Sketch # 13 – Tata Nano

Sushil — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:01:29 +0000

: Tata Nano

Back to only pencil for a change.

Running Costs – Nano Vs Competition

Sushil — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:29:37 +0000

: age via Wikipedia

I came across an article in Money Today that talked about the running costs of the Tata Nano compared to the Maruti 800, the Santro and the Swift. It was a very interesting read especially since I was wanting to put up a running cost calculator of my own on this website. I felt a better comparison would be of the Tata Nano with the Maruti Suzuki 800, the Maruti Suzuki Alto, the Maruti Suzuki Omni, the base Hyundai Santro and the Tata Indica Xeta GL. These are the 5 cheapest vehicles currently available. I feel there is no point comparing it with the Swift. The only true comparison is with the M800. The others are much costlier.

I have used Chennai prices as my reference. Insurance values come from Carwale.com. For registration and life tax have used a standard 8%. I have used a different way to calculate costs and have added some parameters as well. Of course most of the parameters may need to be tweaked for actual use but hope this gives an idea.

Please click on the below image to view the comparison chart.

For 3 years the Nano has the lowest running cost with the 800 close behind. The Alto and the Omni are very similarly priced while the Santro and Xeta are also similarly positioned.

Of course the maintenance costs of the Tata Nano still need to be seen. Hope the quality of the finished vehicle will be decent enough.

Am still working on an online running cost calculator. Will add it in when I am done with it. Till then do let me know your comments on this comparison. If you feel like you could also play with the excel I used to create it runningcostcalculator.

Accessorizing The Nano

Sushil — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:37:04 +0000

If you are planning to buy a Tata Nano and want help deciding how to accessorize it-read on…

A lot depends on the trim level you plan to buy. If you go in for the base version, you spend less on the car upfront and have money to spare to accessorize. You could also go in for a middle-of-the-road variant as well and accessorize accordingly. If you can afford the top of the line variant and still are not satisfied with the accessories, you may want to look at a costlier car .

The 3 variants details known as of now are (Source: MotorBeam.com, Vicky.in):

: Image via Wikipedia

Base ( On Road Price Approx: Rs. 1,10,000)

CX(Adds the following on the Base)( On Road Price Approx: Rs. 1,30,000)

Hopefully the CX gets body colored bumpers.

LX (Along with the features of Base CX Adds the following)( On Road Price Approx: Rs. 1,60,000)

You have to define your vehicle budget as the first step. Based on that you

: Image via Wikipedia

can determine what you need to or what you can add on as an accessory. Also decide if you have that sum all at once or if you need to spread it over a period of time.
For an all-at-once deal you could either spend it all on ICE and interiors, exteriors or on performance options or on a mix of it all. For a bit at a time you may want to do the exterior at one time, interior at another etc.

Factory installed options (must do at booking time):
The stop start technology is a must have in addition to getting a diesel if this is at all given as a factory option. This would improve mileage by a great deal. As of now only the petrol’s will be launched.

Must have exterior list:
Get exterior rear-view mirrors to make sure you are aware of what traffic is there outside. A single one shouldn’t cost more than Rs. 500. (Required on all models from Base upwards)

Must have interior:
Music system and a set of 4 speakers. This on a minimum would cost you around Rs. 8, 000.

Optional Interior List:
Installing the power windows and central locking also are options to consider but best done at the dealer to ensure the warranty is not voided. Cost around Rs: 5,000. ( You may need this for all models other than the LX)
If you want a superior experience you could get a music system head unit which takes in USB/aux inputs,play a variety of streaming formats and with a higher power output.
Am not sure where a sub-woofer can be placed but that too can be added for aroundRs. 7, 000.
Seat covers for around Rs. 2, 500 . If you are up to it – you could upholster the entire interiors with leather or change the colors to beige.

: Image via Wikipedia

For the dashboard you could get trim that mimics carbon fibre, chrome or wood. Just take care that the dash trim matches the seats etc.
A gear knob replacement could also be added.Cost around Rs. 200.
Steering wheel covers cost around Rs. 300.
Replacement steering wheels cost anywhere from Rs. 500 upwards.
If it is legal in your state sun film for around Rs. 2, 500 .
Under body rust protection for Rs. 1, 800 .

Optional Exteriors:
The easiest way to improve looks is to add alloy wheels. This shouldn’t cost more than Rs. 10, 000 for a standard rim size using OEM tyres.

: Image by mr_blue_donvia Flickr

Up-sizing/wider and lower profile/tubeless tyres will cost extra.
If alloys are out of your budget try adding wheel covers. There are some

versions that are very tastefully done and look nice costing not more than Rs. 2,000 for a full set.
If your vehicle comes with grey bumpers, door handles and mirrors, it makes sense to get them painted body color at the dealer itself. If you do it later, there will be a difference in the paint color. A contrast color may be an option to think about. Just think of the Scorpio and Bolero two-tone paint scheme. Cost of painting shouldn’t exceed Rs. 3, 000. ( A good to have for making the Base version look much better)
Another easy to do up the exterior is to wrap your car with custom designed vinyl. Costs shouldn’t be more than Rs. 3, 000 for the car for portions of doors, bonnet , roof and rear.
The under body kits and spoilers may be a bit over the top but if attention is what you want this with good alloys and a vinyl job will make sure it stands out in a crowd of Nanos.

: Image by themullett via Flickr

Just a rear roof spoiler costs around Rs. 3, 000 while the full kit could run in several tens of thousands.

Performance:
Seriously there isn’t much one can do to make the basic low cubic capacity 600 cc engine into a speed machine other than replacing the engine with something from a more powerful car. However not too many engines would fit under the rear bench seats of the Nano.
Less radical options include going in for a stock replacement air filter or for a sports exhaust system. These give a small performance boost and can be done for around Rs. 6, 000.

Sample Accessories Package A (Mix of interior, exterior and music):

Alloys: Rs. 10,000
Seat Covers: Rs. 2,500
Music System: Rs. 10,000
Body Colored Bumper: Rs. 3,000
Total Accessories: Rs. 25,500

Sample Accessories Package B ( Exteriors):
Alloys: Rs. 20,000
Roof Spoiler & Body Kit : Rs. 20,000
Vinyl Stickering: Rs. 3,000
Sun Film: Rs. 2,500
Body Colored Bumpers: Rs. 3,000
Total: Rs. 48,500

Sample Accessories Package C ( Interiors):
Seat Covers: Rs. 2,500
Dashboard Trim: Rs. 2,000
Gear Knob: Rs. 500
Steering Wheel: Rs. 500
Power windows: Rs. 5,000
Music System With Sub: Rs. 20,000
LCD Display: Rs. 10,000
Total: Rs. 40,500

Letme know through the comments, if I have missed out any points. If you have links to additional information also please do share.

Zimbly Cars » Tata Nano

Sketch # 13 – Tata Nano

Running Costs – Nano Vs Competition

Accessorizing The Nano