The GenX Nano has been given an openable hatch and an AMT gearbox. While the former has added a bit more practicality to the small car, the latter adds to the ease of driving, something key for city cars. Last year, Maruti launched the Alto K10 with an AMT variant. Here's how two of the least expensive automatic cars stack up.
Under the hood
Both the Maruti Alto K10 and Tata Nano are only available with petrol engines. The Nano has the smaller engine which makes significantly less power and torque than the Alto K10. The 1.0-litre K-series unit in the Alto makes 29.6bhp and 4kgm more than the 624cc engine in the Tata. Both cars get an AMT gearbox, but while Maruti chooses to call it AGS (Auto Gear Shift), Tata calls it Easy Shift.
Space on offer
Both of these cars are pretty compact in terms of dimensions. The Alto has the advantage on overall and wheelbase length but the Nano is taller and wider. However, actual space boils down to how smartly packaged they are on the inside. The Nano offers 94 litres of boot space as compared to the 177 litres on the Alto. Also note that the Nano is a rear-wheel-drive car which is why the extra hardware in the back eats into some boot space. In terms of ground clearance, the Nano rides 20mm higher than the Alto.
Equipment and safety
The Alto K10 and the GenX Nano are available in only one trim with the AMT gearbox. Some of the features that the Nano gets but the Alto misses out on are Bluetooth and rear speakers with the audio system, keyless entry and front fog lamps. On the flipside, the Alto gets front disc brakes and internally-adjustable wing mirrors which the Nano doesn’t. Another considerable difference is that, while two of the three seatbelts in the Alto’s rear seat have a three-point set-up, the Nano has only lap belts in the rear.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
