Tata Motors had launched the Nano hatchback as the 'world’s cheapest car' in 2009. After receiving initial success, the Nano sales started decreasing. Now, a report published in Business Standard claims that the company is planning to introduce an all new model based on the Nano, which will be positioned above the existing Nano. Tata Motors invested heavily in its Sanand manufacturing unit in Gujarat, and now the maker wishes to utilise the production capacity of the facility by producing the new entry-level hatchback.
Codenamed as Pelican, the new model will be based on the Tata Nano platform. It will compete against the likes of Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon. The new model is expected to be priced around Rs. 1 lakh more than the Nano, and will be powered by the newly developed 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine. The new sub-compact car is also likely to get new two-cylinder 800cc diesel engine, which was planned for the Nano hatchback. However, the company is yet to reveal the exact details about the car.
As mentioned above, the Pelican will be position above the Nano and is likely to be priced in the range of Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh. The small car will be launched in the Indian car market by the end of 2016. The current Nano hatchback is propelled by a 624cc, 2-cylinder petrol engine that is good for 38PS and 51Nm of top torque.
