Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX - Driving the world's cheapest car

[NANO]

People love the idea of super-cheap transportation. Two generations ago, Volkswagen captured the world's attention with the Beetle (known originally as "The People's Car"), but when people finally drove the rear-engined VW, they realized it was more than just a cheap car – it was remarkably fun to drive.

India's Tata Motors picked up on the people's car idea several years ago. Motorbikes and pedal bikes are the go-to transportation options for millions in India, which presented an opportunity. But with the average price of a new car in the U.S. hovering around $30,000, an inconceivable sum in the developing world, Tata would have to do something very different. The tiny Nano was the result. It's currently on sale in India starting at around $2,500. That sound you hear is over a billion people cheering because they can now envision themselves owning transportation with a roof that they don't have to pedal.

The pint-sized sedan wowed crowds at its New Delhi introduction in 2008 and Tata began exporting the Nano throughout the developing world. Speculation swirled that the company would eventually target the U.S. after the car was put on display at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, but do we really want it here?

I only spent 20 minutes behind the wheel of the 2011 Tata Nano, but it was enough to answer most basic questions.

First, let's consider the 2011 Tata Nano's specifications. At just over 10 feet, it's slightly longer than a Smart ForTwo, but that doesn't make it large. The subcompact Nissan Versa is about four feet longer, and most Americans consider the Versa to be very small.

There's less than five feet separating the right door handle from the left, and within this space, Tata has squeezed four seats and a small parcel shelf behind the rear bench. Surprisingly, there is adequate room for four. The tall roof and expansive greenhouse helps promote a feeling of spaciousness even if there isn't an inch to spare. One reason the interior has the room it does is because there's no trunk or conventional engine bay. Bags travel in your lap or on the rear shelf and the back seat folds to expand cargo-carrying options. Contrary to popular belief....

For the full article go to Autoblog -> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/2...d-test-review/