World's Cheapest Car Finally Arrives in India

Daily Tech ^ | March 23, 2009 | Jason Mick

[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.

[12Gauge687]

You forgot one:

[Sig Sauer P220]

That car would be a death trap in the U.S.

[Mikey_1962]

The Pinto was a decent car as well as was the Corvair.I owned a 1966 Corvair.. for 6 months. I got tired of putting the fan belt back into its proper place. It jumped of almost regularly every 50 miles. Trust me Don, it was a POS. I never had a Pinto but I did find this: http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658498_1657866,00.html

[mcshot]

Nice looking Chicago rental in the background eh.

[kingu]

On the highway, absolutely. I’d consider driving one around town though.

[al baby]

it looks like a disney autopia car

[Nick Danger]

Nice pair of Tatas.

[headsonpikes]

Never mind the car - buy the stock!

I bot Feb 3 @ 3.72 and am up 36% as of now.

Up .58 @ 5.08 this morning.

;^)

[Kirkwood]

[stevio]

Does anyone know if Mahindra is going to release their 4cyc. diesel pickup they were talking about last year?

[Trod Upon]

India would be better served by inventing a cheap, safe sterilization procedure.

[PapaBear3625]

Sure the US Senate and their families should be made to drive those things.

If all a person can afford is a $2,000 vehicle, what would you prefer he drive: a new Tata, or a 20 year old Chevy that has been patched together over the years with duct tape? Those are the choices.

[myprecious]

Commode Race Winner

[OrioleFan]

Do you have to say “Yaba-daba-do” when you start off, and how many steps do you get to the mile.

[since1868]

It’s so small there calling it “the dot”

[Atlas Sneezed]

If all a person can afford is a $2,000 vehicle, what would you prefer he drive: a new Tata, or a 20 year old Chevy that has been patched together over the years with duct tape? Those are the choices.

-------------

I think you underestimate what $2000 can buy:

1990 Mercedes-Benz 420-Class 420SEL 4dr Sedan

Private Party Price $1537 (150,000 miles, "Clean" (2nd best) condition.

http://www.edmunds.com/used/1990/mercedesbenz/420class/14538/prices.html#

[Cheetahcat]

“If all a person can afford is a $2,000 vehicle, what would you prefer he drive: a new Tata, or a 20 year old Chevy that has been patched together over the years with duct tape? Those are the choices.”

Me I would drive a 2K used American car in a second before that death trap,these bargain deals have a way with expensive replacement parts and Labor for repairs.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Edmunds tells me that the dealer trade-in on a 19-year-old Chevy Cavalier is $58. Private party selling price is $211.

You’re off by a factor of 10.

Trade-in on a 1990 Corvette is about $2000.

[norraad]

Almost any $2K used car would be marvelously better.

Many used cars are in tip top shape these days and are a great value.

Some pundits say this is another spoke in the wheel killing new car sales.

Folks are realizing they can get a much better vehicle value used.

[Arrowhead1952]

You mentioned HOOTERS first.