Tata introduced the much anticipated Nano, which will go on sale later this year for $2,500, and by doing so, will make it the world's cheapest car.
Powered by a 34 horsepower 623cc aluminum twin-cylinder engine placed in the rear, Tata claims 50 mpg from this microcar. The engine meets Euro III emissions standards, which are about three to four years behind current European regulations. As to safety, it meets Indian full-frontal crash tests. There are no airbags.
So it looks like Tata is stealing the "People's Car" name from VW. And, like the Model T Ford a century earlier here in America, could put India on wheels.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Tata Nano: The World’s Cheapest Car
Here's Inside Line's take: Tata Nano: The World’s Cheapest Car
As a side note, I can remember back in 1962 when my mother bought a brand new VW with a sunroof, and paid around $1,800 or so.
More images after the jump
daytona_500 says:
07:11 AM, 01/11/08
Should read Tata Nano - "a $2,500 deathtrap, or a tribute to fugliness."
vvk says:
07:46 AM, 01/11/08
I would prefer this car to a Rolls Royce.
A first generation Ford Explorer is a bigger death trap than this. Because it has the stability of a horse buggy while being capable of over 100 mph. Light and simple is not necessarily bad for safety.
Bob, speaking of 1962, what do you recon you father's annual salary was back then?
rsholland says:
07:51 AM, 01/11/08
My father's salary was $0, as he was dead. My mother was the school nurse supervisor for the New Brunswick, NY school system; so her salary was not much.
vvk says:
08:23 AM, 01/11/08
Sorry, Bob, I did not know.
I was just trying to say that back in 1962 $1800 was a lot of money.
mirth says:
08:31 AM, 01/11/08
Safer than a motor scooter, which is why it will sell well in India.
rsholland says:
09:16 AM, 01/11/08
vvk, no problem :)
mirth, exactly. Consider that only 1 in 7 people in India currently own cars, this Tata Nano will have a HUGE impact. As I stated, it will likely be the modern-day Model T to this country.
wenhead says:
09:18 AM, 01/11/08
All the press is going to the Nano, for being the cheapest car. But some of the other small cheap cars coming to India look pretty good.There would be a huge market in the states for more affordable cars. But,we already have traffic gridlock in our cities. So I don't think the Aveo has anything to worry about.For me the used car market has little appeal. The reason being, car makers contine to sell new cars with known issues that will blow up in your face with out a warranty.
ateixeira says:
09:42 AM, 01/11/08
double-post, after I did an edit. Not sure why.
Please ignore this one.
ateixeira says:
09:44 AM, 01/11/08
Nano does not have to compete with other cars.
Think about it. Nano will compete with "riding the bus" or "walking to work on foot". OK, and motor scooters.
You get more crash protection that you would as a pedestrian or motor scooter rider.
If you dismiss this car, you don't understand it.
To me, it doesn't look a whole lot different than a stripped Toyota Yaris. I'm sure it won't match that car's refinement, but for 20% of the price of a Yaris, wow, that's impressive!
flicmod says:
11:58 AM, 01/11/08
I'm really glad no one has posted an asinine comment (yet...) like "why can't they bring this thing here?!? I wan't a car that cheap!!!". The Nano will truly be India's Model T, and probably the entire developing world's Model T as well. The car wouldn't do anything if brought to developed markets. It's designed to help the the poorest people in 3rd world countries get ahead... something that a country like India desperately needs.
Thus concludes my "rant" :-)
estreka says:
12:58 AM, 01/12/08
A Yaris? It struck me as a Prius. I think it's a fantastic little car. And for all those that feel this is a deathtrap, consider the lack of safety features as an inhibitor to aggressive driving.
rsholland says:
08:47 AM, 01/12/08
As to safety:
• One reason the price can be $2,500 is because these features are missing.
• The averages speeds in which this car will likely be traveling in India is much lower than here or in other developed nations where the highways (and vehicle capability) allow for higher speeds.
gagrice says:
09:33 AM, 01/12/08
You can haul more groceries in the Nano than on the bus a bike or motor scooter. I would drive one around town, not on a freeway. Then I would not drive a Yaris or a Fit on the Freeway.
mikesright says:
02:49 PM, 01/12/08
This car will never make it to the united states, because after they fill it with the safety and emissions equipment this thing would need, freight from India, and improve the wheel bearings, it would probably cost almost as much as an Aveo. At that price level, the Aveo would look much because it has a radio, adjusting seats, a better engine, ride, handling, an ability to cruise safely on a freeway, etc.
Make no mistake, this is great for India, but only because they don't have to meet any appreciable crash, emissions, or reliablility standards is the reason they're able to make it so cheap. There is very little appeal (beyond just the novelty of the thing) for this around the world.
firstwagon says:
05:05 PM, 01/12/08
The real question here is how would this compare to a $2500 used Geo Metro.
What I've read, Indias emissions and safety standard are about 5 years behind ours. That means it would be cleaner and safer then the Metro. I'd guess the used Metro would be more reliable but it's only a guess because, like everyone here, I'm only guessing on the reliablity the Nano.
The Metro wins on looks though.
0patience says:
03:00 PM, 01/13/08
I'm amazed at the close minded comments made about this vehicle.
It kind of shows why the US is so messed up when it comes to vehicles.
If this kind of vehicle were to be allowed into the US, the impact would be huge.
I was asked if I would drive this vehicle. Sure, why not?
I ride a motorcycle down the interstate, what's the difference?
ilikeeggs says:
03:57 PM, 01/15/08
"Meets Indian full-frontal crash tests" That can't be stringent. I'd say if you were sitting still behind the wheel and someone walked in to it, it would hurt.