Exclusive: Tata Nano 800cc caught on test!

The first bit of news about the 800cc petrol engine powered Tata Nano surfaced a few weeks back when Mr Ratan Tata confirmed that an upgrade / refresh was being planned for the Nano. Well, it is more than just a mere facelift – there is a CNG version in the works, along with the much awaited diesel engine and ofcourse, an 800cc version that will go head-on against the Hyundai Eon and the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Alto 800.

Let us talk about the 800cc Nano for now. One of our close friends and OnCars follower, Rishi, has brought us exclusive footage of the Nano 800 being tested on some country roads in Maharashtra. 

How do we know it’s the Nano 800? 

Well, to begin with, the test car that you see here has been strapped on with a lot of data logging equipment. We spoke to some people in the know and they confirmed that this equipment was being used to measure quite a few data points – but the most significant ones being tyre data; pressure and forces at the wheels, suspension activity etc. This was being done for two reasons – the first being the tyre size, which is up by an inch as compared to the current Nano and the second being the new 800cc engine which is heavier in nature and therefore commands a new suspension setup. We are also told that the track is slightly wider on the Nano 800. The new 800cc engine is also more refined, but so is the new 624cc engine in the 2013 model that we caught on test a few days back. 

When is it expected?

We are being told that the Nano 800 is expected to be production ready by late 2013 or early 2014. It is also expected to wear a new face – but more on that later. So stay tuned!