The Tata Nano's quest to change its image from "the world's cheapest car" to "the smart city car" is far from finished. The power steering equipped Nano Twist is a move in that right direction and the upcoming Nano Twist Active with functional boot lid and F-Tronic AMT would have enhanced the Nano's city-friendly character.
Motorbash.com's reader Savio Tavadia has spotted a camouflaged prototype of the Tata Nano Twist F-Tronic testing in heavy Pune traffic. The spyshots also show the interiors partially.
The Nano Twist F-Tronic would retain the 624 cc two-cylinder petrol engine that develops 38 PS and 51 Nm of torque. The F-Tronic will come with a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission supplied by Magneti Marelli in place of the current 4-speed manual gearbox.
Visually, the Nano Twist F-Tronic will have smoked headlamps, revised bumpers and a functional hatch door. Inside, a new three-spoke steering wheel (not seen in the test mule) and new dashboard trims will be on offer.
Tata Motors has shut down the Sanand factory for 35-45 days in order to control the inventory of the current variants of the Nano. The extended shut down suggests that the plant will be re-tooled to manufacture the new version once the production resumes.
Showcasing the Tata Nano Twist F-Tronic Concept at the Auto Expo, the company said that the car will enter production soon.
Expected price - INR 2.6 lakh ex-showroom
[Spy images from Motorbash.com]
