As predicted by its own dealers, the demand for the Tata Nano has proven to be so great that the Indian carmaker has decided the only way to keep up is to sell the first batch by lottery.
With 100,000 units making up the first run of Nanos, you’d think the odds of winning the right to buy one would be pretty good. Of course, with nearly 1.2 billion people in the country, the chances lessen just a bit.
Tata will take the details of everyone clamouring to get their hands on the revolutionary Nano, and a computerised system will draw the lucky 100,000 names out of its digital hat on April 9.
To calm the rampaging buyers, Tata has also announced the trim levels that will be available for the Nano: Standard, CX and LX.
The Standard will lack most ‘mod cons’ such as power windows, air conditioning or a radio. It’s also expected to only be offered in three colours.
The CX model is available in a choice of five colours and features the same vinyl seat material as the standard model, but adds heating and air-conditioning, two-tone seat pattern, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes and a fold-down rear seat.
The Nano LX – essentially the ‘premium model – will feature all that the CX offers, plus fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, colour-coded body panels, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder, mobile phone charger, and – we love this bit – a rear spoiler.
The Tata Nano is powered by a two-cylinder petrol engine, producing around 25kW (33hp) at 5250rpm and 48Nm (35lb-ft) of torque at 3000rpm.
A top speed of 105km/h is possible, and – you don’t often expect to read this next one about a car – will negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30 percent.
The Nano achieves a fuel efficiency figure of 4.2 l/100km and with a kerb weight of just 600kg, CO2 emissions are kept to 101g/km, giving it the lowest emissions figure of any car available in India.
From a safety perspective, Tata seems to have gone all-out for the Nano, ensuring that it passes roll-over and offset impact tests, neither of which are regulated in India.
It has all-sheetmetal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors and mandatory seat belts.
The Tata Nano comes with an 18 month or 24,000km warranty.
Young Indian buyers will also be rapt to note that the Nano will be available with a range of accessories, including alloy wheels, body kits and decals.
A range of merchandise is also on offer, including a Nano-branded phone, watch and t-shirt.
Viva la rivoluzione! …Anyone know how to say that in Hindi?
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“The Nano LX – essentially the ‘premium model – will feature all that the CX offers, plus fabric seats”
so what are the other seats covered in??
sorry let me clarify that, what are seats in the other models covered in ?
Sorry Jeff, vinyl seats for the CX. Shall add that in now!
It looks like a little tonka car, I would probley buy one though. Cheap, save on gas and insurance has to be cheap on it. I bet it lasts long time before breaking down too.
Surely a good idea. It will work in India !
On the other side, i rather buy 500 tickets by 1 dolla each at Oneluckyeuro for a Maserati than buy a 1500 usd Tata.
What do you guys think ? IS TATA BETTER THAN MASERATI ?
tata will own maserati soon so lets us say it is all good