To begin with, we are not dealing with speeds of a Lamborghini in any case. The different sized tyres, independent suspension at the four corners and fine-tuning of tyres and dampers have resulted in a car that is stable throughout the speed range. A clever bit of engineering ensures your Nano cannot exceed 105 kph in forward and more than the 'desirable' speed in reverse; this is done by cutting the fuel flow to the engine.
A masterstroke of nannying for the Nano indeed. The brakes of the Nano are adequate to stop the car, but disc brakes up front would have been welcome -- sure, it would have added to the cost but hey, even bicycles have disc brakes these days! Also disappointing is the lack of a left-side rear view mirror -- every motorcycle sold in India offers that.
The Nano starts, goes, overtakes, stops like any other modern car -- and that is what most people, including me, didn't expect. It has been engineered to a fault and deserves the success it is bound to get.
What is important is keeping the price minimum over the next few years. The moment it gets any closer to mainstream cars as we know them today, the equation changes since most customers would want maximum car for their money.
Image: Tata Nano interior | Photograph: Courtesy Tata Motors
Also read: The VIPs who checked out the Nano
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