Tata showcased the Nano Twist for the first time at the Auto Expo in Noida this year. This one is exactly the same as the ones before, except that it comes with a much needed Electric Power Steering, an improved air con and a few more basic features.
The car now costs a painful Rs.2.31 lakh. Any takers?
The Nano Twist now come with some different colour options. This particular one we got to test had alloy wheels, but not quite sure if it’s available on production. The build quality has a lot to improve.
As soon as you get into the car, it’s déjà vu. But you do get Distance to Empty display (DTE) and Average Fuel Economy display (AFE) along with a digital clock right above the odometer in the dash panel which still stays in the wrong place in the centre away from the driver. The rest of the indicators are clearly visible.
There is Bluetooth connectivity. The stereo system sounds good. The rear view mirror could use a bit of more field of view but that’s being a little bit picky.
Getting to the real part of the car, all components under the rear seats like the engine and transmission remain the same as all other current Nano variants but the drivability is improved massively due to the new electric power steering, the turning radius is tiny (4m in diameter), the steering feels incredibly light, but is a tad bit unresponsive. The car pulls away quite well with a snappy responsive throttle, I was able to do 60km/h in second gear so the power and transmission does make this car quite fun to drive due to its light weight adding up as a major factor but does struggle at low speeds. At low revs the car is a bit jerky and on uneven roads it moves around with reasonable difficulty.
The 4 drum brakes do have a tendency to lock up in case of sudden breaking over 40km/h. As far as the ride is concerned, it’s not something one would complain about as it rides over bumps quite easily.
The Nano Twist is really fun to drive. It’s light, agile, quite zippy now with the power steering, and rides well even on slightly bumpy roads. But there is yet a lot to improve to justify the price tag.
What the Nano needs is basic amenities. Equip the Nano with power steering, an improved engine, leave the suspension as it is, keep the improved air con, a slightly larger fuel tank, 4 wheels, 4+1 seats, some interior trim, shorten the height of the car by just about an inch and that’s it, price it south of Rs 1.8 lakh and close the case. Things like power windows, Bluetooth, digital fuel meters and digital clocks are just unnecessary.
In all honesty, this car really had the potential to be a classic in the next 50 years to come and join the ranks of the Fiat 500, VW Beetle and the Mini Cooper. If only Tata realises this, If only…
TATA NANO TWIST SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
624 CC, 2 Cylinder, MPFI
Transmission
4-speed Manual with overdrive in 4th gear
Max Power
37 bhp@5500rpm
Max Torque
51 Nm@4000rpm
Fuel Efficiency
25 kmpl
Suspension
Front / Rear
McPherson Strut / Coil spring & gas-filled shock absorbers
Brake: Front/Rear
180 mm Drums all around
Fuel Tank Capacity
15 litres
Tyres: Front/Rear
135/70 R12/155/65 R12
Price
Rs.2,31,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
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