Tata Nano Europa
March 4, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
Despite earlier reports that Tata was struggling to bring the Nano to the market, demand for smaller, cheap and city friendly cars is at all time high and with that in mind Tata Motors has unveiled a new version of the Nano minicar specifically designed for the European market. Say hello to the Nano Europa.
So far Australia is not on the agenda, although Tata chairman Ratan Tata has already confirmed the Europa (sounds a little like a Lotus to us!) will be on sale in mainland Europe (Italy, Spain and Poland) and the UK.
Timing is still uncertain, however the original Tata Nano will see the light of day on the 23rd of this month when it officially gets launched in India.
How exactly does Tata intend to sell a car designed for third-world conditions to Europeans? A few things have changed, it’s a little longer (wheelbase 2280mm) and the Indian company has spent a great deal of time improving exterior and interior styling details.
Engine has also been uprated to a more powerful three-cylinder all-aluminium multi-point fuel injection. Power and torque figures are not yet available but Tata proudly states it will be fuel efficient and emit CO2 emission of less than 100 grams per kilometre.
The original Nano made headlines for being the world’s cheapest car at under $3,000 AUD. British daily paper, The Times, has said the European version of Nano would be over USD $6,000.
Tata said the decision to build a new version for European markets was because the original “not attractive” for Europeans. The Europa will have airbags, central locking as well as pass Euro V emission tests.
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Well, I am surprised. I think that looks really good. I’d certainly much rather one over the dreadful range of next cheapest Peroduas. I think what people forget about the Nano when critisizing it is that it is not mean to be beautiful, it is not meant to be big, it is not meant to be powerful; it is meant to be affordable. Now, 1700 pounds sounded very, very cheap but we all knew that was too good to be true but even if it was 3000, that still undercuts the cheapest Perodua by almost 2000 pounds and it’s probably a better drive.
The one problem is that when I really think about it, I would almost rather see more push bikes, hell, maybe even old people in wheelchairs cruising the streets in London than more cars. That’s the last thing we need in Europe, more cars.
Oh well, there’s nothing we can do to stop them anyway and I would rather (even) more congested streets than the loss of Jaguar, Land Rover or both and this car could save them.
I am looking forward to the future Top Gear Episode when it arrives in the UK and they put this baby to the test. LOL they could destroy one an episode and barely feel it in their budget. 101 of the most creative ways to write off your Nano.
Do you need a proper license to drive them?
Hmmmm Curried Trabant anyone????
I would rather buy this car than the current korean crap that holden sells.
Just to clarify, i have nothing against Korean cars, hyundai and kia have some great cars and they just seem to be improving with time … but what Holden does with their badge engineering on daewoos is just pathetic!
Absi. i would also buy this but holden has nothing to compare this to, and its not their fault that all Daewoo can offer is crap plastic on four wheels. Holden has to re badge what daewoo gives them.
oooooohhhhh
It now comes with 4 stud wheels…..
La-dee-dah
hahaha your just feeling ripped cause you were thinking if you got one of these for the wife previously you could have got trade discount on the tyres ,they being off wheel barrows…………..very sneaky!
Now BM I reckon that’s a bit rude!!!
Andrews wife would be worth a lot more than a Tata Nano!!!
The great news is that if it breaks down you can put it in the boot of any Ford :) I would rather own one of these than a scooter.
BM,
‘it would nearly be cheaper to buy one of these consisting of 5 wheels than having to buy 5 individual wheel barrow tyres ha ha ha ha
Frontman,
what are you selling at the moment??
Im sure i know, just cant remember
TS,
this could also potentially be cheaper than roadside service. if you break down, out of fuel or flat tyre, just pull the nano out of the boot to get you to the servo
^^^
And just like a space saver tyre you wouldnt want to go over 80 clicks in it, and once you use it its best to throw it away
awwwwwwwwwwwww but its so cute Andrew ,stick a Suzie sticker on it and she wont the difference,then the spare cash you can put towards that project car :)
i wish this was being launched in india as well. though i am waiting for this car to be launched in india this month to see ow it performs on indian roads and conditions .
Because if it can perform here, then its rugged enough for any other country. Add a little engine power to the current 0.65 liter engine … you have a affordable cute little performer. It shall do good in europe.
One needs to remember this is a car for the developing world, frankly I do not know why they are so hellbent on Europe, Im sure they would find more then enough takers for the Europa in India itself. Also Tata recently tied up with Pininfarina to redesign their drab compacts/midsizers and the result is the Tata Prima which is an amazing looking car if Tata can maintain the quality in the concept. With Tata oqning Land rover Im hoping their suv/pick up line is bumped up in quality as well. All and all the future looks a little brighter for Tata.
Andrew M are you the tyre repairer i mean the punchuir maker cant u see else of tata nano
new Cars are way too expensive…some features offered are awesome others are just plain extravagence.
There is something to be said for basic transport….afterall 90% of the time we are in traffic. The nano is cheap and cheerful and economical just what you need to park @ the supermarket. the effect on petrol of 350million of these in India/Chnese concerns me but I am looking forward to seeing its positive effect on 60% of real Australians/new Zealanders