Tata Nano. 2008 to date (prod. unknown). 5-door sedan. F/R, 623 cm³ (2 cyl. SOHC). Tata’s much-vaunted Rs. 1 lakh car announced in January 2008. The idea: bridge the gap between motorcycles and cars and provide Indian families with a safer mode of transport. R&D was kept to a low price thanks to Tata’s use of local knowledge, while the manufacturer claims the car meets current safety legislation. Huge appeal in India with potential exports to China; could be a novelty export to western nations, though no firm plans made. Other manufacturers may now look at developing low-cost cars to rival Nano. Two specs at launch: basic and deluxe.

Manufacturing location: India

Marque: Tata

Off-site links

• Lucire: ‘Tata Nano—the Rs. 1 Lakh Car Revealed’