Tata Nano

Tata Nano

ON ROAD PRICE

Rs. 1,73,000 - Rs. 2,50,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Nano
Model:
Car Body Type:	Hatchback
Segment:	A Segment
Top Speed:	105
0 to 60:	8.00
0 to 100:	12.60
Fuel Consumption:  Highway	26.00 kmpl.
Fuel Consumption:  City	22.00 kmpl.
Warranty:	18 Months or 24,000 kms
VERDICT
FOR	Very Affordable Superb Fuel Efficieny
AGAINST	Delay In Delivery Less Boot Space
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	624cc, MPFi
Engine Type:	Petrol
Maximum Power:	34.55 Bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque:	48 Nm @ 3000 rpm
DIMENSIONS
Length:	3099 mm
Width:	1495 mm
Height:	1652 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Seating Capacity:	4
Tyre Size:	135/70 R12 - 155/65 R12
Suspension:	Independent McPherson Struts, Coil Springs
Turning Circle:	4.00 mtrs.
Boot Space:	130.00 ltrs.
Steering:	No Power Steering
Brakes:	Front Disk, Rear Drum
Gears:	4 Manual
Ground Clearance:	180.00 mm
Kerb Weight:	600.00 kgs.
Fuel Tank:	15.00

Overview Of Tata Nano

Tata Nano is a rear-engined, four-passenger city car aimed primarily at the Indian market. It was first presented at the 9th annual Auto Expo on 10 January 2008, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Nano is 8 percent smaller in exterior size and has 23 percent larger interior space in comparison to Maruti 800. It is available in 6 shades and the top model LX comes fully loaded with AC, front power windows, fog lights, central locking, tinted glass, body colored bumpers and digital tripmeter.

Update: Nano tweaked to make it more robust

According to a report by leading auto magazine AutoCar India Tata Motors has taken a few technical measures in the Nano, post the ‘fire’ incidents involving the car. The new additions are:

1) A cover for the catalytic convertor
2) Addition of a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short-circuit post any after-market fitment in the car
3) replacement of the starter motor (in cars produced till Jan ’10).

While these steps are being taken to pre-empt any further technical snag in the Nano, Tata Motors group CEO Carl Peter Forster insisted that there is no ‘principle problem’ with the car. He said that there was a ‘second very intense’ investigation by an independent team into the cause of the ‘fire’ incidents. These cases happened in ‘some unusual circumstances’, says Forster like in one where there was a piece of paper found in the catalytic converter. The technical measures have been taken to make the Nano more robust, he said. 

Design & Style Of Tata Nano

Tata Nano has been designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy. With a length of 3099mm, width of 1495mm, height of 1652mm and with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.

Tata Nano's mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which sets a new benchmark among small cars. The main styling elements of Nano are centre crease on the bonnet, side scoops which not only looks sporty but also helps to keep the rear mounted engine cool.

Tata is also providing some add-ons like alloys, rear spoiler & sunroof to make Tata Nano more stylish & attractive. From the rear it looks more or less like the Indica Vista with vertical tail lamps. The centrally placed exhaust pipe looks very cool. First look at the Tata Nano may not impress you in terms of dimensions but even though the car looks tiny and miniscule in images but it is only when you come up close to it that you can make out that its virtual length constitutes the very cabin space!

Interiors Of Tata Nano

Step inside and you will feel like you are entering a proper hatch. Nano has more space inside in comparison to the Maruti 800 and Alto. The top model of Tata Nano, LX comes with three spoke steering wheel while the base model & CX features rather simple two spoke one. There are many cost saving factors like the hazard warning light switch has been placed behind the steering wheel. The front power window switches in Tata Nano have been placed on the centre console to save the wiring costs.

The dash of Tata Nano has been designed in such a manner that they can easily produce left hand drive models as the instrument cluster is placed in centre of the dash and the design of dash is same on both sides. The legroom & headroom in Tata Nano is more than sufficient. The rear passengers have plenty of legroom even if the driver & front passengers are six footers.

Engine, Ride & Handling Of Tata Nano

Tata Nano has a rear mounted , all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 624 cc, multi point fuel injection petrol engine which develops maximum power of 34.5 Bhp at 5250 rpm with maxiumum torque of 48 Nm at 3000 rpm. This is the first time that a two-cylinder petrol engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy of Tata Nano has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.

Due to rear mounted engine the luggage space in Tata Nano has been pushed to the front. Making the engine closer to the fuel tank has another advantage of increased fuel efficiency. Rear mounted engine also help in reducing the power loss during transmission. Tata Nano has front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 17 plus kmpl in city and 20 plus kmpl on highway.

Riding on small 12" wheels and tubeless tyres, the Tata Nano rides surprisingly well. Most bumps are rounded nicely, but as the speeds climb the ride can get a little firm. The steering has a little vagueness around the centre position, dial in more lock; it feels direct and provides good feedback as well. Grip levels are decent but are limited by the narrow tyres. Straightline stability is also good, you can cruise comfortably at 80-90kph.

Safety Features Of Tata Nano

By adhering to the fact that less weight requires less power, Tata Nano is made of light weighing steel. This has made the Tatas come up with a cheap alternative with out compromising on safety and performance. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres of Tata Nano further enhance safety. It exceeds current regulatory requirements with a strong passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorage.

Variants and Shades of Tata Nano

Tata Nano is available in following 3 variants:

- Nano Base/Standard/Basic
- Nano CX
- Nano LX

The Base model of Tata Nano features:

• Seat Belts.
• High mounted Rear Stop lamp.
• Only Driver seat adjust-sliding and reclining.
• Fixed front passenger seat.
• Folding Rear Seats.
• 2-Spoke Steering wheel.
• Grey bumpers and interiors.
• Driver side Outside rear view mirror.

In addition to above features the mid variant Tata Nano CX  features:

• AC.
• Tinted glasses.
• Metallic paint.

In addition to above features the top variant Tata Nano LX  features:

• Tripmeter.
• Front Power windows.
• Central Locking.
• Front and Rear fog lamps.
• 3-Spoke Steering wheel.
• Moulded door trim with fabric inserts.
• Floor console with glass holder.
• Anti-Glare inside rear view mirror.
• Sunvisors on both sides.

All the models of Tata Nano come with 18 Months or 24,000 kms warranty - whichever is earlier.

Tata Nano is available in following colors:

Tata Nano Base - Ivory White, Racing Red, Summer Blue.
Tata Nano CX - Ivory White, Racing Red, Summer Blue, Champange Gold, Lunar Silver
Tata Nano LX - Sunshine Yellow, Champange Gold, Lunar Silver