The Tata Nano, India's $2,500 Car

133 messages, Last post on Sep 08, 2009 at 8:20 AM

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2009 Tata Nano First Drive - First Impressions: Not ready for life in America, but a real car nonetheless.(more)

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#61 of 133 Do you think they will change the name? by hpmctorque Mar 25, 2009 (4:35 pm)
"Do you think they will change the name?" You bet. The one they're exporting to the U.S. will be called the HaHa NoNo.
#62 of 133 Re: Crash Data [gagrice] by dbostondriver Mar 25, 2009 (4:36 pm)
Replying to: gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 1:38 pm) That didn't look safe to me. What was left of the Smart got catapulted into on coming traffic. Also the smart model second from base goes for around $15,500. You can get a Fit for $500 more. I saw them in Europe about five years ago. The best thing about them was being able to park in crowded cities. Replies to this message: gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 5:22 pm) dbostondriver (Mar 25, 2009 5:56 pm) gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 8:12 pm) and 1 more...
#63 of 133 Re: Crash Data [dbostondriver] by gagrice Mar 25, 2009 (5:22 pm)
Replying to: dbostondriver (Mar 25, 2009 4:36 pm) The injuries in an accident in the Smart would be slight. I do agree the model we get with gas engine makes little sense. When I was in Victoria they were everywhere only they all have a small diesel engine that gets an easy 70 MPG. The only way I can see them being practical. Like the Nano, I would not take the Smart on a Freeway. Replies to this message: dbostondriver (Mar 25, 2009 5:56 pm) gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 8:12 pm) dbostondriver (Mar 26, 2009 6:45 am)
#64 of 133 Re: Crash Data [gagrice] by dbostondriver Mar 25, 2009 (5:56 pm)
Replying to: gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 5:22 pm) That's cool. Can they go 70mph? I just don't understand paying such a premium for a car with two seats. If you need to be frugal get a Nissan Yaris, if you need to be frugal and want to save gas get an Insight. Speaking of, I think the insight is going to be my next car. Looks good, goes far, and has seating for 4. Replies to this message: gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 8:12 pm) dbostondriver (Mar 26, 2009 6:45 am)
#65 of 133 Re: Crash Data [dbostondriver] by gagrice Mar 25, 2009 (8:12 pm)
Replying to: dbostondriver (Mar 25, 2009 5:56 pm) Looks good, goes far, and has seating for 4. None of the cars we have discussed have any attraction for more than a very short trip to town, for me. I think the Yaris is Toyota. I drove one and just doubt I would put up with anything that small for more than 30 miles. A car like the Insight would be good for a commuter. The Nano with a 65 MPH top speed would get run over on our freeways with 70 MPH speed limit. No thanks, I will continue to drive a full size SUV for any trips over 50 miles. Though I am going to have a diesel SUV within a couple years. Replies to this message: dbostondriver (Mar 26, 2009 6:45 am)
#66 of 133 If the Nano comes to the States by lokki Mar 26, 2009 (5:00 am)
If the Nano comes to the States - and is a success- expect the Japanese to follow with their only slightly more expensive Kei-class cars. They already have airbags and meet Japanese crash standards. They advertise 50 - 60 mpg (25K/Liter). These cars constitute about 60 percent of the Japanese car market, so they're pretty sophisticated vehicles. Having said that, I don't think that America will be much of a market for the Nano, any more than it's been for the Kei class cars or the Smart. One writer said that most Americans would be better off with a very well used $5K Civic than a new $5K Nano, and I think he's right. So, I think the Nano will be a big success in Asia, but won't (other than being a novelty item) sell in the states.
#67 of 133 To Each his Own by dbostondriver Mar 26, 2009 (6:45 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Mar 25, 2009 8:12 pm) Hey, I prefer a midsize sedan for long trips. That is what is great about all the choices we have. Personally I would not feel safe smart on the highway. I would not feel safe on a motorcycle either.
#68 of 133 Nano in Europe by baccus49 Mar 26, 2009 (10:29 am)
The Nano Europa will likely be based on a larger chassis selling in India as the A-Star. Nano goes 0-60 in 23 seconds! that's all win. There's an aftermarket donkey kit that adds 1 horsepower and shaves 2 secs off that time.
#69 of 133 makes the Aveo feel like a Lexus by steve_ HOST Mar 26, 2009 (9:51 pm)
Driving the Tata Nano: A Few Impressions From India (Straightline).
#70 of 133 First Drive available! by KarenS HOST Apr 01, 2009 (5:31 am)
2009 Tata Nano First Drive