ಟಾಟಾ ನ್ಯಾನೋ XTA

An affordable, easy to drive and efficient city hatchback. That is what the Tata Nano XTA is. The GenX Tata Nano is available as an automatic in the XMA and XTA grades, with the latter being the top-end model.

Priced at Rs 3.22 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi as of April 4, 2017), it costs just over Rs 41,000 more than the manual Nano XT and Rs 20,000 more than the Nano XMA. Tata claims the car will deliver a fuel efficiency figure of 21.9kmpl. Combine that with its 24-litre fuel tank, and you are looking at a tank range of around 500km!

However, that can be delivered by the cheaper variant as well, so what does the added cost buy you?

Well, on the outside, the Nano XTA gets body coloured door handles and body coloured wing mirrors. It also gets full wheel covers, roof beading, a roof mounted radio aerial and front fog lamps. Inside, it gets the AmphiStream music system with radio, CD, MP3, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a 4-speaker sound system and brown fabric seat upholstery. Your luggage can be kept away from prying eyes too, since the XTA gets a rear parcel shelf and adding some convenience are front power windows, keyless entry and a 12V charging socket.

While the XM/XMA grades get an air-conditioner, the XTA gets a heater too. A nice touch is the addition of a vanity mirror to the front passenger sun visor. The XTA also features central locking, but unfortunately, despite being the range-topping variant, ABS or airbags are not offered even as an option.

Powering the Tata Nano XTA is a 624cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that makes 38PS of power and 51Nm of torque. The motor comes paired with a 5 speed automated manual transmission and is labelled the EasyShift AMT, much like the Tiago AMT. It comes equipped with a sport mode (S) and manual mode (M), apart from the usual auto (A), neutral (N) and reverse options. Additionally, for bumper to bumper traffic, it gets the creep function, which assists the car in crawling as soon as you lift your foot from the brake pedal, without pressing the accelerator. In an inclined position, this feature helps prevent the car from rolling back too.

While there are alternatives to the Nano AMT like the Kwid AMT or Alto K10 AMT, both are more expensive by a large margin.