Tata Nano Diesel ain’t coming anytime soon, instead how about the Nano CNG

Tata Nano CNG

Bad news first. The Tata Nano Diesel might not see a commercial launch anytime too soon with word emerging from Tata Motors that the diesel variant is at least a year away from a launch. While this would come as a bummer to many a prospective owner of the  Tata Nano Diesel, there’s still some cheer left. Tata Motors has put together a CNG variant of the Nano, and with CNG being much cheaper than petrol could still be a very sensible option for folks who want a very frugal and eco-friendly form of four wheeled personal transport.

Currently though, the Nano CNG is more of a concept that showcases Tata Motors’ growing capability of delivering cars with alternate fuel technology. Even so, the concept could become a reality as it fits right within the strengths of the Tata Nano. Coming to think of it, the Nano is primarily a city car although the cute little runabout would do just as fine on the highways. In most Indian cities, CNG is quickly becoming accessible and hence, a car with CNG will not just be non polluting but also frugal and convenient to run in most big cities, prime potential market for the Nano.

Tata Nano CNG Concept - Technical Specification

Important Key Features of Tata Nano CNG:

• The Nano CNG concept will be a Bi-fuel Car that can run on both petrol as well as CNG.
• The CNG tank has been packaged in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on the luggage space of the Nano.
• The components for the CNG kit have been sourced from world class suppliers.
• The Nano CNG will have a CNG cut off system in case of even a slight leak.
• The Nano CNG will use the highly efficient controlled sequential gas injection kit.
• The Nano CNG’s driver will be able to seamlessly switch between petrol and CNG modes.

Source: ICB

Tata Magic Iris CNG showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo!

Tata Magic Iris CNG Front View

Earlier we reported the scoop of a test mule of the Tata Magic Iris CNG doing the test rounds on the outskirts of Pune. The Tata Magic Iris CNG is now out in the open, as a model showcased by Tata Motors at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo. The Tata Magic Iris CNG comes at a crucial time for Tata Motors, even as Bajaj Auto is lining up its own version of a four wheeled people mover in the form of the RE60, and one which will be also available in CNG guise.

The Tata Magic Iris CNG is not a dual fuel variant and instead will feature a dedicated single cylinder CNG engine that displaces 611cc and produces power-torque figures of 13 Bhp and 37 Nm. The CNG tank in the Magic Iris will have a capacity of 9 Kg and will provide a range of 220 kilometers per tankful. The Magic Iris comes with a hauling capacity of 4 to 5 passengers depending on the variant.

Tata Magic Iris CNG Specification

The Tata Magic Iris appears much more four wheeler like than the Bajaj RE60, which almost looks comical but the fact of the matter is Bajaj Auto is gunning for a 1 lakh rupee price tag for the RE60, a price tag that the Magic Iris would find very difficult to match. Tata Motors, it appears will rely on their experience in four wheeled commercial vehicles to deliver a better product through the Magic Iris, to take on the Bajaj RE60.

Coming to the key differences between the RE60 and the Magic Iris, the Magic Iris has the capacity of seating one more passenger and also has proper sliding windows up front instead of the tiltable units present in the RE60. The on road cost of the Magic Iris in CNG mode is expected to exceed 2 Lakh rupees at the time of its launch.

Tata Magic Iris CNG - Side View

Source: ICB