ENHANCED UTILITY
Inside changes are more apparent in this special edition of Nano than the outside ones. Access the 90 degree opening rage door and changes stare right in your face. Ebony black dashboard with the matching upholstery is a welcome change from dirt prone bright colours though this choice of colour is subjective.
Dash board now incorporates a very long-time waiting demand of glove box as this special edition of Nano comes with two glove boxes on either side of dashboard. Though there are two glove boxes these are best only for putting the change or just small stuff. Don’t expect much from these recesses but at least now these come with the lid.
HEART PUMPINGALTERATION
Heart of the Nano remains same as the power to the wheels are the 38 PS of power and 51 Nm of torque generated by 2-cylinder, 623 cc unit is transferred to rear wheels via 4 speed manual transmission. There has been no change made on the specifications front though we would like to see some of the alteration especially in the steering geometry. Power steering is still one of the most glaring deficiencies in the Nano’s overall proposition and lack of it exaggerated the parking worries for an average Indian customer. Although the gym-going guys won’t find it much difficult but an average person with regular diet has to sweat hard for aligning Nano in a line.
GIG ON WHEELS
Similar to heart, no changes that have found their way in suspension part as the wheels of this special edition Nano uses the same old hardware for the task. Up front McPherson strut does the duty while at rear independent semi-trailing arm is at the helm to suspend different size wheels. Nano being a dinky dimensions car, strikes very good combination of ride and handling. In fact contrary to tradition of Tata which gives ride comfort a priority over handling, Nano is better handler than a rider. But the actual reason behind it is the smaller 135 mm front tyres which unsettled the car in potholes though good enough to deal with small undulations. Small size holes are dispatched easily though Nano faces problem in the large digging where one has to be vigilant in order to avoid the crashing of suspension.
OVERALL VERDICT
With marginal price rise, special edition of Nano continues to retain its low price distinctiveness and in that way it’s commendable achievement. Addition of new features especially inside the cabin make a strong case for the overall car as now Nano comes equip with nearly all bells and whistles that one expect from entry level segment but then with these good things some bad also accompanies. We would like to see the changes in the mechanical hardware especially the one on the steering front which is due for a long time. Additional booster for brakes along with option of power steering would have made this special addition really special even if it comes with extra price tag. Tata could have launched these features in as optional ones so that people would have choice to get the convenience of power steering and disk brakes. Nonetheless we are optimistic about the results as we feel that these changes could prove instrumental in getting the customers back to the dealerships though the changes would have been more if this edition had come with power steering.
Style& Substance 3.5/5 Ride & Handling 3.5/5
Interiors & Ergonomics 4/5 Safety & Equipment 3.5/5
Power & Transmission 3.5/5 Fuel Efficiency 4/5
Value for Money 4/5