Tata Motors, the Indian automotive giant which reached global fame with the world's cheapest car Nano, announced a new version of the model that has many attractive features. The new features of Tata Nano include new colours and interiors, an even more powerful gasoline engine and better fuel efficiency of 25.4 kmpl. However, the biggest USP of this new model will certainly be its price tag, which has been kept the same in spite of the momentous upgrades.
The company has successfully increased the power and torque quotient of the 624 cc engine that powers the Nano. Now, the engine will be able to deliver 37.48 bhp power and 51 Nm torque as compared to 34.52 bhp and 48 Nm, respectively, which the car churned out till now. The mileage of the vehicle has also been increased, which should keep the consumers happy. Now, the car will be able to deliver fuel efficiency of 25.4 kmpl, certified by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which is more than its previous average (23.6 kmpl). Moreover, the high fuel efficiency and low kerb weight (600 kg) help the new Tata Nano in registering the least CO2 emission figures among all cars in India, at 92.7 gm/km.
The car still is an excellent on-road performer, with top speed of 105 km and best-in-class turning radius of only 4 metres. Moreover, the vehicle is capable of negotiating inclines with a gradeability of 30 per cent, another attribute which makes it the ideal combination of power and performance on Indian roads. The driving quality and handling, already a notable feature of this car, are further enhanced in the new car. This is primarily due to the streamlined steering mechanism and altered suspension set-up that has an anti-roll bar at the front.
In stark contrast to the quiet interiors, the road presence of Tata Nano is enhanced with its aggressive exhaust note. Additionally, all variants of the car boast of booster-assisted brakes, which were absent in the standard model till now. Notably, Nano CX and LX sport tip-tap mirrors on driver and passenger sides now; while the standard variant can have the passenger side mirror installed as an additional accessory (driver side mirror is a standard accessory).
All three variants boast of totally refurbished interiors, which reflect opulence and luxury from the core. Nano LX is draped in luxurious beige material, Nano CX possesses rich black interiors while the standard version has stunning medium graphite cabin. Buyers also have many options for the exteriors as well now, with eight new colours. Now, customers can drive home the Nano in Pearl White, Rouge Red, Aqua Blue, Neon Rush, Serene White, Meteor Silver, Mojito Green, Papaya Orange, Sunshine Yellow and Champagne Gold colours. The exteriors are defined with new half and full wheel caps, which add elegance to the new vehicle.
At the announcement, P.M. Telang, Tata Motors’ Managing Director – India Operations, said, “Tata Nano owners, over 90% of whom are highly satisfied with their choice, have given us valuable insights on what more can be done. We have introduced some of these ideas. We will continue to add features, as has been our tradition across our product portfolio.”
The three trims and their noteworthy features are described below:
Tata Nano Standard: Available with clear headlamps, tubeless tyres, tip-tap driver side mirror, booster-assisted brakes and front suspension with anti-roll bar. The interiors of the vehicle consist of dual-tone vinyl seats and fold-down rear seat, while buyers can opt for Rouge Red, Aqua Blue and Serene White exteriors.
Tata Nano CX: The Nano CX will be launched in six colours – Rouge Red, Champagne Gold, Neon Rush, Meteor Silver, Papaya Orange and Serene White. The interiors are draped with trendy black fabric seats, ebony black interiors and fold-down rear seat with nap rest. Apart from these, the CX model is assimilated with class-leading air conditioning with heating (optional), parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, tip-tap mirrors on driver and passenger side and half wheel covers.
Tata Nano LX: The top-end variant is equipped with features like premium beige fabric seats, central locking, door handles, front power windows, electronic trip meter, rear spoiler and cup holder in front console. Apart from that, the vehicle also has provision for 12V socket, body coloured bumpers, fog lamps, full wheel covers, tip-tap mirrors on driver and passenger side and booster-assisted brakes. The Nano LX will hit the roads in six premium colours – Pearl White, Papaya Orange, Mojito Green, Sunshine Yellow, Meteor Silver and Champagne Gold.
Tata Motors offers an unmatched warranty of 4 years or 60,000 km, whichever is earlier, on all variants of Nano.
The Tata Nano will be sold at the same price in spite of the major upgrades. The Tata Nano sports a price tag (ex-showroom, Delhi) of Rs. 1.40 lakhs for the Nano Standard. On the other hand, Nano CX costs Rs. 1.70 lakhs and the top-end variant, Nano LX, is priced at Rs. 1.96 lakhs.
Tata Motors has set up a wide network of 676 dealers for selling the new Tata Nano. Thus, buyers can acquire the vehicle anywhere across India at down-payment starting from Rs. 15,000 with high tenure financing (up to 60 months).
Tata Motors is the biggest automotive manufacturer of India, with its consolidated revenues being measured as Rs. 1,23,133 crores ($ 27 billion) in 2010-11. The company operates in UK, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and South Africa through its subsidiaries and associate companies, such as the iconic jaguar Land Rover. Tata is also the official distributor of Fiat cars in the Indian market and has an industrial joint venture with the Italian car maker.
Tata Motors is the leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India and counted among the top three in passenger vehicles. Cumulatively, more than 5.9 million vehicles manufactured by the car maker run on Indian roads. The company holds the position of being the fourth largest truck manufacturer and third largest bus manufacturer on the global platform. Cars, buses and trucks manufactured by Tata Motors are available in numerous countries located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America.
