At this year’s Geneva Motor Show Indian automaker Tata had a chance to show off the possible – and we hope probable – successor to the Tata Nano, the Tata Megapixel.
Looking at the Megapixel we imagine there are two mantras the diminutive concept lives by: bigger isn’t always better, and size doesn’t matter. The Indian automaker first launched the Tata Nano back in 2009 as one of the smallest and cheapest cars to hit the burgeoning Indian car market. When it was launched, the Nano’s major selling points were that it was cheap and it was small. The Megapixel aims to be no different — although when and if Tata will be able to achieve that with the new model remains to be seen.
As far as looks go, Tata has hit the mark dead center. Offering a high-res design at what we anticipate to be a low-res cost, the Megapixel packs a lot of style into its tiny frame. The car features a snappy design language, aggressive lines throughout the side of its frame, and a set of doubling sliding doors similar to those found on mini-vans — giving the tiny Tata a surprisingly roomy look.
The Megapixel measures in at a micro-sized 138 inches with power delivered electrically via 13kW lithium-ion battery to each wheel, giving the Megapixel and impressive turn radius of nine-feet and an electric range of roughly 54 miles.
In addition to the 369 pound-feet of torque producing wheel-mounted electric motors, the Megapixel’s also incorporates a 325cc single-cylinder gasoline engine that can increase the cars overall range.
Back in 2011, Tata unveiled the Megapixel’s predecessor, the Tata Pixel. The car was based upon the Nano Europa concept which was first shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. For the Europa concept, the Nano underwent a few upgrades to bring it up to snuff with EU safety and emission standards — however it has yet to go on sale.
While simply a concept, Tata’s Megapixel may give us a good indication of how the ambitious Indian automaker is looking to build upon the brands image and design as well as expanding the cars availability and presence outside of its home country. No doubt Tata will be hoping the automotive world will be able to capture a clearer picture of what the Indian automaker has to offer.
