Tata Nano 2012-2017 CNG CX

Tata Motors, India's largest automobile manufacturer, is leaving no stone unturned to increase its Nano sales. The lately launched (on 8th October, 2013) Tata Nano emax CNG is a progressive step in the similar direction. With petrol prices mounting up, this was probably the best time to open up with the CNG version of the country's most affordable car. Tata Nano was a product that should have been an instant hit but the marketing strategy of Tata is to be blamed for this that has literally turned the tables against the car manufacturer. Time and again facelifts, makeovers have helped to propel Nano sales to a certain extent but not convincingly though. The vibrant colours and seemingly spacious interiors present the tempting Nano with handsome looks. The space is such that it can effortlessly seat three passengers abreast on its rear seats. Tata has been continuously working on adding new features and traits to the vehicle to lure first time car buyers of the country. It has been somewhat successful but not completely. The engine is also quite fuel efficient and with the CNG kit the mileage shoots up to extraordinary 36 kg/gm. A decent amount of safety features are also supplied. It will be competing with the likes of Hyundai Eon, Maruti Suzuki Alto and Chevrolet Spark. Among the CNG variants launched, the Tata Nano emax CNG CX is the basic and is lighter on pocket with its price of Rs 2.45 lakh (Ex-showroom Ahmadabad) .

Exteriors:

Visually there are no major alterations in the outgoing Nano with the same chromed lined smiling front grille, petal shaped headlamps with indicator on top of them and neat air dam work. Fog lamp housing too feels premium. The bigger windshield means more visibility for driver as well as passengers. Side profile also appears neat with large opening doors and blackened B pillar. The sporty attitude travels even at the rear with aerodynamic bumper and ‘chin' protruding near the base of the tail gate for keeping the engine cool. Horizontal tail lamps and centralised chromed Tata symbol add a finishing touch to the car. However, the wheels play spoilsport and look tiny with the overall tall appearance of the car but nevertheless they do their job in an excellent manner.

Interiors:

The interior of Nano was never a complaint factor especially if we talk about its space and legroom. The car offers excellent head room thanks to its tall design and good shoulder room to squeeze in the third occupant in the rear seats. In the latest Tata Nano emax CNG CX version, the generous space has been retained. Interior fit and finish is of top quality, however there are some parts that feel too cheap. The soft touch beige dashboard is a great aspect of the vehicle to talk about. Nano certainly is a master product with the traits it carries and at the competitive price it is offered.

Engine and Performance:

The new CNG powered Tata Nano is packed with the 624 cc, 2-cylinder, MPFI petrol engine + CNG Motor which is capable of yielding maximum power of 37.5 Ps at 5500 rpm along with peak torque of 51 Nm at 4000 rpm. However in CNG mode it belts out top power of 32.5 bhp and max torque of 45 Nm. The engine is mated to five speed manual gearbox which includes 4 forward and 1 reverse gears. The carbon emission is also on the lower side with only 75 kg/gm. The vehicle offers outstanding fuel economy of 36 km/kg of CNG. On the performance front as well, Tata Nano won't disappoint you especially in cities but on highways you may feel the pinch due lack of power but that is understandable with its segment and target city commuters.

Braking and handling:

The brakes of this mini wonder are superb and serve their purpose quite well. They are 180 mm diameter drum brake both for front as well as rear ones. Brake type is Dual Circuit , Vertical Split operated by tandem master cylinder with vacuum booster. When it comes to handling, we can say that Tata Nano emax CNG CX is a decent handler with body roll on sharp cornering and curvy roads. This is majorly because of the height that Nano possess. Otherwise on plain roads, this vehicle is a smoother.

Comfort Features:

Tata have ensured that they fill Nano with enough comfort and convenient features so that their buyers are happy with their deal. The new Nano emax CNG CX being a base variant is offered with sun visor on driver and passenger side, map pocket of fabric , front seat headrests, cabin lamp, driver seat with slider, low fuel warning lamp, head lamp levelling, foldable rear seats, height adjustable front seat belts, front cup holders, rear seat headrest, etc. Besides, some new features are also installed in the CNG versions these are automatic cut-off system and fuel quality checking system.

Safety:

Tata Nano CNG has decent list of active and passive protective gadgets to tackle any mishaps on the road. The safety features embraced in Nano comprise of Booster-assisted Brakes, radial tubeless tyres , Door Lock on Driver Side, Laminated Windshield, Centre High Mount Stop Lamp, Front Rear Seat Belts, Additional Body Reinforcements, Passenger Side Rear View Mirror, Halogen Headlamps and Safely Mounted Fuel Tank.

Pros : Nano has space, fuel efficiency and price among its plus points.

Cons : Lack of safety features, engine noise is a concern.