As we reported earlier that Tata is going to introduce a new variant of its small hatchback Nano with this New Year. This new variant is named as Tata Nano Twist XT variant (placed as the top-most variant in Nano line-up) and company has launched it on 13th January 2014. Though, new Twist variant gets only a single change and that is its newly equipped power-assisted steering wheel.
While the ongoing top-end LX variant of Nano costs around 2.23 lakhs, the price of Nano Twist XT is Rs. 9,000 more than LX variant. This new top variant is launched with the price tag of 2.32 lakhs.
Engine details:
Reportedly, the Nano Twist XT is not getting any mechanical changes. It will continue with the same 624cc, 0.6 liter petrol engine mated to manual transmission and churns out the max power of 37.5bhp@ 5500rpm and 51Nm@ 4000rpm of peak torque. Also the offered ARAI certified by this variant would be same too i.e. 25 km/l.
Space & Dimension:
The four seater Nano is 3099mm in length, 1495mm in width and 1652mm in height and also carries the wheelbase of 2230mm, boot space of 80 liters (500 liters on folding the rear seats) and ground clearance of 180mm.
Interior & Exterior:
While this new variant would share the entire equipments from its predecessor, a new power steering is also being introduced in this which is the only new equipment in Nano Twist. This power steering unit is designed by the German automotive component manufacturer, ZF Friedrichshafen AG and the reason behind this new equipment is to provide the car better handling as well as driving. This new electric power steering unit gets a ‘brushless’ motor and also has an active ‘Return Feature’ which helps the wheel to return to the center after taking any turn on road and company is claiming that this is the unique technology (in same segment) which has been introduced very first time with this Tata Nano Twist.
Road handling:
The ongoing Nano is performing well, and because of the reason of no mechanical changes in upcoming Twist variant, we could expect the same drivability and proper road handling in this too. Though, the handling and driving would definitely get chances to improve due to this electric steering.
Verdict:
When Tata introduced the hatchback Nano at very first time, the expectation of huge sales were there, but unfortunately Nano couldn’t perform well as set expectations in terms of sales in India. As a result, company planned to launch its new variants to hike the sales of this small car. After the launch of Nano emax (bi-fuel version), now Tata has again hit the market with a new and hopefully better ‘Twist’.
