Stormforge

Small but safe: Tata’s Nano meets Euro crash test standard
By Justin Couture

The world’s cheapest automobile is now one step closer to conquering Europe, North America and the rest of the world. This morning, British magazine Autocar is reporting that the Tata Nano meets the European New Car Assessment Program’s (EuroNCAP) front and side crash tests standards.

Since its unveiling, the fascinating pint-sized machine has come under scrutiny for safety due to its low cost (US$2,500), general lack of safety equipment. There’s also the issue that it’s currently only sold in India, a country whose crash test standards are considerably more lax than those of North America.

However, the results have spoken: when equipped with airbags, it performs respectably. The crash test was conducted at 56 km/h against a deformable metal barrier with a 40 per cent offset, a test that’s significantly more stringent than those set by the U.S. Government.

Part of the Nano’s success is due to its unconventional layout, which features a rear-mounted engine. Without an engine, and transmission wedged under its hood, the Nano is better able to absorb the energy from a crash, compared to an equivalently-sized front-engine vehicle.

Currently, Tata is working on a second-generation Nano which is being considered for sale in Europe and North America. Previewed by the Nano Europa concept, it will boast a more powerful three-cylinder engine, a five-speed automatic, ABS brakes, airbags and stability control, plus all the amenities North American consumers have come to expect. It could go on sale in North America as early as 2011.

link: http://blogs.carpoint.ca/2009/07/sma...-standard.html

jracerlmn

it'll still fail against any of our powerhouse SUVs that we love here in the US.

Tahoe vs Tata = Tahoe vs metal scraps

LexFather

And thats why it will be double the cost when its sold outside of India.

IS-SV

It's safer than the moped/scooter/motorcycle that it often replaces in India.

dunnojack

i can tip that car over with my finger.

look at that thing. tall, narrow, and small wheels. center of gravity must be at the roof...

Faymester

I was actually thinking of it against the Rover (which is now even in the same company). Did anyone think of pitting those two?

Stormforge

but you have to admit it's got a great name - how often can you say "i'd love to get my hands on a pair of tatas"

-J-P-L-

It's all relative. An 18-wheeler vs a Tahoe = 18 wheeler vs scrap metal.
There's always something bigger. A 747 could fall out of the sky and turn the 18-wheeler into scrap metal.

True. This is a huge step forward in safety for millions of people in India.

And the pics above seem to be the new Euro version with the "big" wheels.
Below is how they sell it in India. A John Deer has bigger and beefier wheels/tires, lol.

Zinda

iTrader: (1)

I don't trust made(or designed) in India products!

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

remember how the smart car got launched after colliding with a larger vehicle? Yea its kinda like that

LexFather

Very catchy!!

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

nice speed bump.