The Tata Nano has passed current European front and side impact standard crash tests which were conducted at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) crash test facility in the United Kingdom.

The tests were conducted on July 10 under the supervision of an inspector from Britain’s Vehicle Certification Authority. They were also witnessed by several automotive journalists, including Autocar UK Editor-in-chief Steve Cropley.

The crash tests included a 40 percent offset collision test and a 56 kph frontal impact test, both of which are tougher than the safety standards in the Indian market at present. The driver's airbag inflates as the car bounces away from the block but even though it is lifted into the air, the passenger compartment remains relatively intact. Tata engineers had reinforced the front end of the car to allow it to pass these tests.

These norms will come into force within the country in three years. By that time, Tata expects to have export versions of the Nano ready for sale in Europe.

It also intends to subject the Nano to Euro NCAP testing in the future and is confident of getting a four-star rating.

Tata officials tell Autocar UK that they are “delighted but not surprised” about the Nano’s successful crash tests at MIRA. “We’ve conducted these tests in India already,” said Dr Clive Hickman, Tata’s head of engineering, “so we knew the car would pass. But it’s still a great moment.”

Meanwhile back home, Tata delivered its first Nano to Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai on July 17. The keys to the Nano LX (Lunar Silver) were handed over to Vichare by company chairman Ratan Tata at the company’s dealership, Concorde Motors.