The diminutive Tata Nano has passed its first basic EC structural safety tests which will becomes Indian structural safety standard in 2012. The tests were conducted at UK’s MIRA test center under the supervision of Nic Fasci, type approval engineer from Britain’s Vehicle Certification Authority.
Two slightly modified Tata Nano cars flown in from India to the MIRA test center and were subjected to a 50 kmph side impact and a 56 kmph offset frontal impact test, the minimum required for any vehicle to be sold in Europe.
Tata Engineering chief Clive Hickman said the aim of the tests was to show that with basic modifications the present car could meet the existing safety regulations and set the vehicle on course for a European version to be ready by 2012.
Video: Tata Nano Crash TestTata Motors said it was “delighted but not surprised” that its Nano subcompact passed European front- and side-impact crash tests last week.
Tata Motors is intending to subject the Nano’s European version to NCAP testing and is confident of getting a 4-Star safety rating.
The modifications to the Tata Nano included extra foam added to the cant rail, a reinforced longitudinal structure and some added strength behind the front bumper and in the front doors.
“It looks no different from other cars doing this test. It’s a good crash.” said Nic Fasci, approval engineer from Britian Vehicle Certificaion Authority who certified the tests.
The crash tests included a 40 percent offset and a 56km/h (35 m.p.h.) frontal impact, and are tougher than those that exist in India — currently the Nano’s only market — but they are due to be adopted in India in three years’ time.
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