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 ...
Better curry on down and buy one
Does anyone remember the “Adobe” parody ad from the 1980’s? It was “The little car that’s made out of clay”.
“Nice Tatas”
uggghhhh! No pun(jabi) intended!
This is increasingly important as Obama is turning us into a third-world nation.
That's actually a feature I'd like. No hidden explosives, waiting to go off at the slightest provocation, and inflate a bag fast enough and hard enough, to sometimes kill anyone sitting too close to the dash.
... as long as there have been cars for sale there has, by necessity, been a “world’s cheapest”.
Look for Ozero to design one or have one design for the people, ‘cause it won’t be long before that’s the only car that will be selling.
Ooops.
I thought this story was about a long-lost shipment of Chevy Vegas.
Perhaps there’ll be an upcoming episode of the Simpsons where Apu opens a Tata dealership next to the Quick-E-Mart...
>That’s actually a feature I’d like. No hidden explosives, waiting to go off at the slightest provocation, and inflate a bag fast enough and hard enough, to sometimes kill anyone sitting too close to the dash.
Indeed. I’m almost tempted to get one.
Interior looks a little crude and basic, but then whaddya expect for $2,000? You can hardly buy a decent used car for $2,000.
Note the ding in the door on the picture. ;)
The Times says
India has 8 per cent of the worlds vehicle fatalities and less than 1 per cent of its cars, with more than 90,000 people killed on the countrys roads every year. Introducing a million Nanos into the mix may bring more and unwelcome headlines.
Tata, which has the only crash-test facility in the country, said that the Nano exceeds current regulatory requirements. And while it is not a deathtrap it has crumple zones, seat belts and strong seat anchors it is worth bearing in mind that total vehicle crash testing (rather than just frontal impact), airbags and antilock braking systems are not mandatory.
Without these, the Nano would not even be considered for approval in Britain. Adding them would double its price in India, which is why they have been omitted.
Does that come with a 60” or a 72” belly mower?
Just as soon as I finish watching Rogan Josh his Heroes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.