Posted on 03/23/2009 8:33:08 AM PDT by Scanian
DailyTech previously covered the announcement of Tata Motor's Nano car, the world's cheapest car. Despite protests and delays, that car was finally released at a mega-event in Mumbai, India. The car is set to rock developing markets like China and India thanks to an ultra-low price of 100,000 rupees ($2,000 USD).
The car is a small 4-door sedan, designed to seat five 6-foot passengers. It weighs a mere 600 kg unladen thanks to its lightweight steel frame. It is powered by a 2-cylinder 624cc, 33 BHP engine -- the kind you would normally find in a motorcycle or scooter.
Still, the engine does allow for top speeds of up to 65 MPH. The car can reach 60 MPH in a rather long 17 seconds, but 0-30 mph and 0-40 mph are quite fast and responsive. The car also gets 60 MPG and has engine emissions of only 100g/km.
The interior is sparse, but is reported to be sturdily constructed and the ride inside is reported to be rather smooth, with low noise and vibration levels even on bumpy surfaces. Further, extra packages like air conditioning, a radio, or alloy wheels can also spice things up.
Still, downsides for the vehicle are also many. The vehicle is prone to rolling when cornering thanks to its tall height and narrow wheelbase. And while admittedly safer than the scooters or bikes that most users will be upgrading from, the safety of the vehicle is also suspect. While the steel frame should be relatively sturdy, the car features no airbags.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailytech.com ...
The Trabant
The Pinto
The Pacer
The Yugo ((screw yourself)
The Gremlin
The Corvair
Any Fiat
Didn't they all try this road?
The Corvair doesn’t belong on your list. Darn Ralph Nader to Heck!
“Save the ta-tas”
I know it has AC as an option, but unless it has a auto transmission version..I wouldn’t buy one. Gotta have both for me....I’ll ddrive slower around curves, live without airbags, but I have no paitience for driving a stick anymore, and I refuse to bake in a car during the summer, especially in India.
I’m gonna get one for Mrs Stormer at the end of the year - We Vishnu a Merry Christmas!
You forgot the VEGA!......................
Ah! The People's Car. (In German, that would be Volk's Wagen)...
You must be very Sikh..
The 1966 Turbo Corvair Corsa was really a great car.
Buy TTM
Personal opinion.
If it is simple to maintain and reliable, it’ll sell well in India and China.
The Pinto was a decent car as well as was the Corvair.
Turbochagred Corvair and Cosworth Vega were very hot cars.
However; I would add Le Car to your list. One step down from a Lada.
My Dad put 250,000 miles on his Vega and the last I heard someone was still driving it.
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