Auto Expo 2014: New Tata Nano automatic showcased

On January 13, Autocar Professional had broken the news that the Tata Nano was likely to get an automatic transmission. Three weeks later, Tata Motors unveiled the latest in the Nano's long list of improvements on the Twist model with an opening tail-gate and an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The auto transmission is a four-speed gearbox with the AMT unit sourced from component maker Magneti Marelli. The unit features similar technology to the automatic gearbox seen in the Tata Zest saloon and the Maruti Celerio hatchback. When it goes on sale in 2015, the Nano AMT could be the cheapest automatic transmission-equipped car in the world.

Tata Motors has been working on developing an opening tail-gate since the Nano was launched in 2009 and will be offering this upgrade soon. It is a welcome addition to the Nano as the current method of accessing the small luggage space via the rear seat is quite cumbersome. The opening tailgate, however, increases the overall weight of the Nano by around 70-80kg, which could hit fuel efficiency. However, the fuel tank capacity has been significantly improved at 25 litres and should considerably improve the Nano’s range

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