The best looking modified Tata Nano GenX : Megapixel edition

by admin | November 09, 2020

Tastefully Modified Tata Nano Megapixel Edition

Hello everyone! Y'all may have seen the videos on my 2017 Nano GenX XT. “He” has been a gem of a companion for all of my trips and travels. Fuel costs have been just around? 1600 per month. Mind you he has run more than 33,000kms now without any squeaks or rattles.

Here's my initial 21,000km review of my stock Gen X Nano from 2019:

After running purely in stock condition for 3 years, in 2020 I decided to get my Nano modified to my unique taste. The lockdown meant that I had a lot of free time too. Here's a detailed summary of my Nano’s transformation.

Buckle up for the journey folks!

I have always been fascinated by the Megapixel concept by Tata motors. Tata was planning an improved “Pelican” (1000cc engine) version of the Nano based on this concept. The GenX was a preview of this model and sported a lot of design elements seen on this concept. So I started to plan on my modifications phase by phase.

First, I bought a red Nano scale model and worked on the body decals. I previously had tried doing Photoshop renderings which looked rather good and made me seriously think of implementing this project. Since the Gen X design was already 70% based on the Megapixel concept, I decided to complete the look.

Phase 1:

90/100 Osram headlamp bulbs
VW type trumpet horn (Hella)
White LED cabin light
Seat covers with improved driver seat comfort
Interior ambient red lighting.

I thought I’d start with the essentials first. After some research, I got to know about the Nano zone, a rather small car modification shop near Lakshmi Mills in Coimbatore. So after enquiring details, I first got the horn and headlamps done. He suggested Osram 90/100 H4 bulbs and Hella trumpet (VW type) horn. Both were fitted with separate relays and the work was done by his boys up to good perfection. So after a few days, I left the car with him for 2 days to get the seat covers and ambient lighting done. I had thought of a custom design for the seat cover keeping in mind the interior theme colors and asked him to get it done. As the driver seat was not providing enough support for my long thighs, I thought of extending the seat base as well. He said it can be easily done, and yes indeed! Everything was done to superb perfection and the workmanship was great. Some extra foam had to be designed to extend the base, that’s all. All this was done for just around? 8750. Till date, the seat is very comfortable and can keep me fatigue-free on any long drive. Satisfied with the work, I started planning the next major works.

I have detailed the first phase of modifications in my Nano’s second 30,000km update review on our Youtube channel.

Phase 2:

As I was already planning for the Megapixel mods since the start of this year, I came across a few Nano images in Sri Lanka, which was running on 13” alloys from the Renault Kwid. So I too decided to get it done. However since I didn’t have the budget for alloys, I was trying to source some used Steel rims of the Kwid. Sadly, no luck. I tried asking the service centers but they too didn’t have 5 rims. At that time in February, a good friend helped me out in sourcing 5 Steel rims in Chennai.

In the month of June, I had ordered a rear fog lamp assembly unit for my Nano from Boodmo. All GenX Nanos have this empty slot on the rear bumper which would perfectly fit the OEM rear fog lamp offered on the Zest, Nexon, Altroz, and even the original Nano LX. Did it cost me just around? 500 was a perfect fit in that slot. I asked the Nano Zone guys to make it work in tandem with the brake lights. Till date, it works perfectly.

Upgrading wheels:

The wheels were received on 22nd June by paying a transport charge of? 500. Meanwhile, I had enquired about the cheap and best tire brands for 13-inch wheels, shortlisting CEAT, and Firestone. Did Firestone seem the cheapest? 2600 per tire whereas a CEAT would cost? 2750. After considering the fact that Firestone indeed was owned by Bridgestone and is the OEM tire offered on the Jeep compass, I decided to go ahead with it. However, after a couple of days when I went to get the new wheels fitted, Firestone was out of stock. I had to go ahead with CEAT, with a bargain of? 2700 per tire.

The larger wheels and 155/65 R13 tires were a perfect fit on the hubs. However, I had to remove the front mud flaps as they were rubbing on the tires every time I turned the wheel. Since there were only 4 tires in stock, I had to return a couple of days later for the spare tire. Every Nano owner, including the Nano Zone shop owner, warned me that the 13” tire wound never fit in the small bonnet of the Nano. However, it was an easy cakewalk. The new spare tire was fitted to the new wheel and in no time was inside the bonnet of the Nano. The old tires were almost worn out and were given as exchange for? 700 only.

Fitting these larger wheels drastically improved the feel of the Nano. Here are the observations after a few days running:

Road noise is non-existent
Ground clearance increased by 15mm approx
Grip is excellent
Braking feels improved, although needs slightly more effort.
Ride quality significantly improved
Feels confident at higher speeds

On the flip side, there were a few down points:

Increased body roll
Front mud flaps can’t be fitted
Fuel economy reduced by approx 0.2kmpl
Speedo error of -3kmph

Overall, I was happy with the modification and so was my mother. I sold and couriered the stock 12” rims and wheel covers to another Nano owner in Bangalore for? 3550 including shipping. (The courier service idea was a mistake as the transport charge itself was 70% of the total cost of the wheels) The next thing the Nano needed was good looking wheel covers. However, I wasn’t able to find the right design suitable for my future modifications.

I asked the Nano Zone owner to help get the right design. One of the available designs from PRIGAN seemed to impress me. Though it was a plain design, it seemed ideal for the re-design I had in mind. So I started working on a custom design based on the plain one.

This was the custom redesign I had rendered.

Since repainting was not a good idea on the plastic surface as suggested by the Nano Zone owner, I asked him to do it using stickers. Gloss black and red reflectors were used to create this design and after a couple of days, on the 1st of July I got them ready my Nano was ready to cruise.

These custom wheel covers cost me? 1000. Impressive?

I also got the Probus mobile holder for Rs.650 from Amazon and did some DIY to get that stuck on the steering column panel. It doesn’t hamper road visibility and also works like a jugaad version of the Digital cluster navigation screens seen on premium cars.

Phase 3:

I was planning on a few exterior modifications:

LED DRLs with 3 way switch
Black roof and door sills
Megapixel front makeover
Dashboard leather wrap
Flip key

I don’t prefer overtly flashy modifications, however, I wanted to have unique looking LEDs.

With black roofs being the trend, I wanted to get that done as well along with black on the running board door sills.

I was never a big fan of the thin French mustache of the stock Gen X, so decided to give it a larger, grille-like cohesive look as seen on the Megapixel concept.

A Nano club member had wrapped the gloveboxes in tan leather. I loved the idea and wanted to get something done on my Nano, but in line with the interior color theme. I decided to get red and black again.

I still had the stock key with the separate central locking buttons dangling on the rings. I wanted the keys to match the modifications carried out. So decided to get flip keys similar to other Tata cars.

On 10th August I decided to get the LEDs done. Initially, I had planned the LEDs in the lines of the Nano Europa concept, but that seemed too simple. So after a lot of head-scratching, based on the suggestion of Mr. Nano Zone, I finalized this Feline-eye design. Nano Zone has some good quality options of flexible LED DRLs and the Cyan Blue seemed very cool and unique to me. So finalized on that.

I wanted these LEDs and the ambient red lighting to be connected to a 3-way switch:

The first point will keep them always ON irrespective of locking the car.
The second point is the total OFF position.
The third point is connected to the Nano’s central locking and doors and they work like follow me lights. Unlocking the car/opening the door turns them on and locking the car/starting the engine turns them off. Since they are connected to the interior cabin lamp, they too have a theatre dimming function which looks absolutely cool! I loved it!

The work quality and fitment were genuine and the end result was simply WOW! No matter where we go, they make a statement and turn heads. Here are some glimpses:

The next thing in line was the black detailing. I left the car with them the whole day of 13th August and took delivery in the evening. The work was again impressive and the Nano started to look more mature and sporty.

The gloveboxes and the speakers had to be removed from the dashboard to get the wrapping done. So had to drive without music and storage boxes for 2 days. On the final day when the boxes were ready, I decided to get the flip keys done. Left the car with them on the 20th morning and got the keys done by evening. Since the gloveboxes needed a bit more time, I got them fitted the next day afternoon. Though there is a bit of misalignment with the stitching line of the wrap and the gloveboxes take a bit more effort than before to open and close, the overall look is very premium and modern. Additionally, I also got noodle mats for the floor.

All this cost me a total? 7700 which is quite an impressive bargain.

After getting all these done, I made a teaser video of my Nano Megapixel edition for our channel and followers

By the second week of September, I decided to finish the mods and left my Nano at Nano Zone. I had to be with them to direct them with the cutting and shaping since it was not an easy design, to begin with. The badges on the boot were removed and the work was started. The front and rear grille lights too were to be done. After 2 days of work with black and silver stickers, the Megapixel edition was ready. The Nano Zone guys were kind enough to do a full-body wash before polishing and handing over the key to me.

Here's the “angry Bulbasaur” face at night:

All these mods cost me? 36,250 starting with the headlamps, horn, and completing with the body stickering.

Here is the detailed video on my “Tata Nano Megapixel edition”. I have covered all accessory details and drive feedback with the new 13” wheels:

As of now, I have also fit a center armrest for the front seats with a storage box. Due to the unusual size of my Nano's seats, the armrest had to be custom designed in order to fit perfectly. It is a removable unit and works perfectly well. Long drives will be even more relaxing than before!

As of today, my Nano has run around 33,700km and still going strong. Regarding service and repairs, I have spent just around? 6800 till date and hope the maintenance costs stay that way for years to come.

I am loving my Nano and living the Nano life, the Megapixel way!

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Nissan Magnite Compact SUV Officially Unveiled, Rivals Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet!

The Nissan Magnite officially unveiled.This new compact SUV is going to be the Make-it or Break-it product for Nissan India.

Exterior

The production-spec Nissan Magnite seems to retain most of the concept’s design elements including the large grille, the Sharp creases and the funky alloy wheels. It has even the same sculpted bonnet and angular headlights. Since the Magnite was originally meant to be launched as a Datsun, the grille bears resemblance to the other Datsun models.

The side profile looks muscular with prominent body cladding and large wheel arches which seem to dwarf the 16”

wheels. The higher spec variants also seem to receive a dual-tone roof, blacked-out pillars and silver roof rails. At the back, the Magnite sports sharp looking LED tail lamps which resemble those on the Triber's, a clean tail gate and a dual tone bumper. The Magnite is also set to be the first model in India to sport the new Nissan logo.

Interior

The interior too is expected to be close to the concept with a large, centrally mounted 8” touchscreen and layered dashboard with an octagonal theme. Other expected features include:

4 airbags
ABS with EBD
Rear AC vents
Rear 60:40 Split Seat
Push button start
7 inch Digital instrument cluster
Auto climate control
Auto headlamps
Auto wipers
360 degree camera
Connected car tech
Front and Rear seat armrests
Auto folding ORVMs
LED Projector Headlights
L-shaped LED DRLs
16-inch alloys
Functional roof rails
336-litre boot space
205 mm ground clearance
8-inch Touchscreen infotainment Apple Carplay Android Auto
6 Speakers

Powertrain

The Nissan Magnite is expected to be available with two engine options. The first will be the 1.0L Energy series, 3 cyl Naturally aspirated engine from the Renault Triber, producing 72PS Power through a 5 speed manual gearbox. The second powertrain will be a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit producing 95PS Power through either a 5 speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox.

Pricing and launch:

The new Nissan Magnite will be launched by early 2021.The Magnite is also likely to be priced very aggressively with expected starting price of Rs.5.5L ex showroom for the entry level non turbo variant. The fully loaded top spec variant is expected to be priced equivalent to the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, one of its chief rivals. When launched, the Magnite will go against the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Ford Ecosport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Honda WRV as well. Stay tuned for further updates on the Nissan Magnite.

Honda Jazz 2020

From what is expected, the new 2020 Jazz receives updates on the exterior. A fresh look at the front and rear is something which is most likely while the overall profile remains similar. The version displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo displays updates like LED DRL’s, Projector headlamps, new dual tone alloy wheels, LED tail lamps.

The new Jazz at the auto Expo also displays many changes to the interior. A new Dashboard, a two spoke steering wheel, new touch screen infotainment system, white highlights and an all new centre console, magic rear seats, cruise control, auto headlamps and auto wipers.

We aren’t sure if all the updates would land in India but we do expect the Indian version of the 2020 Jazz to come with some updates, if not all.

The debuted version also comes with many safety features such as an electric parking brake, ABS, EBD, SENSING technology which is Honda’s collision mitigation braking using a wide angle camera in the front and eight sonar sensors.

Engine options for the India bound Honda Jazz 2020 could remain the same- the 1.2 Litre i-VTEC that produces 90 PS of power, 110 NM of torque and the 1.5 Litre i-DTEC engine that produces 100 PS, 200 NN of torque would most probably be upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. The petrol option currently comes with a 5 speed manual and CVT transmission while the diesel option comes mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox only. However, the new Jazz Diesel could receive CVT transmission from the Diesel Honda Amaze.

When launched officially in India, the 2020 Honda Jazz will compete with Toyota Glanza, Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz. While it would feel more premium than the outgoing model, prices are expected to stay between Rs. 5.50 Lakhs and Rs. 9.50 Lakhs (ex- showroom).

Tata Altroz iTurbo Petrol Comming Soon!

Tata Motors is getting ready for the launch of the Turbo petrol version of its Altroz premium hatchback on the 13th of January. Teaser images and videos have been released by the manufacturer. However, the complete details of the Altroz turbo have been leaked online as well.

Here are the details on the new Altroz turbo petrol:

Will be available with a 1.2L Revotron 3 cyl turbo petrol engine similar to the Tata Nexon.
Will produce maximum power of 110PS (108bhp) and torque of 140NM through a 5 speed Manual gearbox.
Will be available with a Sport mode instead of the Economy mode.
Will also

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include Engine auto Start/Stop system on specific variants.
The turbo petrol option is likely to be available on XT, XT(O), XZ, XZ(O) and XZ+ variants.
A new 'Harbour Blue’ shade will also be made available on the Altroz.
A 7 speed DCT automatic transmission option is expected to arrive later.
A new XZ+ variant will be introduced with more features.

The new features on the XZ+ will include:

Leatherette upholstery
8 speaker Harman system
Personalised wallpaper (Doodle) for touchscreen
IRA connected car features
What 3 words based navigation
Hindi and English voice recognition
X-press cool function for Climate control

Though there won't be significant cosmetic changes on the Turbo petrol variants except for the “i-Turbo” badge at the rear.

The interior of all the Altroz Variants will get a new “Light grey and black” colour theme.

Pricing for the new turbo petrol equipped version is expected to start from Rs.7.99L for the XT variant and go up to Rs.9L for the XZ+ variant. (All prices ex showroom) Stay tuned for further updates on the Tata Altroz turbo version.