Small car with a big package. Review on Tata Nano

Let me share my view about the tata Nano. I was very reluctant to buy a Tata nano and as I had seen several incidents on TV about the Tata Nano catching fire. I personally called up several Tata Nano car owners to inquire about its performance and safety before going ahead with the buy. One of the other reasons for buying a Nano was its early delivery i.e. no waiting period. I was badly in need of a car after I sold my esteem and this car was delivered within 2 weeks although I was told it would take only 3 days J.

The Tata Nano I purchased was bought in the month of August 2011. The car from tata is definitely a great effort in trying to bring a 4 wheeler in the reach of a common man. However, I wish the car really retained its original price tag of 1 Lakh because the car that people identify as the cheapest car isn't really cheap as it costed me Rupees 2.25 lakhs on road. Agreed that no other brand new car is available at the cost I have paid. The price tag of the Nano is close to the Maruti Alto base version.

Although each car is unique and better in its own way, it is very obvious that people compare and look out for more luxury, comfort and power they experienced in their previous cars. I previously owned Maruti Esteem for several years. I had a small disappointment for I was searching for the luxury and comfort I experienced in my esteem.

Most of the components and parts in the tata nano are compromised and it is manufactured keeping its lower price tag into account. For instance, the car offers drum brakes instead of disc brakes that is not good enough. Seats are not well cushioned, there is no glove box.

Engine: The tata nano features twin 624 CC rear engine.

Pick up: The car offers great pick up and power for its relatively small engine. The speed of the car is mapped to the ECM(Electronic control module) and the speed of this car is locked at high speeds. I have clocked 100-120 kms several times. The petrol inflow to engine is cut off at high speeds and the check engine indication lights up once you cross 100 kms per hour. However, don’t expect great power as this is only a 624 CC two cylinder engine. You will need to plan and accelerate while overtaking other vehicles as the acceleration takes time.

Clutch: The clutch is mildly hard and can be a pain in heavy traffic congestion.

Steering: This is something the tata engineers must really look into urgently. Powered steering is really a must for the steering is very hard at parking speeds. I have struggled a great deal while parking. The car steers well at high speeds while driving however one finds it difficult to steer when the car is still, the steering is really hard.

Braking: Tata nano offers booster drum brakes that are not effective enough at high speeds. Although it is fair enough for city, the brake pedal when pressed at high speeds hits back and the vehicle lacks effective control. Disc brakes could surely be introduced. Many times, you are required to stand and press the brake firmly in order to bring the vehicle to a stand still. I really wish the car had disc brakes on the front wheels atleast.

Looks: I would give 7 out of 10 for the Nano looks. However, the rear tail lamps and front head lights can still be improved like the Tata Nano Europa.

Space: This is where the Tata Nano gains more marks. The car offers great leg room and space inside and it is more spacious than any other hatchback or sedans. The only draw back I found was the fixed glass behind. I really wish this was different. The Nano's trunk is only accessible from inside the car, as the rear hatch does not open. It is a great pain to fold the rear seat. Flipping the rear seat down is now a two hand, two people exercise. Both the straps should be unlocked simultaneously in order to fold the seat. With the rear seat folded down and it offers 500 liters space.

Mileage: The nano offers very good mileage within city and long travels. Just make sure that you fill up the car at a good petrol bunk where there is no adulterated fuel.

Air conditioning: The car offers great air-conditioning that will surprise many. Heater is good too.

Drivability: The car offers tiny turning radius that makes it fun to drive and immensely chuckable within the city.

Seats: The seating comfort of the car is pretty similar to that of a Maruti Omni Van except that the steering position is slightly changed. The car lacks good cushion as this is compromised keeping the price tag. You will need to add extra cushions to front and rear seats for better comfort.

Battery placement: The car battery is placed right under the driver’s seat and is clearly visible when the car door is opened. This can surely be addressed by covering it up. I was told that some batteries emit poisonous gases and I am really not sure if this is a vented or a sealed one. I really wish it was placed elsewhere in the front bonnet.

The A-Pillar: This is one of the biggest draw backs in the Tata Nano. The A-pillar or the front pillar located at the side interferes with your visibility from the car. I was about to bang several people who happened to drive and pass close to my car as I was unable to see them at all. I keep on peeping from the front glass only to check if any one else is close by. This is perhaps a bad design.

The Wiper: The Tata Nano has single wiper+ lousy blade quality. The wiper on my nano fails to give a clean sweep of the windscreen. The wash mechanism is integrated onto the wiper arm. It doesn't really spray water onto the windscreen; rather, water is merely dropped off as the wiper moves up & down.

Overall, a good and peppy car to drive within the city. I would definitely suggest this car to first time car buyers and people who are planning to upgrade their vehicles from two wheeler. Long live the Nano.