Tata Motors continues to test the facelifted Nano that gets an operating boot as well as an automated manual transmission (AMT) and will be launched in the coming months.
Showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo in February this year, the Tata Nano facelift promised a host of much needed changes on the hatchback. With the launch expected in the coming months, we spotted the Nano facelift testing on the Pune-Bangalore highway in Maharashtra covered in camouflage sporting changes to the body. While Tata Motors introduced a mildly revised facelift earlier this year with chrome additions, power steering and revised dashboard, the changes on the new model will be far more comprehensive.
Christened as the Tata Nano Twist Active, the facelifted model gets an updated front and rear bumper with a redesigned grille. The front bumper gets integrated fog lamps with the headlight cluster receiving new reflectors. At the rear, the Nano facelift gets the much needed operating boot making it more accessible in comparison. However, the operating boot also adds a hefty 80 kgs to the kerb weight of the hatchback. The fuel tank has been increased though to 25-litres from the current 15-litres.
On the inside, the 2015 Tata Nano facelift gets a redesigned 3-spoke steering wheel with brushed silver accents more in line with the one seen on the Zest compact sedan. Another major addition has been the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) unit that will be available on the top-end variant and will be paired to the same powertrain featuring a 624cc twin-cylinder petrol engine producing 38 PS of power and 51 Nm of torque. The 4-speed manual transmission will continue to be offered on lower variants.
The company’s most ambitious project, Tata failed with the Nano being perceived as a cheap alternative to an actual car, far from what the automaker had originally imagined. Nonetheless, the company’s new strategy is to position the Nano as an urban, city commuter targeted at young buyers. Expected to be priced at Rs. 2.80 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Nano facelift will be competing against the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Hyundai Eon as well as the Datsun GO in the segment.
