Tata Nexon SUV to Launch in South Africa as Osprey

Indian automaker Tata Motors has confirmed that it will be introducing the popular Nexon SUV in the South African market renamed as the Osprey. The Nexon is among the best-selling SUVs in India and it has high potential for global markets as well.

Tata Motors reentered the South African market last year after a hiatus of six years and currently offers four products in the market including - Tiago, Punch, Curvy and Harrier. The Osprey (Nexon) is set to become the fifth offering from the automaker in South Africa. According to Tata Motors the Osprey is scheduled to launch in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026.

Tata Motors offers the Nexon in India with two engine options including a turbo-petrol and a turbo-diesel. However the automaker is expected to only offer the turbo-petrol iteration in the South African market as the Curvv also misses out on the diesel powertrain.

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The Tata Osprey SUV is expected to be introduced in South Africa with a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 118.35bhp and 170Nm of torque. Transmission options can include - 6-speed MT and 7-speed DCA. The 7-speed DCA comes with E-Shifter (shift-by-wire) as well as paddle shifters.

The Indian-spec Nexon (Osprey) measures 3,995mm in length, 1,804mm in width, 1,620mm in height and has a wheelbase spanning 2,498mm. It has a ground clearance of 208mm and offers boot space of 382 liters. It gets an independent, lower wishbone, McPherson Strut with coil spring at the front and semi-independent, open profile twist beam with stabiliser bar, coil spring and shock absorber at the rear. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. It also comes with three drive modes - Eco, City and Sport.

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Jeff Allison, General Manager, Marketing and Product, said, "South African customers increasingly demand vehicles that combine contemporary styling, technology, practicality and safety along with excellent value for money and the Tata Osprey delivers on all fronts."