Tata Nano Hits the Streets
The world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano, hit the streets of Mumbai, India today. The first Tata Nano LX in Lunar Silver was received by Ashok Raghunath Vichare. Two other Tata Nanos (one in Sunshine Yellow) were also received today.
Vichare chose the Tata Nano LX, which is the higher end of the Nano line and includes front power windows, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder, and rear spoiler among other options. The Tata Nano has a 2-cylinder engine, a top speed of 105 kph (about 65 mph), and is said to seat 4 adults–no word on crash test ratings.
The Tata Nano is considered India’s version of the smart car. With a fuel efficiency rate of about 55.5 mpg, the Tata Nano leaves even the Toyota Prius and Smart ForTwo in the dust (Smart ForTwo only gets 41 mpg highway; the Toyota Prius gets 46 combined highway/city according to their websites).
In March, 100,000 Tata Nanos were raffled off for $6.00, making it the cheapest car in the world.
“I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car,” said Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors.