A lot has been written about the award winning Nano ever since Mr. Ratan Tata announced the project till the date of its official launch. Still a lot can be said about it. It is a wonder not only for us Indians but the whole world, and not because it catapulted India’s image as a small car R&D hub, but because it is a beacon of what is to come from carmakers across the world.
The Nano has innovations from every angle of it. Sure, it is no luxe mode of transport but it is very good at what it aims to do and betters it than cars at double its price!
Engine & Mechanicals
It is a rear mounted engine hence consumes less power in transmission to the wheels. The engine is peppy and it is easy to overtake in city traffic. Although when climbing on flyovers it seems to groan want for more grunt. The company claims an ARAI certified mileage of 23.4 kmpl which is highest from any petrol driven car on the Indian roads.
Engine Type: 624 cc, 2 cylinder, MPFI
Maximum Engine Output: 35 PS @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque: 48 NM @ 3000 +/-500 rpm
Maximum Speed: 105 kmph
No. of Gears: 4 Forward + 1 Reverse
Suspension & Tyres
The tyres given in the front are smaller than the rear to improve mileage.
Tyre Type: Radial & Tubeless
Front Tyre size: 135/70 R12
Rear Tyre size: 155/65 R12
Spare Tyre size: 135/70 R12
Looks & interior space
The Nano does look quirky with its bloated balloon design. But it is the car that gets the look from every eye on the road. More value for the money after all!
The cabin space is roomier than most cars in the hatchback segment. There is enough space to seat 4 six footers and its seating position is also high. This gives the feel of a bigger car and a better view of the road.
Equipments & feature-specs
The top of the line LX variant comes with AC, front & rear fog lamps, body coloured door handles, tinted windshield, front power windows and central locking.
Although there are no airbags in any variant seatbelts are provided for both front & rear passengers across all variants.
Drive & feel
The car has a turning radius of 4 meters which makes it excellent in maneuvering in city traffic and tight parking spots are a breeze given its ultra small size. However the steering does feel tight when turning at low speeds and reminds you that it has no power steering. You are left unsettled once you run into a pothole, but for car of this size the ride is rather comfortable. The AC is good and does not bog down the engine. Cabin feels nice and reassuring but the engine does sound noisy from the outside.
Being a rear-engine car it makes it more vulnerable to accidents in the city as the engine is easily affected. Another drawback is the placement of fuel cap under the front-lid, making a trip out of the car compulsory at the service station.
The final verdict is that it is a small car and at its given price point, its performance and features cannot be a comparison factor. The car has its own segment and has as a lot to offer to the Indian population and the World. Sure, the car has had a lot of bad press and adding to that is negligence of the Company to address those issues. But time will tell if the service provided by the company is improved the Nano will make a big mark on the Indian car buyer.
Waiting period/launch date
Initially the car had a long waiting period stretching upto 20 months and that too in select cities, but now the car is available throughout the country and off the showroom floor.
Prices (ex-showroom Kolkata)
RACING RED/ CHAMPAGNE GOLD/
MODEL IVORY WHITE/ LUNAR SILVER/
SUMMER BLUE SUNSHINE YELLOW
Nano BS II Rs. 132,617 NA
Nano BS III Rs. 143,917 NA
Nano BS IV Rs. 145,207 NA
Nano CX BS II Rs. 157,617 Rs. 160,616
Nano CX BS III Rs. 169,665 Rs. 172,755
Nano CX BS IV Rs. 171,149 Rs. 174,325
Nano LX BS III NA Rs. 195,130
Nano LX BS IV NA Rs. 196,853
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