Young at heart
To push the gradual revival of demand for its little Nano, Tata Motors has just introduced a new 2012 model. Last week, with a little hesitation I took our older 2011 model to a very high society wedding where it was rubbing shoulders with a car park full of Accords, Audis, Bentleys, BMWs, Mercs, Rolls and other prestigious brands. But I need not have worried as the tall little car attracted approving smiles instead of contempt. As we were leaving we caused a small road block when some of the bejewelled ladies wanted to see how spacious the seating was. My wife waxed eloquent on a few other virtues like its excellent air-conditioning.
At the wedding I responded to several questions and said that it had one overriding major virtue. It was easy to park at a time when parking has now become such a nightmare in every city. There is always a tree or lamp post that blocks other cars but not the Nano.
Consequently we use it for all our petty errands of going to the bank, hairdressers, stationers, grocers, picking up kids from school, etc., leaving my Corolla Altis for more prestigious duties. I also explained that I considered it quite safe. I had witnessed how it had performed in a crash test and knew that the cause of the six fires in some early models were now safely rectified. My driver was also smiling as he had a great time extolling its virtues to the many liveried drivers of swanky limousines.
The Nano does however have its limitations. It is not recommended for highway driving as it is not very happy at speeds over 80 kmph so one should stick to city driving. It is also a bit noisy and there are too few cubby holes that modern auto users want for their mobile’s, bottles, papers and other stuff. It has decent storage space above the rear mounted engine but, as access is not too easy, one does not use it much. A top loading lid behind the back seats or some easy release system is recommended. The fuel consumption is good but the small 15 litre fuel tank means that filling is rather too frequent.
The new model has a two tone black and beige dashboard and improved upholstery, wheel covers, improved ride comfort and five new colours. The makers also claim better fuel consumption. But what needs to be done is to reinforce its image as a fun car for the young at heart. My wife and I suffer no sense of inferiority when seen in a Nano, unlike an old 800. We always get smiles and friendly curiosity.
The writer is an automotive expert and the former editor of a national magazine
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