Words & Photography: Adil Jal Darukhanawala      23 Mar 2009

View : Tata Nano Special Coverage!

How different is the Nano Europa?

What is subtly different without appearing to be so is that the Nano Europa is significantly longer, wider and taller than the version which is to be launched today in India. First off the Tata chassis team has extended the wheelbase by 50mm to carve out even more cabin space for well-built Europeans to take to with ease. Thanks to the mandatory use of low-impact resistance bumpers, the Nano Europa measures 3290mm front to rear compared to the 3099mm overall length of the Indian Nano. In width as well it is wider, 1585mm against 1495mm but interestingly in terms of overall height the Indian spec version is taller by 52mm, measuring 1652mm. This despite the Nano Europa running larger 14-inch tyres but then there is no secret in this because for Europe the ride height has been dropped significantly and also with a more powerful drivetrain getting a low C of G was imperative.

Speaking of the drivetrain, the basic 624cc twin-cylinder unit would have been too basic and too underpowered for spirited motoring in Europe so an all new three-cylinder engine with MPFI has been penciled in. Tata Motors didn’t divulge displacement or power but we have it on record from highly placed sources within the company's famed ERC (Engineering Research Centre) that a whole new engine family is under development. The new engine family could be made in in-line two, three or four-cylinder versions or as V4s and V6s and also should it merit a V8 as well. This modular engine family is very much in the development phase and augurs well for the company's future model range. A top line diesel is also being developed and this would make an appearance in India as well – in high torque, low power form – once the Sanand facility in Gujarat gets underway.

In the Nano Europa, the larger three-cylinder engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox and the company is also suggesting a CVT (continuously variable transmission) as an option. Tata Motors mentioned that the new three-cylinder petrol engine would be a highly efficient one with a decent spread of power and driveability to enable it to go 100 km using just 4.2-litres – works out close to 24 kmpl which in European terms is a great figure. And with overall CO2 levels always a cause of concern, the Nano Europa could be one of the least polluting cars in this regard spewing just 98grams per km!

Not much was mentioned about suspension and such but we are sure that the basic set-up of the Indian Nano would be retained with even stronger gas-charged dampers and springs with revised rates. Electric power steering comes as standard and in keeping with the basic European safety requirements, the Nano Europa features ABS and ESP to aid the driving dynamics and strengthen the safety aspect of the machine. Speaking of safety, the Nano Europa also comes with air bags for the front occupants.

The Nano Europa featured all leather interiors and had even more comprehensive instrumentation than the Indian versions. However what was evident was the basic feel good factor which appealed to all who sat up front or in the back, marveling at the space efficiency on its cabin which put even the Toyota iQ to shame.

Next: Final Word

View : Tata Nano Special Coverage!