Tata Nano Reviews on Engine, Gearbox and Performance

Now for the part about our test drive report that is the most awaited of all. Unlike what was being rumoured, the Nano has a surprisingly refined and capable 624cc petrol engine. The engine does not sound like that of an autorickshaw or a genset and is also not too strained when pushed during heavy acceleration.

Of course, the two-cylinder, MPFI engine, with a rated peak power of 35 PS, is tuned and mapped for fuel efficient performance. Its top speed has also been limited at 105 kmph with the help of an engine-rpm sensor and fuel cut-off mechanism. The fuel is cut-off at 5,600 rpm and fuel delivery is restarted once the engine rpm fall below the 5,550 rpm level.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving the Nano with relatively smooth linear power delivery and impressive straight line acceleration that took the speedo all the way to the top speed, our test vehicle proved that it is a fully capable car. In-gear top speeds were about 60 kmph plus in the second gear, about 94 kmph in the third and a 105 kmph in the fourth.

The Nano felt stable and quite confident at high speeds and though frankly, it would be ideal to avoid high speed travel in such compact cars, the Nano is clearly more than a match in the entry-level segment.

Tata engineers tell me that the most work had to be done in quietening the engine, without affecting its fuel-efficiency and performance characteristics. The exhaust note of the Nano is just like that of a regular gasoline engine with a bit of a burble. That has apparently been achieved after a considerable level of compact packaging of the muffler, since the length and space available was short due to the position of the engine. The in-cabin noise level is also relatively low and it has been achieved with the help of very simple, low-cost insulation, padding and noise-dampening materials.

The Nano’s engine has been mated to a four-speed cable-operated synchromesh gearbox. The gear stick is a bit tall in keeping with the seating position and the precise throw and clear shift quality of the gearbox came as a surprise to me. There is no notchy, sticky shift feel to this gearbox and the overall experience is quite pleasant and will be appreciated by first time women drivers.