Need For Speed Tata Edition: 5 Quickest Tata Cars We’ve Ever Tested

Over the years, we’ve had the chance to test numerous Tata vehicles for real-world performance data. And even though Tata has had a few big-displacement offerings, the focus has never been outright performance, but rather style, comfort, safety, and the tech on offer. And yet, there are a few Tata cars that outperformed our expectations. So here’s a list of the five quickest models we’ve tested till date:

Tata Nexon EV MAX (Pre-facelift): 9.13s

The pre-facelift Tata Nexon EV MAX, especially in its sport mode, had the ability to put a wide grin on your face. With 143 PS and 250 Nm going directly to its front wheels, the Nexon EV Max made the sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 9.13 seconds – making it the only sub 10-second  car in this list. There’s a new, facelifted iteration in town, which is expected to be even quicker than this one. Wait for the tested time figures till we put the new one to test!

Tata Nexon 1.2-litre Petrol MT (Pre-facelift): 11.64s

The pre-facelift Tata Nexon, the one before the 2020 facelift, used to come with a 110 PS/170 Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Despite being down on power (10 PS) than the current model, this pre-facelift Nexon recorded a time of 11.62 seconds for the run from 0-100 kmph. The facelifted 2020 model took 13.33 seconds for the same and the disparity between the recorded times is likely down to the current stricter emission norms.

Tata Harrier 2.0-litre Diesel MT (Pre-facelift): 12.11s

The pre-facelift Tata Harrier comes in third position with a time of 12.11 seconds. The Harrier used to and continues to get a sole Fiat-sourced 2-litre diesel engine with an output of 170 PS and 350 Nm. The tested model used a 6-speed MT for its transmission duties, while there was an automatic option on offer as well. 

Also Read: Need For Speed Mahindra Edition: 5 Quickest Mahindra Cars We’ve Tested

Given that the powertrain is unchanged, the performance and time for the facelifted model is likely going to be in a similar ballpark as well. Head here to know our driving impressions on the facelifted Tata Harrier.

Tata Safari 2.0-litre Diesel AT (Pre-facelift) (Wet): 12.27s

Just like the Harrier, the pre-facelift Safari packed the same 2-litre diesel engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic (AT). We tested the AT version of the SUV and recorded a time of 12.27 seconds. Not the fastest, surely, but decent nonetheless for a 7-seater family SUV. The SUV continues with the same 2-litre diesel powertrain and you can read about our first drive review of the 2023 Safari here.

Tata Hexa 2.2-litre Diesel AT 4x2: 12.31s

If one were to bet without hindsight, the Hexa would probably never make this list. But surprise! Its 156 PS/400 Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine had enough poke to catapult the SUV from nought to 100 kmph in 12.31 seconds. The test was carried out using the 6-speed automatic transmission, sending power to its rear wheels only. There was also a 4x4 variant on offer, available only with its manual gearbox, which took 14.3 seconds for the same. You can read about the 4x4 Hexa’s driving manners here.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar 5-door Spotted Once Again, Here Are The Changes It Gets Over The 3-door Thar

Do note that this list doesn’t include the Tigor JTP and Tiago JTP models, which were literal pocket rockets thanks to their 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor that made a whopping 114 PS and 150 Nm. Sadly, we never got to record their real-world performance, else, these two would surely and easily have grabbed the second and third spot here. As for the rest, here’s a table of the next 5 quickest Tata cars we’ve tested:

Were you surprised to see any of these Tata models make the list? We reckon the times are only gonna get quicker with Tata lining up new electric launches like the Curvv EV and Harrier EV in the time to come.