Thread Starter
#1
Confused between a compact UV and a Compact SUV. I need your opinion to choose between Ford Freestyle Diesel (Titanium) vs Tata Nexon Diesel (XM).
I do understand the segments are different, reporters and YouTubers compare Nexon with Ecosport, breeza and Freestyle with other hatchback and crossovers. But I believe from a buyer perspective it is the price bracket which he has to compare and explore the available options. No doubt 5 years before I started with Honda City and ended up buying XUV500 for the same reason.
My priorities are Safety, Mileage, ride comfort. I found Nexon XM (D) to be half lakh more than Freestyle Titanium (D) hence the option came in.
My personal observations till now (based on Titanium and XM)
You may know all about both the cars and if you feel too much reading, then please jump to summary. :))
Engine:
Both similar power engines. Felt Freestyle is better since, although it is ~300 kg less so power/weight ratio is more. Freestyle share same engine from Ecosport, less noise level both outside and inside the cabin. Engine throttle response is good, driveability is good, Felt very connected with car. Nexon engine has good power but response I felt is vague.
Safety:
Both has dual airbags, ABS with EBD. Freestyle additionally has Traction control, Hill hold, ESP with anti roll mitigation. ( Additional 50,000 will provide 6 airbags too). Nexon ofcourse is NCAP 4 star certified.
Space:
Nexon has spacious cabin, bigger boot space
Looks:
Nexon got good road presence, I personally like the design and looks of Nexon. Although I'm not a fan of the white ceramic strip around the car, hence if I decide to go with Nexon I have an option of Etna orange which comes with gray strip.
Mileage:
During my test drive I saw around 17kmpl (after resetting MID) for both Nexon and Freestyle. But I saw owners of Nexon telling about 4kmpl difference in MID average. Not sure about Freestyle MID difference in this case.
Handling:
Both car steering manuevers are good. I felt more confident while taking Nexon on ramps also commanding view like a proper SUV. As I mentioned earlier, freestyle I feel I'm more connected with the car while driving, only thing lags is the visibility which Nexon provides. In terms of ground clearance Nexon is way forward although Freestyle too have a decent ground clearance. Issues in Nexon like smaller rear view and big A and C pillar are quite adjustable though.
Comfort:
Freestyle suspension setup felt very good on bad patchy roads and well laid roads, also at higher speeds. Nexon I felt very pleasant on well laid roads but very bad on patchy roads and over the potholes. Nexon literally throws people inside the car left and right, it shatters, vibrations are felt on seat and steering. Comfort also has another priority, which is the seat. Nexon seats I felt really good. Front seat has sufficient under thigh support and very well suits for long journey. Nexon rear seats also bucketed with good under thigh support and properly choosed inclination angle. Freestyle on the other hand has less under thigh support and average seating comfort which I feel might be less comfortable for long journey compared to Nexon.
Interior :
I personally like both interiors. A thumbs up to Tata for their design on Nexon. Even the XM variant is just second in the line up and it has a good looking interior. I liked the center console, three tone color etc. Freestyle is equally good although derived from Figo. Siana colored theme (chocolate brown), I felt to be good with a personal touch along with piano black finished and floating display unit.
Infotainment:
Both comes with a good four speaker system. Although Freestyle wins here with a touchscreen floating type display with embedded maps which is a welcome feature.
Resale value & After sales service
Not bothering about this and also I think both are average and equal in terms of service network and service cost.
In Summary: General feeling after test drive
Freestyle:
Pros: Easily felt Connected with the car while driving, zippy, peppy, steering manuevers are handy, back of mind thinks about ESP, ARP for additional safety, too good engine response and silent NVH levels for a diesel. Suspension setup is good. Infotainment system looks premium.
Cons: Seat under thigh support, another half lakh I can buy a bigger Nexon!
Nexon:
Pros: Bigger car means road presence, high ground clearance like an SUV, suitable for our Indian roads, drive modes to get more out of the car in terms of mileage and power, spacious cabin and comfortable seats, more metal for the money
Cons: Bumpy ride, very bad on bad roads, 4kmpl difference in mileage displayed in MID means less mileage.
My major concern is about the suspension of Nexon, the car behaves very badly on bad roads.
As you can see my decision is becoming tougher as both are equally good for the price segment. Urging TAIers to key in your opinions which will be helpful in my decision as usual.
I do understand the segments are different, reporters and YouTubers compare Nexon with Ecosport, breeza and Freestyle with other hatchback and crossovers. But I believe from a buyer perspective it is the price bracket which he has to compare and explore the available options. No doubt 5 years before I started with Honda City and ended up buying XUV500 for the same reason.
My priorities are Safety, Mileage, ride comfort. I found Nexon XM (D) to be half lakh more than Freestyle Titanium (D) hence the option came in.
My personal observations till now (based on Titanium and XM)
You may know all about both the cars and if you feel too much reading, then please jump to summary. :))
Engine:
Both similar power engines. Felt Freestyle is better since, although it is ~300 kg less so power/weight ratio is more. Freestyle share same engine from Ecosport, less noise level both outside and inside the cabin. Engine throttle response is good, driveability is good, Felt very connected with car. Nexon engine has good power but response I felt is vague.
Safety:
Both has dual airbags, ABS with EBD. Freestyle additionally has Traction control, Hill hold, ESP with anti roll mitigation. ( Additional 50,000 will provide 6 airbags too). Nexon ofcourse is NCAP 4 star certified.
Space:
Nexon has spacious cabin, bigger boot space
Looks:
Nexon got good road presence, I personally like the design and looks of Nexon. Although I'm not a fan of the white ceramic strip around the car, hence if I decide to go with Nexon I have an option of Etna orange which comes with gray strip.
Mileage:
During my test drive I saw around 17kmpl (after resetting MID) for both Nexon and Freestyle. But I saw owners of Nexon telling about 4kmpl difference in MID average. Not sure about Freestyle MID difference in this case.
Handling:
Both car steering manuevers are good. I felt more confident while taking Nexon on ramps also commanding view like a proper SUV. As I mentioned earlier, freestyle I feel I'm more connected with the car while driving, only thing lags is the visibility which Nexon provides. In terms of ground clearance Nexon is way forward although Freestyle too have a decent ground clearance. Issues in Nexon like smaller rear view and big A and C pillar are quite adjustable though.
Comfort:
Freestyle suspension setup felt very good on bad patchy roads and well laid roads, also at higher speeds. Nexon I felt very pleasant on well laid roads but very bad on patchy roads and over the potholes. Nexon literally throws people inside the car left and right, it shatters, vibrations are felt on seat and steering. Comfort also has another priority, which is the seat. Nexon seats I felt really good. Front seat has sufficient under thigh support and very well suits for long journey. Nexon rear seats also bucketed with good under thigh support and properly choosed inclination angle. Freestyle on the other hand has less under thigh support and average seating comfort which I feel might be less comfortable for long journey compared to Nexon.
Interior :
I personally like both interiors. A thumbs up to Tata for their design on Nexon. Even the XM variant is just second in the line up and it has a good looking interior. I liked the center console, three tone color etc. Freestyle is equally good although derived from Figo. Siana colored theme (chocolate brown), I felt to be good with a personal touch along with piano black finished and floating display unit.
Infotainment:
Both comes with a good four speaker system. Although Freestyle wins here with a touchscreen floating type display with embedded maps which is a welcome feature.
Resale value & After sales service
Not bothering about this and also I think both are average and equal in terms of service network and service cost.
In Summary: General feeling after test drive
Freestyle:
Pros: Easily felt Connected with the car while driving, zippy, peppy, steering manuevers are handy, back of mind thinks about ESP, ARP for additional safety, too good engine response and silent NVH levels for a diesel. Suspension setup is good. Infotainment system looks premium.
Cons: Seat under thigh support, another half lakh I can buy a bigger Nexon!
Nexon:
Pros: Bigger car means road presence, high ground clearance like an SUV, suitable for our Indian roads, drive modes to get more out of the car in terms of mileage and power, spacious cabin and comfortable seats, more metal for the money
Cons: Bumpy ride, very bad on bad roads, 4kmpl difference in mileage displayed in MID means less mileage.
My major concern is about the suspension of Nexon, the car behaves very badly on bad roads.
As you can see my decision is becoming tougher as both are equally good for the price segment. Urging TAIers to key in your opinions which will be helpful in my decision as usual.
Last edited: