Tata Nano, World's Cheapest Car Makes Its Debut

PUNE, India, March 23, 2009 — -- The car may be little, but it's become a very big deal. Words like "revolutionary" have already been attached to the Tata "Nano," although few have actually seen it up close.

After months of delays, Tata Motors in Mumbai announced today that the Nano would go on sale in India next month. And in a surpise move, the company said it plans to eventually sell the car in the United States.

Last week I had a rare chance to test drive the Nano. And while the ride itself was not exactly revolutionary, it was, at the very least, charming.

With its zippy 2-cylinder aluminum engine and unusual shape, the Nano drives like a cross between my '96 Honda Civic and a lawn mower. The car is only about 10 feet long and less than 5 feet wide. It is expected to get about 54 miles per gallon.

Clearly, with only 36 horsepower, and a top speed of 65 miles-per-hour, the Nano would not make the 800 plus-mile drive from New Delhi to Mumbai easily, but it can maneuver around cities and villages without difficulty.

Marketed as the "world's cheapest car," the Nano's basic version costs $2,000. And by basic, Tata means basic: The console comes with a speedometer and fuel gauge. That's all. No flashing lights, no onboard GPS system.

To maintain the low price, the car is missing just about everything one would normally expect in a car: air conditioning, a radio, power windows, power steering and air bags. A luxury version with some of these add-ons will be available for a higher fee.

Application forms for the car will be in 30,000 locations in 1,000 cities. The first cars are expected to be delivered in July.

Originally, the Nano was to be released in late 2008 but was delayed due to violent protests from farmers and politicians outside its factory in West Bengal.

The delay could be costly for Tata, analysts said. Like most carmakers, Tata is suffering in the global economic downturn. It is reportedly struggling to make payments on loans it took out to fund its recent purchase of British carmakers Jaguar and Land Rover.

Tata Motors' owner Ratan Tata was inspired to create the Nano when he saw families riding on motor scooters in the rain; he wanted to build something affordable to protect them from the elements.

His seemingly small notion turned into a source of Indian pride. At last year's prototype unveiling, both car fans and journalists stormed the stage.

"With humility, I have to say that all of us have been overwhelmed by the reaction that has taken place. All we set out to do was move Indian families at an affordable price," Tata said at a press conference Monday.