Reference Auto

When the Nano was first showcased, Tata Motors managed to make it the cynosure of all eyes across the world, and with the hype still to wane, Tata Motors is cashing in on the Nano brand, unveiling its look-alike, the Tata Pixel, at the Geneva Auto Show.

The Tata Pixel, based on the Tata Nano, has a length of just a tad over three metres. Tata Motors claims it is the most package-efficient four-seater in the world.

The Pixel comes in the wake of an aborted attempt by the Tatas to woo European customers with the Nano Europa, a bulkier, but an upmarket Nano (compared to the Indian model) that was unveiled in Europe in 2009.

“Tata Motors strongly believes that there is an opportunity in Europe for a city car which is optimal in space and is high on manoeuvrability as well as environment-friendliness. The Tata Pixel reflects Tata Motors’ idea of what exactly such a car should be,” Tata Motors managing director and Group CEO Carl-Peter Forster said.

The Tata Pixel’s ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is a highlight of the car. It has been made possible owing to its zero turn toroidal traction-drive infinitely variable transmission (IVT), which aids in rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards, while the front wheels have the ability to turn at acute angles, the company said in a statement.

The Pixel is propelled by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine which is at the rear of the vehicle. The engine comes with a low-friction design, has variable coolant, oil pump and rapid warm-up technologies.

The car comes with optimised aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres and stop-start technology. The Tata Pixel has European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 l/100km and CO2 emissions of only 89g/km.

The Tata Pixel will have an unusual user interface based on the iPad. There will be no buttons and knobs. All controls can be accessed via a user-friendly touch screen.

The auto company is keen to make a big splash in the electrical vehicles or EV space as the current Indian Budget is providing sops to such vehicles. This would bring about a greater awareness and fondness for EVs and also spur sales.

At the Geneva Auto Show, Tata Motors is also displaying the Tata Indica Vista Electric Vehicle. The Tata Indica Vista EV will cater to European customers initially and be available in the UK this summer.

Ratan Tata hasn’t ruled out bringing the Tata Pixel to India, but the move is unlikely in the short term.

Tata Motors has been battered by the recent slew of fire incidents of the Nano, the latest being today itself. So, if it wants to sell the Pixel in the western markets, it would have to offer something different in terms of design, and more importantly, quality.

The Tata Pixel indeed has a futuristic look and if it can fulfill quality requirements as per European standards, it will surely make a lasting impression in the continent and could bring in substantial earnings to Tata Motors, just like the Nano did.