Tata Nano 2012-2017 CNG LX

Nano 2012-2017 CNG LX Review

Tata Nano’s eco-friendly version is out in the market. Tata Motors has finally introduced the CNG version of its most popular small car, the Nano. The same vehicle was unveiled at Tata’s Horizonext event which was held in June this year. With this launch company brings a more economical and fuel efficient car for the Indian market. The Nano e-max CNG comes with alternate fuel options i.e. it has been equipped with both CNG and the same 624cc petrol engine that is part of the regular Nano. With the rising fuel prices, Tata brings some level of relief as the CNG Nano has been tuned to reduce the overall running cost i.e. nearly Rs 1.32 per Km cost has been reduced. When in petrol mode, the engine offers maximum power output of 37.5bhp, while in CNG mode it puts peak power output of 32.5bhp and maximum torque of 45Nm. The all-new Tata Nano e-max has arrived at the starting price of Rs. 2.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad) . The vehicle has arrived in two different variants- CX and LX. Particularly the Tata Nano emax LX variant is priced at Rs. 2.72 lakh (ex-showroom, Ahmedabad). The CNG Nano has the lowest carbon footprint of 75.6 g/km and is one of the most fuel efficient cars in the Indian market with a mileage of 36km/kg.

Exteriors :

There are not significant changes done to the exteriors of the CNG version of Nano, but just few elements added to distinguish the vehicle with the regular Nano. Certainly the CNG e-max badging is added, also to make it little upmarket company has brought few changes to its exteriors, specifically to the top end LX variant. The variant features body colour bumpers, body colour door handles and driver and passenger side tip-tap ORVMs. Moreover the front look is defined perfectly with the use of chrome strips at the bonnet, while the same chrome strips are added to the rear of the car. The LX variant sports clear lens headlamps and tail lamps, front fog lamps, roof bending, roof spoiler and bumper with Airdam. The pictures of the CNG version reveals that company has implemented body graphics to this newly added car.

Interiors :

Along with getting globally acclaimed CNG fittings, company has also done its best to offer better interiors. Tata has smartly packaged the CNG cylinders under the front seats that it does not hamper the luggage space nor does it intervene the leg space provided to the passengers. Being the top variant, the seat upholstery is available in two options- premium beige fabric and trendy sporty black fabric. Tata has offered best-in-class air conditioning that again makes the ambience suitable for the passengers. Company ensures class leading comfort and smart spacing that makes it a top notch vehicle in the segment. The list elements added insides comprises of dual glove boxes with provision for speaker fitment, dashboard with two color options- barley beige or Ebony black, rear parcel shelf with provision for speaker fitment, digital fuel gauge and a three spoke steering wheel.

Engine and Performance :

The Eco-friendly Nano comes with bi-fuel system inbuilt in it i.e. it offers an alternate fuel option to ride the vehicle. Company has fitted globally recognised CNG fittings in this car that reduces the carbon footprint to 75.6g/km, and makes it the most fuel efficient car of the Indian market with the mileage of 36km/kg . It features the same 624cc petrol engine that also serves the regular Nano petrol. With the CNG mode on, engine delivers 32.5bhp of maximum power output at 5500 (+/-250) rpm and top torque measures at 45Nm at 3500 (+/-500) rpm. While with petrol mode, engine has the capacity to put maximum power output of 37.5bhp, which is a very convenient option to ride with. The two CNG cylinder added makes it possible to reduce the running cost by Rs. 1.32 per km, this makes the car a very economical option to buy. To make it lowest cost of ownership company has come up with an exciting warranty offer i.e. upto 60,000kms or nearly 4 years the vehicle is under company’s warranty.

Braking and Handling :

The dual circuit, vertical spilt operated by tandem master cylinder with vacuum booster is the brake type which comprises of the overall braking system. The front wheels and rear wheels both receive the 180mm dia of drum brake. Such efficient kind of brakes allows the car to decelerate faster and stops the vehicle immediately in case of sudden braking. To suppress the jerks which are usually felt on Indian roads, company has incorporated front suspension of independent, lower wishbone, McPherson Strut with gas filled dampers and anti-roll, while the rear suspension is made up of Independent, Semi trailing arm with coil spring and gas filled shock absorbers.  This makes the ride effortless with all-new CNG Nano.

Comfort Features :

The spacing has been done very smartly; the presence of two CNG cylinders under the front seats does not interfere anybody and allows a free movement in the car. The LX variant has got front power windows, air conditioner and heater, cabin lamp with dimming effect, magazine and coin holder in all doors, co-driver side vanity mirror and various others. The impressive part is the amount of comfort this small car offers; unexpectedly it is best in class.

Safety features :

Various safety features have been added that includes, central locking, rear high mount stop lamp, booster-assisted brakes, front and rear seat belts, additional body reinforcements, interlock sensors, radial tubeless tyres and double ferrule mechanical grip fittings. It is equipped with leak detection sensors that ensure that the engine is in off position while CNG gas filling.

Pros : Fuel efficient, CNG fuel option

Cons : Highway instability.