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4
Handling
3
Performance
2
Usability
Feelgood factor
5
Readers' rating
3.5
By Ben Oliver
First Drives
08 December 2008 14:37
The new Tata Nano costs as much as a scooter, so can it really drive like a proper car? This is the question we’ve all been asking since news first leaked that the Indian firm was planning to rewrite the automotive rules with a £1300 car. And now, exclusively, CAR can tell you. We travelled to India and scored the very first ride in the Nano. We haven’t driven it yet, but nobody else outside Tata has experienced it in action. And if you are one of the millions planning to buy one, we’re pleased to be able to reassure that your Tata Nano will indeed drive like a proper car. But the Tata Nano's engine is so small…Two cylinders, 624cc and 33bhp isn’t much. But unladen, this four-door, five-seat city car weighs just 600kg, so even with four adults aboard our prototype delivered sufficient acceleration to cope easily with city traffic. Ignore the likely 17-second 0-60mph time. By 60mph the Nano is running out of puff, but to 30mph or 40mph it feels far more competitive. Stationary, the four-speed gearbox’s shift felt long and lumpy. On a short run close to 60mph the Nano didn’t feel strained or unstable, so it should cope with extra-urban duties if required. Fuel consumption will be around 60mpg, and emissions around 100g/km; on a par with the best European city cars, in other words.And the Tata Nano's chassis?We haven’t driven it yet. But from the passenger seat, the ride felt supple and noise and vibration levels were impressive, even over some coarse surfaces in our first ride in India. The Nano is tall and has a narrow track, so it rolls heavily through bends when pushed hard. But don't forget – in city driving, you’re unlikely to be travelling this fast. And the tiny 12-inch wheels grip admirably and resist understeer longer than you’d expect.>> Click 'Next' for more of CAR's first riding impressions on board the Tata Nano>> To read Ben Oliver’s full, exclusive story on riding in the world’s cheapest car, and the engineering behind it, buy the January issue of CAR magazine, out now
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idlefolks says
RE: Tata Nano CAR review: first riding impressions
No one in India or Abroad has officially driven the Nano. Tata gave AutomabileMag a chance couple of months back to sit back while Tata enginess drives it. Please read more details about their feel of Tata Nano, their so called test drive, Photos at this site. http://india.idlefolks.com/car-review-of-tata-nano-exclusive-photos-review-and-specifications-of-tata-nano-first-time-test-drive-of-tata-nano-tata-nano-is-being-launched-on-march-23-for-booking
02 March 2009 07:03
jjlasne says
No, no to the Nano. I think we would be better off on a bicycle. And the Zastava, a Fiat 126 built in Belgrade, was sold as the Yugo in the USA. It should have been called the Yugonowhere.
17 December 2008 04:02
livc44411 says
An electric version of this car for 2000 pounds would sell like hot cakes lol The new SINCLAIR C5!!!
15 December 2008 17:32
JohnnyBimmer says
Bert - only 2 colours for the Nanos' glovebox I am disapointed! If Tata are going to make a billion of them they need to make more effort at differentation. Dr James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute has received over $600,000 in 'donations' from socialist billionaire investor George Soros amongst others in his politicised effort to back Democrats against George Bush. Funny how a climate scientist receives $10,000 from an oil company for a lecture and gets slated while the leading global climate-con artists get a free pass and not a single snide remark from the left-wing media don't you think? The fact Hansen got his facts wrong about 1998 being the hottest year on record, when pre-industrial expansion 1942 was, and then said the political message was more important than the scientific facts tells you all you need to know about Hansens mind-set. You forgive him all you like for his hyperbole about an impending ice age. personally I think the creep is more obsessed with publicity and politics than the integrity of science. Next issue why would politicians perpetuate the climate change myth even though there's no votes in it? Scare and control. Politicians love a scare story, especially when it allows them to tax, control and scare the populace into submission while looking like saviours of the planet. Why did Ban Ki-Moon the UN Sec General go on a helicopter tour round the Antarctic and come back saying "we have to save this beautiful place" in Nov '07 when in June '07 his very own IPCC slapped the 2007 Report on his desk right under his nose which stated categorically Antarctica hadn't warmed in 50 years and wasn't melting? In fact it shows the entire Southern Hempisphere of Earth hasn't warmed for decades. Is the UN Sec Gen a complete idiot or a political animal? As for "logic" and politics you surprise me you'd ever think the two go together!
13 December 2008 01:18
kkirkou says
This car is not about saving the planet. It's about giving poor people the opportunity to by a four door and hooded means of transport. I know there are many poor people even in Western Europe who can only afford a scooter right now, so bring it along Tata. Let's not forget that not long ago the Zastavas were exported even to the USA. Anyone who wants to upgrade from a scooter to a car but doesn't have enough money should be offered this Nano.
12 December 2008 21:25
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