Tata Nano: World's Most Affordable Car

Motoring Channel Staff - 24/March/2009

Mumbai, India – Powered by a 0.6-litre engine and measuring just 3.1 metres from bumper to bumper, the Indian-made Tata Nano could just the be biggest car launch of 2009.

Touted as the world's cheapest car, Tata Motors has just launched the Nano compact car which has been hugely anticipated since its unveiling in early 2008. 

The 4-door Tata Nano is very cheap, priced at around $2,800 in Australian currency, making a new car with safety systems and warranties available to India's growing middle class.

"The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers," said Mr. Tata, the Chairman of Tata Motors. 

"I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car," added Mr Tata.

Demand for the new model is expected to be so strong in its domestic market that the Indian company, which also owns Jaguar and Land Rover, has implemented a booking process to avoid long queues at dealerships. 

The company says it can build 350,000 cars per year, but some analysts believe this amount may not satisfy demand particularly if exports into the rest of Asia, Europe, and the Americas occur.

Engine

Power for the tiny Nano comes from twin cylinder aluminium MPFI 0.6-litre (624cc) petrol engine that outputs the following:

Power: 26kW @ 5250rpm
Torque: 48Nm @ 3000rpm
Fuel Economy: 4.2L/100km

As the figures show fuel economy is especially good at 4.2L/100km (23.6 km/litre or 56mpg US), verging on hybrid levels of efficiency.

The Nano is recognised as the world's cheapest car, but with a kerb weight of just 600kg, it could also be the world's lightest mass produced car.

Emitting 101 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the Nano has one of the lowest CO2 emissions ratings not only in India but globally.

The small 2-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox and has a top speed of 105km/h (65mph). 

It can 'negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30%' explains the Indian car maker, which will be important to people living in mountainous or hilly areas.

Safety

Tata has built the Nano to a budget but says the car's safety performance 'exceeds current regulatory requirements'.

It passes the roll-over test and offset impact, despite the fact that these are not regulated in India. It has an all sheet-metal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, and complies fully with existing Indian safety standards. 

Tata has also used tubeless tyres, with the rears being wider to improve stability.

Dimensions

As one of the world's smallest cars, the Tata Nano is designed for ease of parking and smooth driving in dense traffic. It measures 3.1 metres long, 1.5 metres wide and 1.6 metres tall. It's tiny. But Tata claims it 'offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment which can comfortably seat four adults'. 

It's high seating position improves entry and exit and with it has a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 8 metres which is very tight.

All together, three model variants will be offered:

• Tata Nano: The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, fold-down rear seat.

• Tata Nano CX: In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest.

• Tata Nano LX: Same as CX with complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler.

Tata will offer the Nano with an 18 month/24,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

A number of accessories are also available with the car, including alloy wheels, body kits, decals and there's merchandise too, such as a Nano phone, Nano watch, T-Shirts and so on.

Related Links:
- TataNano.com (Official Site)