The Tata Nano is a small city car which was launched in 2009 by the home grown automaker Tata Motors as ‘the world’s cheapest car’ in the market. The car was initially launched with a price tag of Rs 100,000 which was ultimately increased with time. As a matter of fact, Tata Motors designed the Nano to lure the middle classes away from two-wheelers though it was not much successful.
Hence, the company refreshed the Nano and named it the Nano GenX. And, Tata Motors loaded the Nano GenX with a number of features. Now, the new Tata Nano GenX comes with an automated manual transmission (AMT version) also. The car is priced between Rs. 2.00 lakh to Rs. 2.94 lakh and became the most affordable automatic car of the country. Other popular cars in the similar price range of the Tata Nano are the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Omni.
ENGINE AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Tata Nano GenX is powered by 624 cc, twin-cylinder MPFI petrol engine, that produces a maximum power of 38 bhp along with a peak torque of 51 Nm at 4000 RPM. The Tata Nano GenX transmission options include a 4-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission). The hatchback has a limited top speed of 105 km /h.
The Tata Nano GenX comes with a 24 litre of fuel tank capacity and its manual version offers an ARAI certified mileage of 23.60 kmpl, whereas the AMT version of the car gives a mileage of 21.9 kmpl, as the company claims.
EXTERIOR
The Tata Nano GenX looks sportier than the old model though, there is no change in its fundamental design. The hatchback has a cute side profile though, its tiny wheels look dwarfed by its tall height.
The hatchback comes equipped with a number of features like new smoke headlamps with black bezel and large circular fog lamps, a piano black hood garnish and integrated tailgate spoiler and large front and rear bumpers with Infinity motif grille.
The dimensions of the Tata Nano GenX are 3164 X 1750 X 1652 mm with a short wheelbase of 2230 mm. However, it has an impressive ground clearance of 180 mm while its principal competitor the Maruti Alto K10 has a ground clearance of only 160 mm.
The hatchback is available in Sangria Red, Royal Gold, Meteor Silver, Damson Purple, Pearl White, Dazzle Blue and Persian Rose colour variants.
INTERIOR
The Tata Nano GenX is decently equipped with features like keyless entry, first in segment digital information display, externally adjustable ORVMs, front power windows, front cup holders, stubby gear lever, two glove boxes, manual air conditioning, a 4-speaker audio system with USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity, central locking remote and burglar alarm.
Besides, the biggest addition of the Tata Nano GenX is its new generation Tata signature electric power assisted steering wheel, which comes with active return function and speed sensitivity.
As far as boot space is concerned, the manual model of the Tata Nano GenX offers 110 litres of boot space while the automatic version of the car offers 94 litres of boot space. At the same time, the hatchback has plenty of front and rear leg room and ample shoulder space. The car also offers generous amounts of head room. The hatchback has a seating capacity of five people including driver.
PERFORMANCE
The Tata Nano GenX drives well at sedate speed and delivers adequate performance. The ride quality of the hatchback is also good. With AMT gearbox, drivability is much impressive. On the safety front, the Tata Nano GenX comes equipped with central locking, booster assisted brakes, impact cushioning crumple zone, side intrusion beams, central high mount stop lamp, hazard warning switch and additional reinforced body structure for enhanced frontal crash protection.
The braking system of the Tata Nano GenX comprises of drum brakes on both front and rear axles. In addition, the front and the rear suspensions of the hatchback consist of Independent, Lower Wishbone, McPherson Strut, Semi Trailing arm with coil spring and gas filled dampers and shock absorbers.
ADVANTAGES
The Tata Nano GenX has SUV-like ground clearance which is the best in the segment. The hatchback has extremely spacious and well-equipped cabin and seats are large. Ride comfort is also good for its segment and there is plenty of legroom and head room. Moreover, the Tata Nano GenX has improved NVH levels and a larger fuel tank of 24 litres.
DRAWBACKS
The Tata Nano GenX does not have anti-lock braking system (ABS). Its ride quality is good though, it gets bouncy on rough surfaces. The hatchback has no traction control. Besides, the stopping power of the Tata Nano GenX is not up to the mark and front brakes need to be updated with disc brakes.
VERDICT
The Tata Nano GenX is undoubtedly, an improved product than the old one. With new styling, rich features, alluring inside out design, refined engine and better fuel efficiency, the hatchback is a good value for money at affordable price. Moreover, the new AMT gearbox of the Tata Nano GenX makes it the most affordable automatic car of the country.
