Tata Nano vs Maruti Alto 800 – An Interesting Battle
From the starting time of the launch, the power steering has been the major problem of the Tata Nano. But Tata has been upgrading the vehicle so much and now the recent mechanical upgrade has given the power steering vehicle named, Tata Nano Twist. But from sight itself the Tata Nano twist is easy to be termed as not conventional. It is unusually tall and the rear side has the engine so it is rear wheel drive. But this design concept of the company is due to the minimized design cost and also the idea of expanding the cabin space. So even though the idea is not a very common design, it is very practical and now the power steering is an added advantage. The showroom price of the Tata Nano is 2.37 lakh. But now the comparison is with the Maruti Alto 800 which costs just 3.08 lakh. It has been a traditional vehicle which has three decades of fine tuning of a small hatchback design.
The Interior features
The features of the cabin offered by both cars are poles apart. The Tata Nano is presented with a very unusual layout with centrally mounted console and glove boxes on either side. The new improved center console consists of a brand new speedometer, Led for fuel and temperature readings. The colors have also been improved which helps to lift the cabin ambience. The overall cabin is decent except for some rough edges.
Despite its petite exterior dimensions there is a spacious interior which is able to rival many larger saloons. It manages to be the most spacious hatchback. The seat belts are unusual that they grab your waist as on airplane.
Only very essential needs are covered in Alto 800’s cabin. The seat in Alto is very low due to the low stance of the car so that getting in and out is a bit chore. The front seat of the car is suitable for only short journeys as it lack back and thigh support. In back side it has been concentrated to give more knee space by slimming the front seats but it has cramped more and is very awkward or more than average height persons.
Safety and comfort
The Nano is very compact for a car with its price. It has a CD player which supports USB and AUX inputs. There is a Bluetooth telephony but the pairing of your phone and sharing music is not possible. So its strictly for calls. There is air conditioning and front power windows. There is a computer which shows average fuel consumption and distance to empty. Outside it is featured with front and rear fog lamps and alloy wheels.
In the other hand the Maruti Alto 800 is not well equipped at all. Except the Manual air conditioner and front power windows no other features are present here. There is not even an audio system!
In terms of safety both cars are poor as they lack Airbags and ABS.
Who wins? Alto 800 or Nano Twist?!
Though the Tata nano is fashionable and suitable for the youngsters and also is facilitated with power steering in its later versions.
The powerful engine of Maruti alto 800 makes it entertaining to drive and it does not fall back on open stretches.
So Maruti Alto 800 wins the battle although it is 60000 more in cost.
