Tata Motors has introduced the Nano, a new and affordable urban vehicle at the cheapest price to make it possible for all those families in India who have not yet had the opportunity of tasting the luxury of owning a car.
Just as how people upgrade from a small car to a bigger car, this little Nano will make the dreams of the till now "cannot afford to own a car" families to upgrade from a two wheeler to a four wheeler.
The Tata Nano, presented last year in India, is now inviting the world to sit up, look up, participate and get into the revolution mood that the little Nano–termed as the People's Car.
Power and consumption
The Tata Nano is powered by a twin cylinder petrol engine of only 624 CC developing 35 horsepower and coupled to a manual four-speed gear box, propels the vehicle to a top speed of 105 km/h. Its fuel consumption, adapting to the most demanding standards for petrol cars in India, has been found to be very efficient at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres. This high efficiency is complimented with the lowest CO2 emissions in the country, measured at 101 gm/km. These figures confirm to the standard BS-III, are equivalent to Euro III, and are being improved to confirm to BS IV.
This tiny giant Nano of the small car sector is bound to transgress the boundaries of India into the world automobile market with its small, cheapest, cleanest car image.
Overall size
Confirming to Indian safety standards (yes there is such a thing), this mini car is built for complete safety with a steel chassis and metal body, reinforced crash zones and penetration resistant doors weighing only 1,320, roughly only half the weight of most economy cars.
It is also the smallest car by overall measurement, with a length of only 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres. In spite of its small size it offers 21% more space than its competitors, with a cabin spacious enough to accommodate up to four adults.
Three versions
Launching the Nano, Tata Motors is offering the vehicle in three trim levels.
The basic level will be the Tata Nano Standard in three different colour options, and foldable rear seats. Upholstery will be in single colour.
The next trim Tata Nano CX will be offered in five different colour options, with heating and air-conditioning, two-tone upholstery, booster-assisted brakes, reclining front seat and foldable rear seats.
The third trim Tata Nano LX will be offered with all the features of the CX trim along with additional features like fabric seats, central locking, front electric windows, fog lamps, electronic odometer and a host of other features.
Easy purchase
Due to the expectation of high demand and the limited initial production capacity until the Sanand plant reaches full capacity, the company has made arrangements for allocating the vehicle by reservation basis only from April 9. The Company also has arrangements with a few non-banking financial institutions to provide vehicle loans also. The complete booking process has been entrusted to the State Bank of India.
