Nano passes Euro level crash tests

The Nano can now hold its head high in the international arena. The small car passed the 40 per cent offset crash test at 56 kmph and the side-impact tests at the MIRA test facility in Birmingham, UK recently.

The side impact test (96/27/EC), where the car is struck on the side by a mobile trolley at 50 kmph by a deformable barrier, was conducted on July 9. A second test (96/79/EC) subjected the car to a front impact test where the car hits a deformable barrier at 56 kmph with an overlap of 40 per cent.

The Nano model which was put under the tests was the same as the car sold in India and not the Europa, which is to be sold in Europe come 2012. Tata Motors brought down two cars from India for the tests.

Some changes were made to the test vehicle, such as the addition of a driver airbag as well as a strengthened front longitudinal structure, while adding another structure behind the bumper. All of this increased the weight of the vehicle by 18 kg, changes which Tata Motors will incorporate in its European offering.

Chances of passing the European tests is better for a rear engine car like the Nano. And Nano did pass both these tests. These are basic tests done to allow the cars to be sold in Europe. However, these do not give a blanket certificate for the safety of the car.

While Tata’s small car has already fulfilled Indian norms — for which the frontal impact test is conducted at 48 kmph, along with roof crush and side door impact tests — these are slightly different from European norms which are more stringent.

Tata Motors didn’t necessarily need to meet European norms at this point in time, but decided to do so anyway. In the next three years’ time, the safety regulation standards in India are going to be matched with Europe.