Tata Nano AMT long term review, first report

After using the ultra-frugal Celerio diesel for some time, I was given the keys to the brand new Tata Nano AMT. It was a bit of a déjà vu when I slipped into the big cabin, as this was my third Nano long-termer at the job. The new GenX Nano is the best Nano yet and the improvements are clear to see from the get-go.

First things first, this is not the usual manual gearbox-equipped Nano, but the newest model which comes with just two pedals courtesy an AMT or Automated Manual Transmission. The clutchless operation is a boon for my city commute to work, which is now four kilometres longer since our recent office relocation.

Our test Nano has power steering, which was introduced in the GenX Nano, has completely changed the character of the car and in fact, makes the earlier models feel archaic in comparison. The steering wheel itself is all-new and feels premium with a nicer grip. Slotting the Nano into a tight parking spot is really easy and no longer cumbersome. The Nano always had a tight turning circle since its inception but the advantage wasn’t appreciated because of the super-heavy steering. With power steering, you’re encouraged to make full use of the autorickshaw-like turning circle and I couldn’t believe the ease with which I took a U-turn on one of the narrowest lanes of Bandra. In any other car, I would have had to reverse and do a three-point turn.

This is also one of the best equipped Nanos we’ve ever received, and for the price of Rs 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), you get equipment that is not available in many other cars from even a segment higher. Our Nano is the top-spec XTA version, which features equipment such as a four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth, unheard of in a car at this price point. The fixed tailgate, which made luggage difficult to access in the earlier cars, now opens to reveal a modest 110 litres.

I’ve already highlighted the plus points of the Nano in my earlier reports like its high seating position, which was an instant hit with the elders in my family and its tiny footprint that allows easy punting around the small bylanes of the city.