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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#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
#71 of 133 LX for U.S. by hpmctorque Apr 01, 2009 (6:18 am)
I think the LX, which features A/C and power front windows, could find a niche market in North America. Of course, it would need to be modified to meet our safety and emissions laws. Since that would increase the weight, it would require a bigger engine (900-1,000 cc, maybe. I think a U.S. version should have enough power to achieve a top speed of ~70-75, similar to the old Beetle. This could be the right car for people who drive mainly locally. Some would argue that a used compact would be even better. Maybe, but then you could also argue that a used intermediate is preferable to a compact, and... I don't know how much U.S. specs would affect mileage or cost, but it would probably still be viable.
#72 of 133 Tato... by iluvmysephia1 Apr 02, 2009 (8:29 am)
was initially saying that they won't be exporting the Nano to the U.S., but now they're saying it's a decent possibility. The car will need at least a 1.3L 4-banger, Tato can do this. I think it would sell relatively well to those who want an upper-level golf cart for urban getting around. The price will appeal to many people. Even if the American sales price MSRP is around $5,995.
#73 of 133 How about a Tata "Florida Edition"? by lokki Apr 03, 2009 (7:42 am)
ILuv - I agree with you. There might be a niche market for an upscale Nano (upscale for a Nano, that is) with good air conditioning, and the back seat replaced with easily accessible storage space. I agree with the idea of a "golf cart substitute" vehicle for the booming retirement communities.... where you don't really need a highway vehicle but do need something in which to drive the grocery store. These folks would almost never carry 4 people... they'd use the Grand Marquis that sits in the garage for that... So it would require some redesign, replacing the rear seats with grocery storage space... and maybe a vertical golf bag holder too!