Tata shows off Nano in Geneva

Tata Motors displayed the Nano, the world's cheapest car, and three other models, the new generation Indica, the new Safari DICOR 2.2 VTT, and the Xenon, at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month.

The Nano will be launched in India later this year and should come to Malta early next year. The new generation Indica will be launched in the latter part of the year in international markets. The Safari DICOR 2.2 VTT and the Xenon have just been introduced in select markets.

The Nano is designed as an all-weather, safe family car at an affordable price. When launched in India, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. The standard version has been priced at about $2,500 (€1,700) excluding VAT and transportation cost.

The Nano can comfortably seat four. Its mono-volume design will set a new benchmark among small cars. It has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 24.6 kW, multi point fuel injection petrol engine.

In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers manufactured in India today. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency.

The new generation Indica has been given a complete makeover. It is now bigger, with a length of 3,795 mm (existing 3,675 mm), width of 1,695 mm, height of 1,550 mm and wheelbase of 2,470 mm (existing 2,400 mm).

The rear sloping wind screen also increases the sense of spaciousness in the passenger cabin. It will be available with a new range of world class diesel and petrol engines and transmissions with a new suspension. The car will be offered with the new 1.3-litre quadra-jet common rail direct injection diesel engine and 1.2- and 1.4- litre Safire MPFI VVT petrol engines, in addition to existing Tata powertrains.

The Safari is powered by a 2.2-litre 103 kW common rail direct injection Euro 4 compliant diesel engine. The new styling and comfort features are complemented by convenience and safety features, such as ABS and airbags.

The Xenon is also equipped with a 2.2-litre 103 kW common rail direct injection Euro 4 compliant diesel engine.

With superior styling, comfort and safety features, this is a versatile pick up truck suited for business as well as leisure. It comes in single cabin, double cabin and space cabin versions in 4x2 as well as 4x4 configurations.