Tata Nano Review - is it worth the Hype?

India is predominantly a market of small cars and a big chunk of the choice of vehicles available is concentrated on the affordable end of the spectrum.

Yet, the prospect of safe personal mobility is a dream for most Indian families. The Nano is the first car that has the potential to fulfil this aspiration and truly be a people’s car in the Indian context and so, ‘Now you can’.

Like people’s cars of the past, the Nano’s too is a radical new design that has you riveted. Ultra-compact, tall and with free-flowing lines, it looks like a wide-eyed toddler eager to please, with a big smile plastered on its face.

After waiting for over a year, we finally had the opportunity to get behind the wheels of the Nano right after its commercial launch. So, what was it like and how will it perform on real tarmac? Read on to find out.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ultra-compact, tall and with free-flowing lines, it looks like a wide-eyed toddler eager to please, with a big smile plastered on its face.
• the fact that there is no engine under bonnet in the front helps the Nano offer deep foot wells and so lots of legroom for front passengers.
• 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..
• the precise throw and clear shift quality of the gearbox came as a surprise to me.
• Fold down the rear seat and the parcel tray fixed to it and you can reach the luggage area.
• The process has to be repeated and another floor panel fixed with the help of six wing nuts have to be removed to gain access to the engine of the Nano.
• Rear seat passengers may also find the performance of the air-conditioner wanting during the summer months.