Tata says its exploring turbocharged Nano, targets 'passionate car lovers' - Report

Would enhance the Nano's brand image if launched.

Speaking to Autocar Professional, Girish Wagh, senior VP (Programme Planning & Project Management), Tata Motors, said that the company was continuing to explore a turbocharged version of the Tata Nano. A turbocharged Nano has long been on the rumor mills, though Tata is yet to confirm if it will put one into production.

Mr. Wagh says that such a variant would give a "more sporty inclination" to the brand, at a time when Tata is trying to change the perception of the Nano being a "cheap" car. The recently introduced GenX Nano gets features like an AMT and a functional bootlid, positioning it as a smart, urban runabout.

However, a turbocharged Nano may not drastically increase sales of the small car, which sold an average of 1,728 units/month over the last 6 months. Instead, Tata would expect this variant to have a "positive rub-off" on the Nano brand, and appeal to "passionate car lovers", the official said.

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If launched, the Nano would be the most affordable turbocharged passenger car in the country. It is already the most affordable automatic car in India, with the GenX Nano XMA AMT priced at INR 2.69 lakhs, ex-Showroom, New Delhi, a full INR 1.26 lakhs cheaper than the Maruti Alto K10 AMT.

[Source - AutocarPro]