Tata Nano was unveiled yesterday at Mumbai.This review is based on the information available in the market and not on actual usage as this car will be available on road sometime in June 2009.
My assumptions: On road: less two wheeler majority on cars. No place to drive. Auto will get converted and autowalas will start charging more.
On Car: seems to be specious but to keep the cost low several "So Called" security measures are missing, rather it is a private Three wheeler upgraded to four wheel. moreover all existing car holders will use this car for their local shopping of vegetables and groceries etc.
All small lanes which presently parked with Two wheelers will be parked with Nano and there will be hardly any passage available for movement. Comfort: Riding Comfort will be difinetely higher than any two wheeler or even three wheeler. but without power steering, I have a doubt how much will be driving comfortable. due to engine at the rear end, any one in habbit of rabbiting may topple the car.
The legspace in front and rear need to be checked when a tall fellow either drives or travels in rear seat. It was mentioned that the rear seat can acomodate three people, but it was not told if the people are kids or full grown human. Maintenance: Since the Engine will be mounted at rear, that is not a problem but there is no hatch at the rear end to gain access to the engine for maintenance rear seats need to be either folded or removable. hence the total car will be dirty and seats will be soiled.
Boot: Boot space provided in front of the vehicle. there could be two difficulties. front area will make noise and a feeling of something moving in front (if not loaded fully and tightly. moreover in traffic when some one need to alight out from vehicle and need to take material from boot, the scenerio will not be a eye soothing. Engine and Mileage: Engine is supposed to take fresh air from the sides (rear of rear door) and in Indian road condition of water logging, any splash made by other car while driving may lead to a problem in engine functionality. Mileage of 23+ kms is good but the fuel tank capacity clearly speaks about ride with in city only.
Look: Though the car looks like a computer mouse in 3D vieew but the side profile may not be so good due to front boot cover raising out from body line. Despite of the above I am egerly waiting for this car to be on road and I can go for a test drive. finally I feel this car will be a great success not only in India but in other countries too due to its low cost. But maintenance cost etc. are yet to be seen. Long Live "Nanha" (Nano) car.