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Tata Nano Tops European Crash Test

..well, not exactly "tops" but, just as shocking, passed European crash tests for front and side impact conducted by Britain's MIRA. As a result of the crash tests scores, the Nano received the green light from Britain’s Vehicle Certification Authority.

"The purpose of the tests that we are undertaking at MIRA today is to demonstrate that the vehicle structure is appropriate for European legislation," Clive Hickman, Head of Engineering at Tata Motors Limited was quoted as saying by atzonline.com.

The structure is appropriate, but the car isn't. As you may have guessed, the Nano had to be overhauled to achieve these amazing feats: full frontal impact into a solid barrier at 48 kilometres per hour, a static door crush test and the roof crush test.

The modifications brought to the Indian car included the addition of an airbag, the reinforcing of the front longitudinal structure, the addition of a structure to the front of the vehicle behind the bumper and on the firewall, the addition of a structure to the front doors and so on...

To give you an idea on how the European version of the Nano will perform, it's enough to tell you the more "car-like" version will be 15 cm longer and 5 cm wider. It will be equipped with a turbocharged version of the 625 cc 2-cylinder gasoline engine, increasing its power from 36 hp to a heart stopping...56 hp.

As for equipment, the European Nano will feature mirrors, seats, seat belts, steering wheel, glass, lighting and signaling devices, brake components, fuel tank, wheel rims and tires...Just like a normal car...

Tata say they will build the European Nano to receive a four star rating under EuroNCAP testing procedures. So we'll have a five star rated Audi Q5 and the next best (safest) thing: Tata Nano...
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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