Tata Nano | Test Drive Review | Interiors Review | Exterior Reviews | Performance Reviews | Engine Reviews

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. More...


Higher Claims and Reinsurance on Nano - Review

Higher loss claims and the possibility of non-proportionate reinsurance being factored into insurance policies taken for the Tata Nano, cannot be ruled out. This may necessitate the five insurance companies insuring the Nano to review the annual premiums that are currently expected to be in the range of 2.5 to 3 per cent of the insured declared value (IDC) of the model when it rolls out from the factory.

First time drivers graduating from two-wheelers, a larger expected commercial usage of the vehicle due to its low-ticket value, may increase the accident frequency. This may raise the possibility of higher loss claims accruing to insurers and consequent higher overhead expenses due to the low price of the Nano. More..

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. More..

Tata Nano Interiors Review

Much has already been written about the Nano’s vital statistics in terms of interior space compared to its nearest rival – the Maruti 800. But, it still does take you by surprise when you get to sit inside the Nano and personally get a feel of the space that has been leveraged out of a tall, relatively narrow outer shell.

There is considerable headroom and 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. At 1,652mm, the Nano is about 6 cms taller than the Hyundai Santro Xing, the tall-boy of small cars and it is also wider than both the small cars. More..

Test Driving the Tata Nano Review

Before allowing me behind the wheel of a Tata Nano test car at Tata Motors’ engineering research center and high-speed testing center here two hours south of Mumbai, a team of engineers told the story of the car’s gestation.

Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, envisioned a safe, affordable and all-weather form of transport for Indian families that couldn’t afford a car. The vehicle Mr. Tata dreamed of would have a starting price of only 100,000 rupees ($2,000). More..

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.