Speculations, rumours and conjectures have been running high over the past two years over the possibility of the Tata Nano being packed with a diesel engine. The test mules of the Nano diesel have been spotted a number of times in and around South Asia a few times with distinct clatter of the diesel power plant. However, Tata officials have remained tight-lipped about the development, even dismissing the topic by saying that the company “has not envisioned” a diesel-engine equipped Nano. Despite getting no confirmation from the automaker, our sources have confirmed that the Nano Diesel is in fact, under development and will come powered by a brand new 800cc, three-cylinder turbocharged unit. Tata has been reportedly, working with Bosch and Castrol on this front and if everything goes well, we will be able to see the Nano Diesel variant cruising the streets of Nepal by the end of 2020.

There is little to differentiate the upcoming diesel model of Tata Nano from the existing petrol model as both looks largely the same. The front profile of Nano Diesel would be similar to the petrol model but now expected to come with smoked headlamps with black bezel, large circular fog lamps and black smiling grille extending towards the fog lamps. The side profile will flaunts well-designed alloy wheels and a black line running from the A to C-pillar placed above the door handles. It might also get the opening tailgate which will further add to their convenience.

The interior of the Nano Diesel has been carried over from the petrol model so there are a lot of similarities. The dashboard layout looks similar to its petrol counterparts; however, it will get new colours for the upholstery and wooden accents for the central console. The car would offer ample room for four people to sit comfortably with plenty of headroom and legroom to spare. The well-cushioned seats will provide good comfort to its passengers.

However, exact interior details are yet to be revealed but the Nano Diesel might offer EPAS (electric power-assisted steering), LED gauge for fuel, Best-in-class AC, front power windows, keyless remote central locking, music system with Radio, CD, USB, AUX-in and BlueTooth connectivity with 4 speakers and much more. The digital information display would showcase trip meter, instantaneous fuel consumption, distance-to-empty, average fuel, consumption and gear shift indicator.

The power output figures of the new 800cc diesel engine are yet to be confirmed, but the unit is expected to produce 42PS of max power and 70Nm of peak torque. We also hear that a new engine has been made from special alloys so as to reduce the weight and enhance mileage numbers. Rumours suggest, that the Nano Diesel will have an astonishing fuel efficiency of over 30 kmpl. The Nano Diesel injection has been developed by Bosch, while the turbocharged unit has been developed by Honeywell. There is also a word that the Nano Diesel will be offered with AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), which will be a 5-Speed gearbox. The engine and transmission is said to be an evolution of the Ace pick-up truck’s drivetrain. Lastly, it is also reported, that the new diesel-engined variant of the Nano will debut along with a facelifted version of the Nano that will also be incorporated for the petrol variant. This new version will have more features and overall better build quality. When launched in the Indian market, the Nano Diesel will become the least expensive diesel model in the country and will compete with the top-end petrol versions of its rivals.

Power and torque figures might sound less for a car of this size but Tata Motors engineers have smartly kept the weight down which means the power to weight ratio isn’t too bad. Power delivery would be smooth and there would be a good low-end grunt for city driving. The clutch would be light and the gear lever would offer effortless shifts. City driving requires little effort, thanks to the Nano’s tight turning circle. The car would also get an electronic power steering so moving around the city in rush hour traffic would be quite easy. NVH levels might be good as long as you don’t get past the mid-range. Like the petrol model of Nano, it will also get an efficient suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable at all times. Though an upgrade to 12-inch wheels will really add to the car’s handling characteristics.

Mileage is important in this segment and the Nano Diesel is expected to deliver an impressive fuel economy of around 30kmpl. Though the accurate details regarding the efficiency will be revealed once the car hits the market. As far as its braking is concerned, it is expected to get drum brakes at the front and rear like in petrol model of Nano which do the job of shedding speedwell. The safety measure might include Front & Rear Seat Belts, Central High Mount Stop Lamp, Central Locking, Additional Body Reinforcements, Impact Cushioning Crumple Zones, Side Intrusion Beams, Hazard Warning Switch etc.

SOURCE: