Tata Gen X Nano launched at a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakh; AMT version starts at Rs 2.69 lakh

MUMBAI: Tata MotorsBSE -0.71 % launched the new Gen X Nano at a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The launch is being seen as a make-or-break move for the car. While the manual transmission variants will cost between Rs 1.99 lakh to Rs 2.49 lakh, the easy shift AMT version has been launched between Rs 2.69 lakh to Rs 2.89 lakh.

The GenX Nano, repositioned as a Smart City Car, comes in a record 21 different options and offers all the bells and whistles including automatic transmission and Bluetooth connectivity, is expected to take on entry hatchbacks Maruti SuzukiBSE 0.76 % Alto and Hyundai Eon, which sell about 15,000 units every month.

Girish Wagh, senior VP, programme, planning and project management for passenger vehicle division, at Tata Motors, feels it's a 'make or break' moment for Tata Nano on which the company has invested more than $1 billion.

Developed after conducting several studies across markets and taking feedback from over 1,000 Nano users and 1,500 owners of competing brands, the GenX Nano is better looking, has stronger body, and improved fit and finish with key functional features like a small boot, power steering, automatic transmission and fully loaded Bluetooth connectivity.

The car also has an interesting creep function in the automatic variant, wherein the vehicle moves steadily on its own, if the foot is released of the acceleration or brake paddle. The move is considered as a big boon and offers comfort in a bumper to bumper traffic in major cities. There is also a Sports mode option, wherein the user gets rush of power with just a press of a button.

With the different body colour and interior options, it will have the widest choice of 21 variants for the customer to choose from.

The Gen X Nano comes with a much stronger body shell, with higher strength steel and side beam enforcements, an automatic transmission with a five speed gear box, a new instrument panel, openable tail gate with 90-110 litres of boot space, flat bed rear seat, stronger air conditioner, and improved noise vibration and harshness or NVH package amongst other things. The looks of the vehicle has changed with the honeycomb grill and new bumpers, hoods, lamps and tailgate.

The company has in fact re-calibrated the engine to deliver higher fuel efficiency, with hundreds of its engineers sent to major cities to map the driving cycle of various cities to ensure good actual usage fuel efficiency and the driving pleasure, Wagh said.