Tata Nano: First Impression

Well the Nano has been launched. Its currently the least expensive production car. Briefly the spec looks like this-

Max Power: 33Bhp @ 5500 rpm
Max Torque: 48 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Rear Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Front Disc Brake

So the spec is not very impressive but sufficient for a car of its size and purpose. And there are couple of interesting things about this car. It has 21% more interior space but occupies 8% less space compared to Maruti 800. This is because of rear mounted engine and overall height. Now this low cost(initial and running) and small size makes it a perfect second car. So this car is not just for the common man.

Looks: Design is very good for a car of that segment. Overall its a full fledged car. I particularly liked the air vent near the rear wheel. Its just awesome!

Other Concerns: Now this low cost car will not cause any kind of traffic congestion in my opinion. People who use public transport obviously can't afford a motorcycle(~Rs.30,000), therefore the Nano is un-affordable for them. Some bikers might upgrade to Nano, but this will be compensated by other people who will use Nano instead of their D-segment cars within city limits. Autos might disappear from roads(which is a good thing). But one thing for sure is- Nano will wipe out used car market in the entry segment.

I believe rear mounted engine is also a cause for its low cost. How? in fwd cars both turning the car and driving the car forward is done by the front wheels. This leads to a slightly complex assembly. Debatable, but thats just my guess. Also hatchbacks have huge top hinged rear door to access boot. This requires a stronger C-pillar and a strong rear hinge to support the huge door, leading to extra weight and hence cost. Even this factor is eliminated in the Nano.

Now the most important point I wanted to tell. Is Nano a sedan!? I think so. It has a traditional 3-box design. The boot(in front), the engine(at rear) and the passenger compartment are all isolated from each other! So I am happy to announce that its not a hatch back :)