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:

1. The first point will keep them always ON irrespective of locking the car.

2. The second point is the total OFF position.

3. 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!

Ford Motor Company and Mahindra & Mahindra have dissolved their joint venture that was announced in October 2019.  In the official statements issued separately by Ford and Mahindra, both automakers have mutually decided to part ways and function as separate entities.

Overview

On the 1st of October 2019, Ford India and Mahindra had signed an agreement in Mumbai to create a joint venture that will develop, market and distribute Ford vehicles in India along with Mahindra vehicles in high-growth emerging markets overseas. The JV was to see Mahindra having the 51 percent controlling stake and Ford owning a 49 percent stake. Ford

was to transfer its India operations to the JV, including its personnel and assembly plants in Chennai and Sanand. Ford was to retain the Ford engine plant operations in Sanand as well as the Global Business Services unit, Ford Credit and Ford Smart Mobility. The JV was planned to be the next step in the strategic alliance forged between both brands back in September 2017.

The main aim of the joint venture was to grow the Ford brand in India and export its products to Ford entities globally. Both manufacturers were to share components, platforms, technology and engineering capabilities on their new cars.

Reason for dissolving:

According to the companies, the reasons to call off this JV were “Fundamental changes in global economic and business conditions; caused, in part, by the global pandemic over the past 15 months.”

Upcoming products:

Ford has already been developing its next big launch, the new C-SUV ( C757) based on the next-gen  Mahindra XUV500 (W601). This new SUV was already planned for an early-2022 launch. Therefore, it's likely that Ford will enter into a contract manufacturing arrangement with Mahindra to build the C-SUV in its Chakan plant. Ford is also likely to source the 1.2L TGDI engine from Mahindra for the upgraded 2021 Ecosport compact SUV. The Ford C-SUV too will use the same 2-litre petrol and 2.2 diesel engines that will power the next XUV500.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Mahindra and Mahindra Launched the new generation Thar SUV. The new Thar is based on an all new platform featuring lots of new features and new petrol engine option with automatic gearbox. With this new gen Thar, Mahindra have made it more road and user friendly. Here are all the details on the new Indian made lifestyle SUV.

Exterior:

    The new Mahindra Thar has grown in every dimension while maintaining the traditional Thar design. With a wider track and longer wheelbase, the Thar now resembles the Jeep Wrangler. The front grille and the bumpers are quite different in design though. The higher

spec LX variants also feature LED DRLs along with 18” alloy wheels. The lower spec AX variants get 16” Steel rims. The new Thar will be available either as a Hard top on the LX variants or with a fixed or convertible soft top on the AX variants. As standard all variants come with a tailgate mounted spare wheel with the LX variant getting a full size alloy wheel.

Interior:

    The interior of the new gen Thar gets revolutionary changes when compared to the previous model. The design, layout and materials are vastly superior with more creature comfort and features.

Variants:

The new gen Thar will be available in two variant series; the Adventure focused AX series and the feature oriented LX series.

    The AX series variant offers the following standard features:

• AC

• Power steering

• Power windows

• Central locking

• 16” Steel wheels

• Reverse sensors

• Steel foot steps

• Mechanical Diff lock 4x4

• Fixed soft top

• 6 seats (side facing rear seats)

However the AX series can also be had with an option pack including the following features:

• Remote locking

• Forward facing rear seats

• ISOFIX child seat mounts

• Height adjustable driver seat

The comfort oriented LX series will include the following additional features:

• 18” alloy wheels

• Front fog lamps

• LED DRLs

• Electric ORVMs

• Driver seat lumbar adjust

• TFT instrument cluster

• 7” touchscreen system

• 4 roof mounted speakers

• Android auto & Apple carplay

• Adventure stats and Tyre direction assist

• Electronic AC controls

• Cruise control

• 4 seats

• Convertible or Hard top

• Moulded foot steps

• Brake locking differential

All these features will make the new Thar more modern and comfortable for daily usage too.

Safety:

       Safety features on the new Mahindra Thar BS6 include:

• ABS with EBD

• Dual airbags

• ISOFIX child seat mounts (only on 4 seater)

• Pretensioner seatbelts

• Engine immobilizer

• Hill hold assist

• ESP with traction control

• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Powertrains:

       The new Thar will be offered with both Turbo petrol and Turbo diesel engines. The 2.2L MHawk turbo diesel engine produces 130PS Power and 300NM torque through either a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed Torque converter automatic gearbox (only on LX variants). Mahindra's new 2.0L MStallion turbo petrol engine will be debuting on the new Thar, producing Max Power of 150PS and torque of 320NM. The turbo petrol will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission only on the AX variants and with a 6 speed automatic transmission only on the LX variants.

All Thar variants will be available with a standard manual Shift-on the fly 4X4 transfer gear box with diff locks.

Price :

        The new Mahindra Thar launched pricing starts 9.8lakh ex-showroom.

The All New THAR 4WD MT : 

AX Std 6 Seat Soft Top Petrol : 9.8 Lakh

AX 6 Seat Soft Top Petrol : 10.65Lakh

AX 6 Seat Soft Top Diesel : 10.85 Lakh

AX ( O) 4 Seat Convertible Top Petrol- 11.9 Lakh

AX (O) 4 Seat Convertible Top Diesel - 12.10 Lakh

AX (O) 4 Seat Hard Top Diesel - 12.20 Lakh

LX - 4 Seat Hard Top Petrol- 12.49 Lakh

LX - 4 Seat Convertible Top Diesel - 12.85 Lakh

LX - 4 Seat Hard Top Diesel - 12.95 Lakh

The All New THAR 4WD - AT: 

LX - 4 Seat Convertible Top Petrol - 13.45 Lakh

LX - 4 Seat Hard Top Petrol- 13.55 Lakh

LX - 4 Seat Convertible Top Diesel - 13.65 Lakh

LX - 4 Seat Hard Top Diesel - 13.75lakh

The AX series price starts from ?9.8L to ?12.2L and 12.49L to 13.75L for the LX series. With all the additional features and power, we expect this new Thar to give a tough time to the urban oriented compact Crossovers too.