Tata Nano to get a 3-Cylinder engine in the future!

Tata Motors is planning to launch the Nano with a 3-cylinder engine in the future. The Nano will also get larger tyres and wheels in its 3-cylinder avatar.

“We have variants coming out with a three-cylinder engine developing 60bhp or 80bhp and we will also give the Nano larger tyres and wheels,” Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors was quoted as saying by the Autocar India.

However, he quickly added that the new Nano (with 3-cylinder engines) won’t be coming out very soon but the company intends to get them out (of factory) as fast as possible. Ratan Tata also stated that there’s a whole customer base of women who buy Nanos and hence Tata Motors will focus on this segment.

Tata Motors did have a 1-litre, 3-cylinder diesel motor on display at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The company specified that this engine puts out 64 bhp of power and 140 Nm of torque. The 3-cylinder engine was found in the Manza Hybrid as well. However, it is yet to be known whether Tata is planning to offer this engine in the upcoming Nano.

On November 21^st 2011, Tata Motors launched the 2012 Nano with improved fuel efficiency (25 kmpl), drivability, ride quality and some new features. There were no changes in the price of the 2012 Nano despite the upgrades offered. The Nano is offered in three variants, Standard, CX and LX. The Nano is priced in the range of Rs. 1.40 lakh – 1.96 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

The sales of the Nano have been consistent over the last few months. During November 2011 – January 2012, the company managed to sell 21,590 units at an average of 7,196 units per month.

Tata Motors may wait for the Nano to develop a strong foothold in the market and then launch the new Nano with 3-cylinder engine (hopefully by next year). Do you think a Nano with more a powerful engine and larger tyres will appeal to buyers?