Long Term Review - Final

It has been close to six months since the GenX Nano AMT joined our fleet. And it has been a journey of ups and downs for what is India’s smallest car by footprint.

For starters, the new Nano impresses with the improvement in the quality of its interiors. The design – in terms of practical stowage spaces – could be better, no doubt. But, the operability of the switches (the wiper and light stalks in particular) sees a big improvement. And these didn’t show any signs of losing their tactile feel over time. The steering looks and feels nice to hold, the seats are large and comfy, and there’s better sound deadening inside the cabin as well.

Another plus for the new Nano is its easy-to-drive nature. Now, we would have liked better visibility from the A-pillar in particular, but otherwise, the high seating, the useable mirrors and the tight turning circle make the Nano as easy to live with in the city as preparing a jam sandwich. It’s the least stress-free lunch one can pack for their kids.

Speaking of ease of driving, the AMT or the automated manual on the Nano is a boon as well. It’s not meant for those looking for quick overtakes and it takes a cheat code (which you can read about HERE) to actually make it happen, but for those looking for rush-hour traffic battles every day, the AMT is bliss. It helps deliver manual like fuel efficiency and apart from a bit of jerkiness, it’s as convenient as an automatic.

What the GenX Nano now needs is better brakes. And possibly little more ‘go’ from the engine with the road infrastructure now improving and average speeds even inside cities going up. As for brakes, drums just don’t work. The Nano isn’t feather light anymore, and more weight brings higher momentum with it. And higher momentum needs brakes with sharper biting power. Not to mention, better feel and progression on the larger pedal. All of which is uncomfortably missing on the current Nano.

Also, here’s what we would like to see on the next version of the Nano. Cup and bottle holders. Rake adjustable steering. Disc brakes. And of course, more power and torque. We would also like larger wheels and slightly lower ground clearance to improve the car’s stance.

As for those of you looking at the Nano with keen interest, we have been satisfied with the GenX Nano AMT. It has its shortcomings, sure, but as a city car, it works well. Should you buy one, then? We would have to say yes to that.

Things we liked

Ease of driving

Space utilisation

Improvement in quality

Things we disliked

Braking

No cup or bottle holders

Small wheels

Tata GenX Nano AMT Long Term Review - 1

Tata GenX Nano AMT Long Term Review - 2

Tata GenX Nano AMT Long Term Review - 3

Photos: Kapil Anagane