Tata Motors used the 2008 Geneva Motor Show to show the world its tiny Nano city car, but the Indian automaker may have made an even bigger splash at this year’s Geneva show with the preview of another Nano-variant. Dubbed the Nano Europa, the newest version of the world’s cheapest car is intended for the European market.
Tata is still keeping tight-lipped as to which European markets will be gaining access to the Nano, but Tata CEO Ratan Tata says the Nano is “definitely” coming to Western Europe and the UK. However, Tata failed to give a timeframe for the launch of the Nano Europa.
The models shown at the Geneva Motor Show (see photos) were mock-ups of a slightly more luxurious Nano. Leather trim covered the cabin, though one had a broken door latch. Given the show cars’ preproduction status, we’ll forgive the broken door latch – though at these prices, who can complain?
Changes to the Nano a subtle, but are aimed to make the inexpensive car seem more palatable to European buyers. Upgrades include a longer wheelbase, a more stylized exterior and a better focus on interior quality. The Nano’s drivetrain has also been upgraded for the Europa model, featuring an all-aluminum, fuel-injected three-cylinder, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Nano will launch in India this March, but we have a feeling it could still be awhile before we see the Nano on European roads. However, with an expected list price in the $2,000-$2,500 range, we’re sure Tata could at least find a few buyers in the mature European market – especially considering the way the economy is headed.
03/03, 11:37 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
We desperately need cars like this in the US. Why buy a used car for $5000 when you can buy a brand new one with a warranty and exceptional fuel economy.
It may take another 10 years to catch on… but smaller is the trend of the future.
03/03, 11:48 AM
posted by:
shaver
Im so jealous, Euros get all the good stuff, and the US gets nothing. Its so unfair, everyone I know would buy these by the dozen. Why have one $20K car when you can have 8 for the same price. Hell, train all 8 together for 32 seat public transportation. BMW better be worried.
03/03, 12:29 PM
posted by:
Borat
Perhaps next time I visit Europe I will have a pleasure of renting one. The absolutely hideous experience in Europe insofar has been Chevy (Daewoo), but there is no limit to greatness, I guess. However, on a positive side it will be very welcome addition to Albanian or Kosovo automotive scene
03/03, 12:31 PM
posted by:
orangecones
I dont think BMW needs to be worried, not the same market. If I am looking to buy a M3, i am not looking at the Tata. If anything Hyundai is giving BMW a good run for its money with the Genesis sedan (V8 version).
But that said, even if in the US they charge 50% more ($3500) for this thing, it will sell pretty well in urban markets. Figure it undercuts the cheapest alternatives (Rio and Versa) by more than $6000 and it can’t be that much worse in quality / looks. At least if you break the Tata within a year or two, no big deal since you can get 3 for the price of 1 Rio.
03/03, 12:34 PM
posted by:
orangecones
@Borat. The Chevy/Daewoo Lecettii (Suzuki Forenza in US) is the most popular car in the former Soviet Bloc. Its cheap (~$10k) and much better than anything Russia puts out (granted a Moscvich is about $4500). If they can offer these in Russia cheaper than the domestics (russian domestics, not GM) they will own the market.
03/03, 12:55 PM
posted by:
TomF
The UK used to have these Reliant three-wheeled cars that you steered with a joystick; they were one step above motorcycles, one step below a proper car. They were basically grocery cars, not motorway-ready, not suitable for anything but puttering around a village at 30mph. This vehicle will fill that niche.
It is difficult to believe they could get this car up to US safety specs though.
03/03, 2:29 PM
posted by:
illwill
Lol i feel sorry for Europe. Enjoy your turd guys.
03/03, 2:34 PM
posted by:
iFOD
Burn this and the man that created it!!! Burn his family!!! Burn his freinds…and the freinds of his freinds!!! Burn india for putting it to production!!!
03/03, 3:14 PM
posted by:
Borat
iFOD are you Pakistani or something?
03/03, 5:34 PM
posted by:
Get Real
iFOD:
This car is needed in India if you don’t want to ride your motorbike with 5 family members onboard.
India is a very poor country, and this car is a blessing.
Should we burn GM for making the Escalade for no good reason ??
03/03, 6:41 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Tata Nano Americana, anyone? It’s Rachel Ray’s new party dip.
03/04, 12:22 AM
posted by:
Dangerous1
Slap a Dodge nameplate on it and Chrysler LCC will have their sub-sub compact they need.
03/04, 9:23 AM
posted by:
RaineMan
@orangecones: The Forenza?? Give me a break. That has to be the biggest non-drivers car in the world. I swear every single one of them I see is being operated by some douchebag who is too busy yacking on the telephone or futzing with the radio to bother obeying any of the local traffic laws.
Maybe its an advertising campaign that I don’t know about. “Suzuki… the non-drivers car.”
03/04, 10:03 AM
posted by:
Cardemon04
you wont see Tata in the US for at least another 6 years for the same reason we cant get the high milage diesel cars they have in Europe… GOVERNMENT SAFETY AND EVNIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS!!! and by the time these cars are safe enough and cheap enough to sell in the US you’re looking at a $5g price tag, probly more like $7g after mark up. Dont hold your breathe
03/04, 10:04 AM
posted by:
Cardemon04
^^that was supposed to say green enough, not cheap enough.^^
03/04, 12:42 PM
posted by:
Flipper
Behold the new X-type
03/04, 1:25 PM
posted by:
elviososa
so…the nano europe has air bags and will withstand the frontal crash??
03/04, 2:26 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
posted by:
Get Real
“Should we burn GM for making the Escalade for no good reason ??”
YES!!!
03/04, 6:55 PM
posted by:
orangecones
RaineMan…..re-read my point.
My point is the the Lacetti/Forenza is a crappy, but it is way better than anything else in Russia @ the price point that people can afford. Thats why its the most popular new car there.
03/04, 7:23 PM
posted by:
BlazeAbraham09
Get Real, India’s not poor…it has the 4th highest GDP on earth…ummm, not poor. Granted, Southern India is still trees and what not, the rest of the country is getting ready to pass some parts of Western Europe in technology and such.
iFod, get a life.
This car looks dangerous…=X $2500 is a good deal though.
03/04, 10:04 PM
posted by:
maxcar
i’ve got to say, this car looks a lot better than i expected. i am pleasantly surprised.
you’re looking at the next saturn.
03/05, 1:57 AM
posted by:
sharpie
Just one observation I see from the pictures, the doors are painfully thin. Look at the second to last picture (the Yellow Nano).
03/05, 5:41 PM
posted by:
BMW M1
Haha, is the yellow on the Super Veloce version??
I must say, the design isnt that bad…it does look much better than quite a few other econoboxes out there. If they can meet the safety figures, then this car has hit the jackpot. No matter where u sell it, ppl will buy it since its soo cheap.
Just think about it, as soon as somones kid gets their license, parents wouldnt mind buying them this car..its cheap, doesnt exactly go fast—a few bumps and scratches shouldnt be too painful to fix AND it will give u amazing gas mileage!!
03/25, 7:40 AM
posted by:
Got Handling?
There’s always a market for cheap cars, think rental, fleet, delivery, old folks and kids.
I’m not cheap, I drive a 330ci and I’ve got a big truck that I love and spend plenty on, but when I’m renting for a day or two, I’ll take the cheapest thing they’ve got (even the big cars at most rental co’s are crappy anyway).