The world's cheapest car

You get into a car costing just 100,000 rupees (£1,390) with zero expectations, says Sirish Chandran in The Sunday Times. But amazingly, Tata's Nano, which has launched in the company's home market of India, "will impress you on its merits". And if sales hit the figures claimed by its makers, this "cute, snub-nosed runabout could become the most influential car on the planet".

There are three variants: the "bog standard" model, which has no frills at all and is therefore lighter and faster; the CX; and the LX, which boasts air-conditioning, electric windows, central locking and "full fabric seats". The engine is a tiny 623cc, which "makes a measly 33bhp" of power, and takes the car to 62mph in 35.1 seconds and a top speed of 65mph. In short, it's a car that is a match for cars double its price and yet it doesn't feel like half a car. "There honestly isn't anything to hate" about "the biggest small car in the world".

It sounds a bit like a lawnmower and the awkward looks may not inspire confidence, says Bob Rupani in AutoExpress. But it can seat four adults in comfort, has a reasonable 500 litres of luggage space (with the rear seats folded down) and, at city speeds, it's quite nippy: 0 to 40mph takes just ten seconds. "Tata has done an amazing job and we're confident the car will be even better when it arrives in Europe (in 2011)." Yes, it's basic and sluggish. But "in many ways it's as revolutionary as the original Mini and VW Beetle".

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

The wonder of the car is that it manages to be so comfortable, roomy, quiet, good-riding and desirable, and yet cost so little, says Steve Cropley in Autocar. Nothing can match it on price: the nearest rival in the UK is the Perodua Kelisa 1.0 Ex (£4,250) and that, says Jeremy Clarkson in The Sunday Times, is the "worst car in the world".