Tata Nexon spotted testing near Pune

When Tata Motors unveiled the Nexon Concept at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi, little did we realize we were looking at an 'almost final' production model. It's funky design, unconventional waist line and the loud multi-tone paint job were conveniently forgotten as merely conceptual touches only for Tata to dazzle at the 2016 edition of the Auto Expo by retaining them all in the production model.

Testing in public roads started soon afterwards as we caught two speeding Nexons in Pune. It's almost an year now and it appears Tata isn't done with its testing schedules yet. Spotted by an ardent fan of Anything On Wheels in the outskirts of Pune earlier this week, the Nexon has now started shedding its camouflage ever so slightly.

Clearly evident from the close spy shot are Tata's trademark honeycomb grille with the unique mesh pattern, the protruding headlight, the inset foglamp housing, the distinct window line and the two-tone paint job. Also visible is the stylish alloy wheel and plastic cladding over the wheel arches for that quintessential crossover touch. The rear has evoked mixed emotions so far and we will reserve our final judgement until the official launch. All said and done, there is no denying the fact that Tata has tried something new with the Nexon using its "Impact Design" philosophy and the result is a distinctly impressive crossover. 

Remember the buzz generated by the Ford EcoSport when it was launched in 2013? This Tata is all set to do something similar in 2017.

If the recently launched Tiago is any indication, expect the Nexon's interiors to be classy, well-built and feature-rich. The car is expected to get a floating 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a two-tone dashboard and a rotary drive mode selector!

Tata Motors is in the midst of a new model onslaught that started with the launch of the successful Tiago. With the Hexa, Tiago-based compact sedan (codeanmed 'Kite 5') and the Nexon waiting in the wings, Tata is having its plate full. Come on Tata, bring the Nexon to the market already. The Hexas and Kites can wait!