Tata Pixel Concept will enter production, coming to Europe
By Andrew, 16 Mar, 2011. 0 Comments
Tata Pixel Concept
Instead of launching the Nano Europa in Europe, Tata Motors will be releasing a production version of its Pixel concept car. Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, the Pixel is a stylish, two-door version of the Nano that Tata describes as “the most package-efficient four-seater in the world.” The Pixel is equipped with Tata’s own ultra-compact 1.2-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine, which delivers about 60bhp and is mounted under the rear seats, powering the back wheels via a five-speed gearbox. According to group chairman Ratan Tata, the car will partly replace the previously proposed Nano Europa, as soon as its concept-only swing doors are swapped with two conventional doors and when the engineering of instrumentation and controls is completed.
At only three meters long, the car is about 250mm shorter than the compact Nano. Nevertheless, the car is a full four-seater. It is expected to weigh about 750kg in European trim and have CO2 emissions of under 100g/km of CO2. Tata said that it’s likely too that the company will launch a four-door Pixel that has similar styling but is built on the original Nano wheelbase. Tata Motors improved the handling of both models and also reduced the noise by making chassis modifications.
Ratan Tata admitted that start-up sales had been slower than initial expectations but he denied that there were any difficulties with the Indian production of the Nano. He explained that the Nano is “a different kind of car,” since it is meant to replace motorcycles in India. That is why its marketing is different, especially in rural areas where potential consumers are new to cars. He said that the company has already made adjustments to its marketing plans. [via Autocar]
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