The world’s least expensive car, India’s Tata Nano, was introduced a little more than a year ago, and it’s now available for purchase. That car, which starts at a mere 100,000 rupees (around $1,982), is supposed to help bring modern, automobile transportation to, initially, India’s less affluent. It’ll be released in other regions in the coming years.
As you might expect, the car doesn’t offer a fancy “sports package” or anything. In fact, the basic model doesn’t have features long considered standard, like air conditioning and power steering—there isn’t even a radio! (Other, better equipped models will eventually be available.)
The car has a 33hp engine, and measures 10-feet in length by 5-feet in height by 5-feet in width. It can go a maximum of 43 miles per hour (69 km/h).
And this really is a case of Tata, which is India’s largest corporation, trying to help people as much as it is a profit-seeking venture. Analysts don’t expect the company to make a single penny from the venture for at least several years.
Not for nothing, but it also sounds like a decent car for those narrow streets in European cities. I was in Lisbon last month—no way you’re gonna drive a big SUV when you’re trying to squeeze in between two rows of parked cars lining an “impossibly narrow” rua!
I wonder what this car’s emissions profile looks like… At that price, and with India’s booming economy, these are likely to be hitting the road by the tens, if not hundres, of thousands…
From Reuters India at the time of the car’s launch last January (2008):
* Environment: Tata said tailpipe emission performance exceeded current regulatory requirements, and the Nano had a lower overall pollution level than two-wheelers made in India. It said high fuel efficiency (20 km/litre) ensured low carbon dioxide emissions.
The US Market could use something in this price range. Currently you can’t get a 4 wheeler ATV for less than 2K.
Actually, it’s limited to 105 km/h or about 65 mph.
Ah, good to know about the CO2 and pollution! How about the traffic jams, honking and infrastructure!
I wish Tatas could plan something for the roads here, too!
No matter how cheap you make the car, The toughness and reliability should always be considered. Mahindra Renault Logan is excellent in that respect http://mahindrarenault.com
I think Tata Nano is a pretty girlish car. It doesn’t give the feel of a strong, powerful, spacious sedan. It would be just a compromise to drive the Nano.
Logan definitely is a manly car. The New Logan Edge connect is so very attractive. In a car like Logan you feel that you are driving in a comfortable and powerful luxury Sedan. As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, 15-16 kmpl is not bad for a sedan like Logan.
In any case, all the best to Nano.
This is a great way of making people fool! when you goto your nearest tata showroom you come to know the car is going to be released after 3 months and in the form of a lottery to the first 1 lakh people who paid for the car in advance.
And by mistake you said less than $2000
its more than $3000
people here are not fools but may be you can find some!
hehe, i was at a auto show a couple of months ago and saw the new tata. its quite nice but you have to be a modest person to find it beautiful
I wish the car was also safe not just cheap :-)