The same Indian firm that is one step away from acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover (see here) is making headlines around the world today with the presentation of the long-awaited Nano minicar or as many call it, the one lakh car ($2,500 or €1,700). Tata itself describes it as the “people’s car”.The no-frills 5-door mini is powered by a rear-mounted, 33HP strong, 624cc, two-cylinder gasoline engine. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels via a four speed manual gearbox. Measuring in at 3.1 meter (122-inches) in length, the Nano can seat -or at least that’s what Tata says, four adult passengers. While one wouldn’t expect any luxury or safety amenities at $2,500, Tata’s 70-year-old CEO and owner, Ratan Tata does support that, although affordable, the Nano is built to meet safety requirements and emission norms.
We know what your thinking, but look at it this way; better off being in the Nano than riding a scooter packed with four passengers, something not at all uncommon in India. As for the Western world, we seriously doubt that the Nano would have any success; even if it passed safety and emission standards and even if it did actually cost $2,500 –which it won’t in the West. Just the other day I went to look for a used car with a friend of mine outside Boston; for $2k he found a '01 Mazda 626 and for $3k, a loaded '97 Volvo S70 Turbo. What would you prefer? -Details and pics after the jump
Tata Press Release
A comfortable, safe, all-weather car, high on fuel efficiency & low on emissions
Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, today unveiled the Tata ‘NANO’, the People’s Car from Tata Motors that
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the 9th Auto Expo in
Stylish, comfortable
The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy.
Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences.
Fuel-efficient engine
The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.
Meets all safety requirements
The People’s Car’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.
Environment-friendly
The People’s Car’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in
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