A funny thing happens when testing the Tata Nano, now the world's cheapest car since it was unveiled in production form in Mumbai, India, on Monday. Instead of the most powerful and expensive models getting all the attention, it's the least expensive, base Tata Nano that attracts all the onlookers.
This is the famous "1-lakh" (100,000 Indian rupee) model that Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, promised he'd bring to market. Inside Line has been on scene in India this week, covering the launch of the Tata Nano as the tiny Indian-built city car (with a base price starting at only $2,000) is introduced to the world.
Three trim levels are offered: base, CX and LX. None of them is exactly what we'd call luxurious. In fact, they make a Chevy Aveo feel like a Lexus. The highlights - yes, the highlights -- of the top-of-the-line LX include air-conditioning, power front windows and power brakes.
While much has been made about what the Nano doesn't have, the shocker is that even the base model has plenty of functionality and fun built into it. High-speed oversteer and grin-inducing driving fun in a Nano? Yes, it's possible.
Tata's engineers let us push the Nano as hard as we wanted. Forget the lack of power brakes, power-steering, airbags or air-conditioning. The Nano defies the odds by feeling like an honest-to-goodness car. It's really that good. The steering is linear and sharp. The turning circle is bettered only by a London black cab, according to a Tata engineer we spoke with.
Still, in its current form the Nano is not about to make the leap across the Atlantic. But Tata Motors has confirmed that it's working on a more refined, safer, and more powerful model for Europe and the U.S. But the big news after driving the car is that the basics are there for a solid, well-behaved ultra-cheap vehicle that, with fine-tuning, could surprise more than a few car buyers in Europe and the U.S.A.
It's even fun to drive, as long as you don't need breakneck acceleration. Power from the 624cc two-cylinder engine isn't phenomenal, but with a curb weight of only 1,400 pounds, there was more than enough power to let the Nano keep up with traffic during a short run outside Tata's testing facility in Pimpri, India. The suspension coped with wheel-gobbling potholes, and the sharp steering allowed us to dodge trucks, pedestrians and the occasional stray dog.
For $2,000? Not bad, not bad at all. - Nick Kurczewski, Contributor
festiboi1 says:
06:48 AM, 03/26/09
I would seriosuly consider one of these as a new car. If it came in around $4000 after all the adjustments for the US market, it amy be worth considering for sure. Right now, I have an '87 Justy (sans airbags, power steering, or anything luxurious) and I honestly don't miss those features or would want them. My other car is a bicycle to peddle around LA in.
The Nano would be the perfect transition because all I really want is a car with seats and an engine, and some funky style counts too. I can't stand power windows and it's almost impossible to find any cars on the market without them.
The only thing that's a concern is reliability. I have no idea what Tata's record is like and at that price, some corners had to be cut. It's not a good feeling to be a guinea pig for this car's durability.
pat1usmc says:
07:03 AM, 03/26/09
That's awesome. I would buy one for $3000. It has to be so easy to work on. Just imagine the aftermarket potential for this thing. You buy a car for $3k, cash. You can then spend a couple hundred on a few extras to make it your own. Maybe a sway bar, maybe an extra guage, different color dash, an armrest...who knows! And you're done. No loan, no interest, no RIDICULOUS depreciation. Whats the most you lose? $3k! Thats less than most cars lose in depreciation as the contract is signed.
For just running errands or commuting this thing could make some huge changes to the way people live. One Nano and one normal car in the household. I'm sold.
brn says:
07:27 AM, 03/26/09
I suspect $4K is what it would cost here without mods. Mod it for US Safety and Emissions, you're probably looking closer to $7-$8K. Would you pay $7-$8K for this vehicle? I'd pick up a 2006 Focus instead.
$2K and I'd buy one too. My gut tells me it's not going to happen.
Thought I have some political issues, I think the Nano is a wonderful accomplishment. Kinda shows you how silly the Smart is.
festiboi1 says:
07:30 AM, 03/26/09
Agree with brn,
This car isn't worth $8k. An Aveo or a used Focus/Elantra would be a better option. It'll be interesting to see how it prices out in the US
firstwagon says:
08:07 AM, 03/26/09
I agree it isn't worth 48K but I don't why it would go up 4x in price. I think $4K is a more likely price in North America.
I think it would sell at that price but as I mentioned in another post, I wouldn't be one of the 1st buyers. I'd wait a couple years until it's proven that it isn't anouther Yugo.
bankerdanny says:
08:09 AM, 03/26/09
Power steering and brakes aren't necessary in a car this small. I owned 3 Beetles, a Ford Fiesta, and a 71 Bronco (with a V8 even) without them and it was no probem to drive or park.
firstwagon says:
08:09 AM, 03/26/09
Sorry, I meant it isn't worth $8K (didn't hit the shift key)
samjpatrick says:
08:13 AM, 03/26/09
I think Festiboi is on the right track with the Justy. I have an 85' Honda Accord sedan I bought off of my grandparents for $500. It may lack power windows and locks, but I was simply astounded by the quality that was put into it. It might help that it was well taken care of and the interior looks like factory new. I get close to 30 MPG in mostly city driving even with my lead foot. Back in its heyday my grandpa got as high as 43 MPG with it.
oberg says:
11:14 AM, 03/26/09
"Tata's engineers let us push the Nano as hard as we wanted"
At 33 hp, did you literally have to get out and push?
altimadude00 says:
12:44 PM, 03/26/09
This car should give the Smart Fortwo a run for it's money.
greenpony says:
03:42 PM, 03/26/09
Did you say "Dodge trucks"?
fadetoblackii says:
01:26 PM, 03/27/09
top speed?
Nick Kurczewski says:
05:53 AM, 03/31/09
In response to fadetoblackii:
Thanks for the comments. I hope you've been enjoying Edmunds' coverage of the Tata Nano.
The top speed of the Nano is currently 105 km/h, or about 65 m.p.h. Tata's engineers told me that, without a rev-limiter, the car could probably eek its way up another 5-10 m.p.h.
I assure you, during my time driving the car in India, I bumped against the top speed on more than a few occasions. While the car felt stable at that speed, the engine was getting pretty buzzy.
On normal (i.e. very crowded) Indian roads outside the factory, 50 m.p.h. was a less frantic and totally comfortable cruising speed.
Nick Kurczewski