Tata Nano Twist vs. Maruti Alto 800 – A relative study from Autoportal’s desk

Following widespread criticisms on the ‘world’s cheapest car’ Nano, Tata Motors have now come up with a new model- the Nano Twist. The company has overcome all the shortcomings of the earlier Nano model with an improved engine and has also added many new features in the Twist. The Twist, with a624cc 2-cylinder MPFI engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission gearbox, produces a power of 37.4 bhp at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 51 Nm at 4000 rpm. However, the introduction of power steering and open-able rear door is the most notable change. The steeringalso gets an Active-Return feature which allows the steering to return to its original position, once the turn has been completed. Although the overall design looks very unconventional from outside, this design lends in more interior space. The seats are high positioned and there is ample leg room. The instrument cluster is modified and it shows many interesting facts.There are two glove boxes, one on either side of the central instrument console. A music system with speakers, Aux/USB and Bluetooth connectivity adds to the fun.

Coming to Maruti Alto 800, it surely is a smart make-over from the standard Alto. The overall design is very catchy with sharp and round edges. A 3-cylinder, 0.8 litre, 796cc engine coupled with 5-speed transmission gearbox, which has the capacity to produce 48 PS of power and a peak torque of 69 NM, rides the Alto 800. It also has a CNG option. The Alto 800 has much stronger engine and better suspension systems which offer improved ride quality and driving experience over the Nano Twist. The Alto 800 can go up to 100 kmph faster than the Nano Twist on the highways.However it seems to lose out to the Nano Twist in terms of interior cabin space and comfort features. The Maruti Alto 800 retains a very basic interior cabin and the car has an unusually low stance which makes getting in and out pretty difficult. Thigh support is inadequate here and the leg room is also lesser compared to its rival. Alto 800 has no other comfort features except for a manual air conditioner and front power windows. Nevertheless the boot space is more in Alto 800. Both vehicles do not possess airbags or ABS and thus lacks in terms of overall safety.

Pricing plays an important role in the entry level segment specially, as this is mainly the sector of first-time car buyers. A difference of a few thousand rupees does really matter them. Nano costs around Rs 2.6 lakhs, while Alto 800 is slightly pricier at around Rs 3.2 lakhs.   Autoportal  | Autoportal India