Tata Nano Exterior Reviews

There are few examples of an automobile that is as sharply focused on one issue as is the Nano on frugality - of manufacture, of acquisition and of regular maintenance.

And so, every single part of the car was approached with a fresh intent and without the pre-fixed notion of how it already exists in other cars. The idea was to keep the weight of the car low, so that it can offer high fuel-efficiency, meet emission norms and be capable of being manufactured within the pre-defined cost. These points were also important to ensure that the theme of frugality can be extended to include low cost of ownership.

To meet these targets, first Tata engineers chose a hybrid-monocoque chassis for the Nano. Compared to the conventional monocoque chassis used in most modern cars, in the Nano, the light-weight frame and sub-frame, together with long members for additional rigidity have been welded to the monocoque body shell. This has helped keep the Nano’s panels lean and light-weight, without compromising the small car’s safety record. The Nano meets front impact and side impact collision requirements.

Tata engineers have also used other innovative low-cost/ low-weight features like the ribbed panel for the roof and the stiff cross-member located just behind the driver and co-driver seats for improved rigidity and side-impact protection.

Some of the other parts that were compacted or miniaturised include a specially developed tiny fuel pump, a smaller than average 80 cc, rotary-vane compressor for the air-conditioner and a compact outside rear view mirror. The mirror itself is fixed to the door mounted stalk using a simple ball and socket joint so that it can take knocks on our crowded streets without breaking up.

The Nano’s frugality focus has also meant that every ounce of efficiency has been squeezed out of every part. That has been the reason for the choice of 12-inch light-weight steel wheel rims, tubeless tyres because they offer lower rolling resistance and are nowadays only as expensive as ‘tubed’ radials, and that has also been the reason why the fuel tank capacity of the Nano has been kept at a compact 15-litres. Small cars like Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Santro and Maruti 800 have a turning radius of above 4.4m and in the case of Spark and Santro, even aided with a power steering. Nano has a tighter turning radius of 4m, so most drivers will not miss power steering in the Nano.

The compact size of the Nano has not meant that its payload capacity is compromised. It is rated to carry four adults and luggage weighing a total of 300 kgs. Fully loaded, the Nano is only slightly heavier than the unladen Santro. The Nano is not offered with a few features like the left hand side outer rear view mirror. It is an optional dealer-level fitment even in the CX and LX variants.

But, one of the features that it has managed to do away with again due to ingenious frugal engineering is the need for a headlamp-levelling system. It would have led to added costs. By fine tuning the suspension dynamics to ensure that there is no change in the angle and alignment of the headlamp beam due to uneven distribution of weight in the car, Tata engineers have ensured that the Nano be exempt from incorporating headlamp-levelling.

With a rear-mounted engine, the Nano also features some very unique positions for key, heavy parts to keep the weight distribution within a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear. As a result, the battery is located right below the driver’s seat and the fuel tank is located below and just behind the co-driver’s seat. Further, to ensure that the stability and handling of the Nano is not compromised, the car has been given wider 155/65 tyres at the rear, compared to the 135/70 at the front.