But don’t buy the Nano for heavens sake.
Several cars catching fire doesn’t speak volumes of the quality. But that is not the only issue.
Let me start with the looks - It looks horrible inside out. There are no two ways about it. The engine is mounted at the rear and one has to open the bonnet for refueling. The rear hatch cannot be opened and there is almost no space to keep anything if the rear seats are occupied. No, you can’t go for shopping with it along with your wife and two kids.
Next, the price - it isn’t as cheap as the Tatas would make us to believe. The fully loaded version (with front power windows and air-con) comes to about Rs. 2.25 lakhs on road. You have to chip in some more money for the bare essentials like the floor mats, an entry level music system etc.I don’t know what air-con it will provide for without it, the car struggles to notch 80 kmph with four adults. There are no power-steering versions.
As you go to pick up your Nano, you won’t get that proud feel of a car-owner. Everyone knows that you are the poorest car buyer and naturally the showroom sales person would choose to devote more time to a customer who has come to enquire about a Indigo Manza than a person who has already paid for his Nano.
The car is nothing better than an auto-rickshaw. The fuel tank has a capacity of only 15 litres and the ride is bouncy and uncomfortable. The service personnel will tell you not to drive more than 50 km at a stretch. The engine is sure to heat up in a city stop and go traffic for it is only air-cooled. The engine makes a horrible noise too. Never even think of a long drive on a highway.
About the little pluses - it has a ’tall-boy’ design and so getting in and out is a breeze. The doors open wide and that’s good for the senior citizens. Fuel efficiency is about 18-20 km/litre and that’s not bad.
But all said and done, avoid the Nano, spend a little more money and go for the time tested Alto. You will have peace of mind as well as the satisfaction of owning a good car.