Tata Nano passes European crash test

Fears that the world's smallest car would be an unsafe proposition for passengers were put to rest after the Tata Nano passed the stringent European crash test.

Two examples of the Nano, which were modified to European specification, were used in the tests. Tata acknowledges that the basic version, with limited safety features, will not be able to pass the tests, but the company's head of engineering, Clive Hickman, countered that, "The basic car was never designed to come to Europe."

The test vehicles were crashed in a 50 km/h side impact collision, and a 56 km/h offset frontal impact test. Factory installed modifications included additional foam at the cant rail, reinforcements across the length of the body, and more girth built into the front bumper and two front doors.

Test examiner Nic Fasci, who works with the Vehicle Certification Agency in the United Kingdom, said, "It looks no different from other cars doing this test. It's a good crash."

Passing these tests brings the Nano closer to its expected European launch in 2012, with Tata also eyeing the North American market. Future versions of the Nano could include standard airbags, and increased length and width to accommodate the modifications.