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The Nano put through the city grind.

Manu P. Toms

Mumbai, Aug. 7 Despite the claim of maximum speed of 105 km/hour for the Nano, Mr Ashish Balakrishnan, one of the first customers of the car could manage only 80-90 km. Mr Balakrishnan, who is yet to get a driving licence, relies on the opinion of his friends who drove the car for him. They say the mileage they got was 14-15 km/litre against the ARAI-testified claim of 23.6 km/litre.

However, Mr Ashok Vichare, another customer who got his Nano on the same day, is happy with the 22-23 km his car runs on one litre of petrol.

Three weeks after they first hopped into the driving seat of the Nano, the first three customers of Tata’s ‘people’s car’ say they are happy with the vehicle. Their opinions on its fuel economy, speed and comfort may vary but all three have the same first comment: “It is a wonderful car”.

Mr Vichare, the first one to receive the keys to the small car from Mr Ratan Tata on July 17, has already driven his vehicle 450 km. “Excellent pick-up even in first gear,” says Mr Vichare. “Some say the car gives mileage of 26 km on highways. I am getting 22-23 (km) in the city and I am happy,” he said.

“The gear system is not ‘making noise’. The AC is working very well…a smooth car,” Mr Vichare, who takes out his family of five for long weekend drives these days, is all praise for the Nano.

“We took the car from suburban Chembur to Fort in Mumbai city and drove around the Mumbai Port Trust and Marine Drive areas. It was a good experience. But my friends who drove the car say it is not going beyond 80-90 km/hour,” Mr Balakrishnan said.

Mr S.K.Thirani, Chairman of Kores India, manufacturers of stationery products, is pleased with his company-registered Nano. “Very useful car,” says Mr Thirani who has chosen to use the Nano for his daily commuting as he believes “large, flashy cars are out of tune with the present day reality of climate change”.

Kores, which booked for three Nanos is waiting for two more. Mr Thirani wishes that the manufacturers would bring out the vehicle with a trailer for carrying luggage.

Tata Motors has already despatched 2,475 units of Nano to its dealers who will in turn deliver them to select customers. In fact, very few dealers got the Nano last month and that too in small numbers.

A Mumbai-based dealer delivered just two cars last month, but expects to deliver 10-15 units this month. A dealer in Pune said he delivered three units last month and will deliver another 11 by August 15.

More Stories on : Cars | Outlook | New Products & Services | Tata Motors Ltd

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