Tata Pixel

Expert Review by Maxabout

Tata Pixel, this concept car grabbed a lot of eye balls when Tata showcased it for the first time in India at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012. This car is specially designed for the European market which shows the futuristic approach of Tata. As speculated, the car may also enter our Indian car market next year. In this article, we try to find out what makes this car different than other city cars.

Exterior

This car is based on the same platform of Nano and hence looks quite compact and sporty. Tata has innovatively designed this car which is an indication towards their futuristic designing. It’s a two door hatch with length over three meters only. The concept car at Auto Expo 2012 featured a visually bulky bumper at its front. This bumper also had bulgy wheel arches which gels well with its tyres. The black colored area just above this bumper acts as the bonnet of this car featuring headlights on both sides. These angular headlights look quite appealing and complement the compact look of this car. The long front windshield of this car looks similar to Tata Nano. Move to the side of this car and you will notice the most attractive part of this car. Tata has incorporated scissor doors in this car which gives it a dynamic look and adds premium touch to it. The thick A-pillar comes integrated with ORVMs which makes it look catchy. The up-swept side windows of Pixel look aerodynamic and go well with the styling of this car. The bulgy wheel arches can also be seen at the back. The lower black colored area of its rear bumper complements the color scheme on this car. The rear glass comes with integrated tail lights which are positioned much higher than the regular position.

Interior

The concept version of Pixel had dual tone interiors. The plastic quality inside this car was much better than any other Tata car. The three spoke steering wheel and slim seats look stylish inside. The panoramic roof makes it look up-market and enhances the aura inside. These slim seats allow the passengers to enjoy good amount of knee room at the back. The car is fit for four people and offers optimum amount of shoulder room and head room.

Comfort and Convenience

The production ready version is likely to have comfort features like power windows, keyless entry, AC with heater, MID, power steering and internally adjustable ORVMs. Moreover, the scissor doors make it easy for you to enter/exit this car which further adds to your comfort.

Dashboard and Storage

The dual tone color dashboard of Pixel is likely to feature its instrument console with blue back lit. It will be a digital instrument console. The car is likely to use rich quality of plastic material in its dashboard. There won’t be much storage space in this car and similar to Nano, it’s expected to come with storage space at its front.

Music System

Pixel comes with My Tata Connect, a platform which allows you to connect you smart phones or tablets with the entertainment system of the car.

Engine and Gearbox

Pixel is powered by a new age 3-cylinder 1.2L turbo charged diesel engine. This SOHC engine produces a peak power of 65 bhp at 5250 rpm. The maximum torque output of this 9 valves engine is of 48 Nm which arrives at 3000 rpm. This engine supplies power to the rear wheels of this car similar to its younger sibling, Nano. This engine is mated with infinitely variable transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

Being a light weight machine, the car enjoys an impressive power to weight ratio. This engine uses start stop technology and has low CO2 emissions. The rear wheels effectively supplies power to this car and it feels quite quick and confident at low rpms. The car reaches the speed of 60km/hr from standstill in less than 8 seconds. If pushed hard, it can reach the top speed of 105km/hr which makes it a perfect city car. It’s a very silent motor which feels quite refined and powerful at the same time.

Mileage and Safety Features

The car is expected to return an overall fuel efficiency of around 29km/ltr. Pixel comes with upgraded safety features to meet EU standards. The car comes with side impact beams and ABS for your safety while driving.

Suspension and Brakes

Pixel will be equipped with McPherson Struts at its front while it will feature independent coil spring suspension system at the back. The car is likely to have drum brakes of 180mm at its both ends.

Ride and Handling

Zero turn drive is a key feature in this car which helps it to get a minimum turning radius of 2.6m. The steering and transmission of Pixel work together and help each wheel to turn independently with inputs from its steering wheel. You can easily park this car at tight spaces and it also allows you to move frequently in city traffic. The high ground clearance of 180mm makes sure that no high obstruction on road bothers you. The car has good turning abilities and faces minimal body roll around corners. The ABS helps you to stop this car effectively while its broad tyres try to provide it firm grip of roads. It has a wheelbase of 2230mm which makes it stable at high speeds. The suspension system of this car can also take its weight easily and provide you comfortable journeys.

Shades, Variants and Warranty

Shades, variants and warranty are yet to be disclosed.

Verdict

It’s certainly a futuristic car which looks stylish and comes with a refined and powerful diesel engine. The company is yet to announce if they will launch this car in India. Tata officials have confirmed though that they are planning to introduce the diesel version of Nano in India and if they do so then there are fewer chances that this car will make its way to India. If it’s launched in India in future then we feel it’s certainly going to be a complete value for money car.