Launched in March 2009 in India, the Tata Nano has won so many awards and recognitions all over the world. It was declared Car of the Year by numerous publications, TV shows and other prestigious award-giving bodies and a lot of people will agree that it was well-deserved. The Tata Nano showed everyone that making an affordable, yet well-performing car can really be done. Tata Motors Chairman Ratan N. Tata envisioned a uniquely designed car using advanced technology that the people can afford and he did not just deliver on that, he exceeded a lot of peopleŐs expectations.

ŇThe Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers,Ó said Ratan N. Tata. ŇIt is to the credit of the team at Tata Motors that a car once thought impossible by the world is now a reality. I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car.Ó

Great Performance
The Tata NanoŐs 2-cylinder 623 cc engine has a top speed of just 65 mph, which is actually slightly higher than the average speed limit in the US interstate system. If you think about that and the rising fuel prices, wouldnŐt you agree that a car like this would be nice to have?

Small, but Comfortable
The Tata Nano may look small, but it has a pretty roomy interior for a car that measures 10.2 feet long and 4.9 feet wide. A lot of people who have had an opportunity to sit inside it will attest to that. It has enough space to fit four six feet tall adults comfortably with its generous leg room and height. Its seats are also set pretty high making entry and exit easier. Its small size, along with its high ground clearance, rear-mounted engine and wheels set so close to the corners makes it easy to handle and maneuver in the busy traffic.

Economical and Environment-Friendly
The Tata Nano is powered by a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminum multi-point fuel injection petrol engine. ItŐs not just lightweight, itŐs also designed with an electronic engine management system, which helps further improve its fuel economy. ItŐs estimated to make approximately 56 miles per gallon, even better than the Toyota Prius. It also has the lowest CO2 emission among all the cars in India having only 101 gm/km. ItŐs rated as BS-III compliant and is BS-IV ready as well.

Meets All Safety Requirements
One of the things that people are concerned about is its safety. With a car this small and an all-metal body made of Japanese and Korean steel, itŐs clearly not going to be the safest car available. However, the Tata Nano is equipped with crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages and a rear tailgate glass bonded to the body, it might not be that bad. Although IndiaŐs current safety regulatory requirements may not weigh particularly well to American buyers, the Tata Nano will still be subjected to a great deal of modifications to meet NHTSA requirements.

Incredible Value
Labeled the peopleŐs car, the Tata Nano is the worldŐs cheapest car with a price of approximately $2,500 in India. Although the cost of modifying it for the US market may double that amount, itŐs still going to be a lot more affordable than its competitors in the low-end segment. All things considered, itŐs not hard to be impressed with Tata MotorsŐ top man Ratan N. Tata who delivered on his vision and promise to bring a comfortable, safe, all-weather car that many people can afford.