Giving another reason to the Indian middle class to be happy, Tata Motors is rolling out the diesel version of Nano. People's car, which also impressed US President Barack Obama, will be on the Indian roads in an all new diesel avatar by September end. Possibility is there that the launch may happen even sooner than expected, although there is no official word on it. This can be a vital step in revamping the Nano brand, which has lately faced criticism for safety and overheating issues. The exact price range has not been revealed by company as yet. However, speculations are there that the price tag will be around Rs. 1.8–2.2 lacs.
This will be a car with small plastic body, but enhanced features as opposed to the petrol and electric versions. The fuel tank will have an expected capacity of 15 litres. Like the petrol version, the diesel engine too will be in the range of 600-700 cc. The diesel engine has been designed by the automotive leader, Bosch. The engine's efficiency will reduce the cost to just Re.1 per km for driving the Tata Nano diesel. With the increase in fuel efficiency and less emissions, world's cheapest car has gone greener as well.
Empowered by a two cylinder engine, the model is expected to reach up to 40 kmpl mileage. With this, experts suggest that Tata Nano has directly targeted Maruti Suzuki for whom mileage has been the USP for years. A higher mileage will definitely be an icing on the cake for the Indian customers. Moreover, the new version aims to attain a 40 bhp of maximum power. With features such as 5 speed transmission and power steering, the model is expected to gain the attention of many Indian consumers.
Keeping in mind the comfort factor, Tata Motors have provided fully adjustable seats in its new offering. All in all, the new version has undergone a sea change as compared to the earlier versions. Tata Nano has taken steps to ensure that in spite of cost cutting, the model will not be deficient in any feature.
Launched in 2009, the petrol version of Tata Nano took a flying start with a record number of pre-bookings. However, soon the model came under the scanner for the shortage of space, low mileage and increase in price. Now, with the launch of the all new diesel version, the company hopes to bring back the glory of world’s smallest car. It is also speculated that the car can be successful in the European markets as well, on adapting to the prevailing safety norms.
With CDRI engine, higher mileage and competitive pricing, experts predict that the model will gain the attention of several Indian customers. Moreover, the competitive pricing is expected to give a head start to the model. Diesel cars are always in demand by the Indian automotive market chiefly because of their low fuel costs. Hence, with the launch of the model, the company is expecting to witness surge in the number of sales of Nano. With this, Ratan Tata`s dream to let every Indian own a car might turn global.
