Autoesque

Tata dealers in India are now accepting orders for the second-generation Safari. This new SUV is built on the brand’s OMEGARC architecture, which is derived from Land Rover’s D8 monocoque platform. The current Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque are therefore closely related.

As well as a tailgate that now actually opens, Tata has given the heavily-revised Nano a ‘GenX’ prefix.

Engineering services firm Tata Technologies has been displaying its Electric Mobility Electric Vehicle (or eMO EV for short) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The project was a participant in the 2012 Michelin Challenge Design programme, which had the theme ‘City 2046: Art, Life and Ingenuity - Transforming Personal Mobility.’ Entrants were asked to develop a vehicle that could carry between two and ten people, giving consideration to what transport infrastructure and needs might be like in the future. Tata’s solution has been designed to maximise internal space while keeping the exterior dimensions as small as possible. The eMO EV concept - which was engineered with input from teams in India, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States - is a full four-seat car, although there’s no dedicated luggage compartment. Drive to the front wheels is via a pair of electric motors that are fed by an 18.4 kW air-cooled, high density / high energy battery p...

Tata has announced a series of enhancements for its tiny Nano. Changes to the rear-mounted 624 cc petrol engine have resulted in a rise in power from 35 bhp (26 kW / 35 PS) to 37 bhp (28 kW / 38 PS), while torque is up by 3 Nm (2.2 lb/ft) to 51 Nm (37.6 lb/ft). It doesn’t look like performance has been affected much though, as the top speed remains the same at 105 km/h (65 mph). However, probably of more importance to potential Nano owners is the improved efficiency. ARAI cycle fuel economy is now 71.7 mpg (25.4 km/l / 3.9 l/100km), which is up from 66.6 mpg (23.6 km/l / 4.2 l/100km), and carbon dioxide emissions are an impressive 92.7 g/km. The chassis hasn’t been ignored either, and alterations include the fitment of a front anti-roll bar, changes to the steering and retuned suspension settings. Power-assisted brakes have also become standard on all variants, which should be a good thing for active safety. Completing the Nano’s transformation are totally new interiors, ...

Tata’s contribution to the host of concept cars on display at the Geneva International Motor Show is the Pixel, a Nano-based city car designed especially for Europe. Measuring just over three metres (about 9’10”) long, the Pixel’s party piece is its turning circle of just 2.6 metres (8’6”). That’s possible thanks to an acute steering lock on the front wheels, plus what Tata describes as ‘zero turn toroidal traction drive infinitely variable transmission’ - a system that pushes the outer rear wheel forward while moving the inner rear backwards. Like the Nano, the Pixel is a full four-seater. Access to the cabin is via a pair of scissor doors, which look impressive and negate the need for four doors. However, judging by the images, their opening height could cause a few problems in parking garages or multi-storey car parks. Power comes from a 1.2 litre, three-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Rear-mounted, it features stop-start technology and low friction internals for enhanced econo...

The Tata Nano and Ferrari 458 Italia don’t have much in common, but an unfortunate characteristic shared by early versions of both was a willingness to burst into flames. For the Nano, that might partly explain why its sales figures are in freefall. Tata managed to shift 9,000 units in July, but the tiny car found just 509 buyers in November. In such a situation, most manufacturers would resort to a special edition to help boost interest. And sure enough, it’s a tactic that Tata is using with the Nano, except the result is a little, well, unconventional. Produced ostensibly to celebrate the 5,000th anniversary of Indian jewellery, the Goldplus Nano will be gold-plated. It’s named after a Titan Industries jewellery brand which, conveniently, is also part of the Tata Group. Might as well keep things in the family… The design was chosen following a competition, and the Goldplus Nano is expected to be launched in April or May of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

The UK’s Department for Transport has announced the first nine models that will be eligible for its Plug-in Car Grant . Beginning in January 2011, the scheme will see buyers able to claim 25% off the list price (up to a maximum of £5,000) per qualifying vehicle. The government has allocated £43M for the grants up until the end of March 2012, with a review of the programme’s viability beyond that date scheduled for January 2012. The nine are: Manufacturer Model First UK Deliveries Price Mitsubishi i-MiEV January 2011 £23,990 including grant smart fortwo electric drive January 2011 TBC. Available to lease in limited volumes from January 2011 ahead of full series production starting in 2012 Peugeot iOn January 2011 Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month Nissan Leaf March 2011 £23,990 including grant Tata Vista EV March 2011 TBC Citroën CZero Early 2011 Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month Vaux...