Tata’s Nano car is all set for it’s market launch this month. Here are some frequently asked questions about the car and their answers.

What would be the price of Nano?

Just to keep Ratan Tata’s promise the price would be Rs. 1 lakh only. However like any other car, you will have to spend around Rs. 20,000 extra for RTO and other expenses. I am stating ‘around 20,000’ because registration and other government charges are different state to state.

Is this price for Nano’s basic model?

Yes. It’s for the basic standard model.

Which are the other models? What would be the price of further models?

Apart from basic standard model, there are two other models as of now; Delux and Luxury. Prices for both have not been fixed yet.

What are the advantages of Deluxe and Luxury models?

Deluxe model will have AC. It will cost around 1.5 lakh or less according to an estimate. Luxury model will have AC, power window, metallic color and central locking. It will cost more than 1.5 lakh but possibly less than 1.75 lakh according to an estimate.

Are there Diesel and CNG models too?

Yes, the designs of diesel and CNG models are ready but Tata Motors will introduce these models in future, may be after a year or so. As of now only Petrol model will be available in the market.

Which are the colors that would be available?

Yellow, red, saffron, white, silver, pearl white are the six colors in which Tata Nano’s standard model will be available. Front guard would be in black color in basic model. In luxury model, you will have choice of metallic colors too.

What is passenger capacity of Nano?

Officially, Nano is permitted to carry three persons+ a driver.

What about millage performance?

20 plus km average in city for sure. On highway you can get even more.

How are the doors?

Very light, flimsy-feeling.

Is the cabin spacious enough?

The car has very well airy cabin in which one six-footer would be able to sit comfortably behind another. The seats are firm, trimmed with decent quality cloth.

How is the dashboard?

It’s a big one-piece dash molding with its central speedometer. The dashboard has been made of good-looking plastic.

How is the noise of Tata Nano engine?

The engine note sounds similar to the putt-putt of the two-stroke scooters. The tiny engine doesn’t get too shouty or coarse in hard-working situation.

What about pick-up?

Nano gets 60 mph in 17 seconds but almost out of puff. To 30 or 40 mph, the Nano easily feels quick enough to keep pace with other traffic.

Something about it’s small looking wheels please?

Small 12 inch tubeless tires cling gamely to the pavement. The Nano lopes along quite nicely on little wheels, never transmitting too much harshness to the cabin, even over poor surfaces. The twelve-inch wheels use only three lugnuts, rather than the typical four or five.

Where is the space to keep a spare wheel?

Spare wheel space has been given under the front side bonnet.

What is the capacity of petrol Tank?

15 liter capacity petrol tank’s exterior fuel-filler door is absent. Fuel inlet has been given under the front bonnet.

Location of engine?

Engine is located under rear seats. Rear engine means direct drive and thus a low cost manufacturing.

Is there a dickey?

The rear hatch doesn’t flip open. This is perhaps to minimize panel stampings to cut the cost down. The tiny cargo area has been given behind the rear seats. You can access it by folding the rear seats forward.

What about windshield Wiper?

Only one wiper has been given to clean the front glass. It has been made in a fashion that one is enough.

Side View Mirror?

Only one side mirror has been given on driver side. A passenger-side mirror is a dealer-installed option.

Battery location?

The location of battery is under the driver’s seat in open.

Some technical specifications please

-623 cc
-Overall length: 3100 mm
-Overall width: 1500 mm
-Overall height: 1600 mm
-Fuel tank capacity 12 liter
-Regular four gear plus one reverse gear system
-1.2 thickness standard crca steel body
-Two inline cylinder engine
-Multi point fuel injection petrol engine
-Maximum engine power kw/r/min 24.6/8500
-33 hp@ 5500 rpm
-Torque: 35 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
-Transmission: Four-speed manual
-Drive: rear-whieel
-0-60 mph: 17 seconds (estimated)
-Top speed: 65 mph
-Fuel mileage: 60 mpg(estimated)
-Weight: 1322 lb
L x W x H: 122.0 x 59.1 x 63.0 in

When ‘Made in Gujarat’ Nano would be available?

In year 2010. Till then enjoy Nano cars from Tata Motors Uttarakhand and Pune plants. Gujarat plant would be a mother plant. It would be massive and much larger.

Would the people of Gujarat get any benefit in terms of price of Nano?

Perhaps yes, when Nano’s manufacturing actually starts in Gujarat. Geographical proximity always gives benefit as transportation costs are less.

What is the main reason of cheaper price?

You can yourself figure out lots of reasons for cheaper cost after reading the things above but the main cause of cheaper production is also that there is no foreign collaboration and therefore there are no foreign charges. The Tata Motors presented Indica cars to this nation way back before some years which too was a complete swadeshi car without any foreign collaboration. Nano is not just a car but Ratan Tata’s patriotic song.