileage
Tata Motors offers the Nexon in both petrol and diesel variants, each paired with manual and automatic transmission options. According to ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certified figures:
- Tata Nexon Petrol (Manual): 17.44 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Petrol (AMT): 17.18 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Diesel (Manual): 23.23 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Diesel (AMT): 24.08 kmpl
These mileage figures are obtained under controlled testing conditions that don’t necessarily reflect everyday driving environments. Factors like idling in traffic, AC usage, road gradients, and driving patterns can bring down the real-world mileage significantly. This often leaves owners wondering how to optimize their Tata Nexon mileage to align more closely with these advertised numbers.
Tata Nexon City Mileage
In real-world city driving conditions, Tata Nexon mileage figures are generally lower than the ARAI estimates due to frequent braking, traffic congestion, and shorter commute distances.
Based on owner reports and user reviews from platforms like Team-BHP, CarDekho, and ZigWheels:
- Tata Nexon Petrol (Manual): Around 11-13 kmpl in city traffic
- Tata Nexon Petrol (AMT): Slightly lower, around 10-12 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Diesel (Manual): Approx. 14-16 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Diesel (AMT): Around 13-15 kmpl
These figures may vary depending on factors such as driving style, fuel quality, terrain, and maintenance practices. Owners who maintain consistent speeds, limit AC usage, and follow proper shifting habits often report slightly better fuel economy than average.
Factors that Impact Tata Nexon City Mileage
Several variables affect the Tata Nexon mileage in city conditions, many of which are related to the car’s usage patterns and the environment it operates in:
- Stop-and-go traffic: Frequent braking and acceleration reduce fuel efficiency significantly.
- Short-distance drives: The engine doesn’t reach optimal temperature in short trips, lowering mileage.
- Aggressive driving: Hard acceleration, sudden braking, and high RPMs burn more fuel.
- Incorrect gear usage: Driving in lower or higher gears than needed can strain the engine and lower mileage.
- Overuse of AC: Air conditioning puts extra load on the engine, especially in petrol variants.
- Tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy.
- Excessive idling: Keeping the engine on while stationary wastes fuel without moving the car.
- Payload and clutter: Carrying unnecessary weight or roof luggage hampers efficiency.
- Fuel quality: Poor fuel or contamination impacts combustion, leading to inefficient mileage.
- Delayed servicing: Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, or clogged injectors can lower efficiency over time.
How to Improve Tata Nexon City Mileage
Improving Tata Nexon mileage in urban settings is achievable with a few conscious practices and car-specific habits:
- Use Eco mode: If your Nexon variant supports multiple drive modes, switch to Eco mode during city commutes to reduce throttle response and fuel consumption.
- Maintain optimal tyre pressure: Check and maintain manufacturer-recommended tyre pressure regularly to minimize rolling resistance.
- Shift gears smoothly: In manual variants, upshift early and avoid revving too high in lower gears.
- Limit AC usage: Use AC moderately and consider switching to fresh air mode in cooler weather.
- Avoid idling for long: Switch off the engine during long stops or traffic signals lasting over a minute.
- Keep your car light: Remove unnecessary items from the boot and avoid roof carriers unless needed.
- Service on time: Follow Tata’s service schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and system checks.
- Drive steadily: Avoid abrupt acceleration and braking. Smooth driving patterns help maintain fuel efficiency.
- Use quality fuel: Stick to trusted fuel pumps and, if possible, opt for premium fuel for cleaner combustion.
- Check wheel alignment: Misaligned wheels can drag performance and lead to more fuel use.
Tata Nexon Highway Mileage
The Tata Nexon tends to perform better on highways compared to city conditions, thanks to steady speeds and fewer stop-and-go scenarios. Based on real-world user feedback from automotive forums and review platforms:
- Tata Nexon Petrol (Manual): Delivers 16-18 kmpl on highways
- Tata Nexon Petrol (AMT): Averages around 15-17 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Diesel (Manual): Reported mileage ranges from 19-21 kmpl
- Tata Nexon Diesel (AMT): Achieves close to 18-20 kmpl
While these highway figures are much closer to ARAI claims, factors like consistent cruising speeds, terrain, and driving behavior still influence how efficiently the Tata Nexon uses fuel on longer trips.
Factors that Impact Tata Nexon Highway Mileage
Even on open highways, several conditions and driving habits can impact the Tata Nexon mileage:
- High cruising speeds: Driving above 100 km/h increases aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
- Frequent gear shifts: Constant overtaking or downshifting reduces overall efficiency.
- Overloading: Excess baggage or passengers add weight, making the engine work harder.
- Terrain variations: Uphill drives or hilly routes demand more power, reducing mileage.
- Tyre condition and pressure: Worn-out or underinflated tyres can lower fuel economy.
- AC usage: Continuous air conditioning during long drives draws extra engine power.
- Driving mode: Using Sport or City mode instead of Eco can affect mileage on highways.
- Wind resistance from carriers: Roof racks or boxes create drag that hampers fuel efficiency.
- Irregular engine maintenance: A poorly serviced engine may not perform optimally, even on highways.
How to Improve Tata Nexon Highway Mileage
If you’re planning long drives and want to get the best out of your Tata Nexon mileage, these car-specific tips can help:
- Maintain a steady speed: Cruising at 80–90 km/h offers the best fuel efficiency for both petrol and diesel variants.
- Use Eco mode consistently: For relaxed highway cruising, Eco mode keeps engine load minimal.
- Plan overtakes smartly: Avoid frequent acceleration and braking for overtaking, it’s fuel-intensive.
- Check tyre health before trips: Ensure proper pressure and alignment for smoother rolling resistance.
- Avoid aggressive revving: Keep the engine in the optimal RPM band (2,000–3,000 rpm for diesel; 1,800–2,800 rpm for petrol).
- Limit AC blower speed: Set the AC to moderate levels to reduce engine load without compromising comfort.
- Minimize boot and roof load: Travel light and avoid unnecessary drag caused by roof-mounted carriers.
- Stick to scheduled servicing: Ensure clean air filters, engine oil, and fuel injectors for efficient combustion.
- Fuel up before the journey: Use quality fuel from trusted outlets to ensure cleaner engine performance.
- Avoid prolonged idling during stops: At tolls or breaks, shut off the engine if stopping for more than a couple of minutes.
Summary
Improving your Tata Nexon mileage, whether in city traffic or on highways, is not just about driving habits, but also about how well you maintain and understand your vehicle. While the ARAI-certified mileage figures give a benchmark, real-world conditions often fall short. However, with consistent efforts like timely servicing, driving in Eco mode, maintaining proper tyre pressure, and avoiding aggressive driving, Nexon owners can bridge that gap.
Whether you own the petrol or diesel variant, following the right set of tips tailored to your driving environment can lead to noticeable savings in fuel costs over time. A well-maintained and sensibly driven Nexon can offer fuel economy figures that come close to what the brand claims, making every litre of fuel count.
FAQs about Tata Nexon Mileage
What is the real mileage of Tata Nexon petrol in city conditions?
The Tata Nexon petrol manual variant delivers around 11–13 kmpl in real-world city conditions, while the AMT version averages about 10–12 kmpl, depending on traffic and driving style.
Does the Tata Nexon diesel offer better mileage than the petrol variant?
Yes, the diesel variant of the Tata Nexon typically provides better mileage. In city driving, it can deliver around 14–16 kmpl, and on highways, it can go up to 20–21 kmpl.
How can I improve the mileage of my Tata Nexon?
To improve Tata Nexon mileage, use Eco mode when possible, maintain tyre pressure, avoid aggressive acceleration, limit AC usage, and follow the recommended service schedule.
Does driving with AC affect the Tata Nexon mileage?
Yes, using the air conditioner can reduce fuel efficiency, especially in the petrol variants. It puts an extra load on the engine, particularly during low-speed city driving.
What driving mode gives the best mileage in Tata Nexon?
The Eco mode is designed to deliver the best fuel efficiency by moderating throttle response and reducing engine load. It’s ideal for both city and highway conditions when mileage is your priority.
