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Official: Tata Nano updated, world’s cheapest car gets CNG option

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, India, MISC

2013 Tata Nano - blue

Back when it went on sale in 2008, the Tata Nano was heralded as something of a new Model T for developing economies. As the world’s cheapest new car – and not by a little – the four-door Indian runabout was poised to usher in a new age of personal transportation to the world. But things didn’t quite work out that way, and the discount rear-drive minicar has seen its sales fortunes undone by all manner of issues, from reports of fires and quality issues to protests at its assembly plant and poor public reception. But Tata Motors isn’t giving up on the Nano just yet, having just unveiled a newly updated design and a compressed natural gas (CNG) model.

The new updates don’t register as much more than a mid-cycle refresh, with small differences outside like a new rear fascia with mesh inserts and additional chrome trim. More meaningful updates indoors include a revamped center console and a new twin glovebox, updated upholstery, body-color trim bits and available extras that include remote keyless entry, a four-speaker AmphiStream audio setup with Bluetooth and USB hookups. Minor controls have also been relocated for improved ergonomics, and there’s a slightly larger steering wheel to ease parking maneuvers. In addition, a range of new personalization kits are available, including things like body graphics, aero kits, different alloy wheels and contrasting roof treatments.

The conventional two-cylinder gas powertrain remains unchanged, giving 37 horsepower. The new bi-fuel Emax model runs on gasoline and, with the flick of a switch, CNG. The four-stroke, 624-cc engine features an aluminum head and block, and it offers 37 hp on gas and 33 on CNG, while the torque peak sits at 38 lb-ft under gasoline power and 33 lb-ft on natural gas.

Along with the revamped Nano, Tata Motors also rolled out updated versions of its Indica, Indigo, Safari and Sumo models.

Tata Nano updated, world’s cheapest car gets CNG option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jun 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan

European 2011 Honda Jazz Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that Honda has no plans – at least not yet – to export its 2011 Honda Fit (Jazz) Hybrid to the U.S., we’ve still kept a close eye on the automaker’s subcompact gas-electric. From the rumors that swirled around back in 2006 to its on-stage debut at the Paris Motor Show, we’ve never lost sight of the Fit Hybrid and its overall importance in the gas-electric segment. Now, as the vehicle launches in Japan, we’re pleased to note that Reuters is reporting that Honda has kept its promise and priced the Fit Hybrid at a mere 1.59 million yen ($19,310 U.S. at current exchanges rate). This makes it the cheapest gas-electric car available in Japan.

Honda reports that pre-orders in Japan for the bargain-priced hybrid have reached nearly 10,000 units. Toppling the nation’s best-seller, the Toyota Prius, though, will require even more consumer interest than that. Under Japanese testing methods, the Fit Hybrid receives a 70.6 mile-per-gallon fuel economy rating, equal to that of the company’s Insight.

Gallery: European Honda Jazz Hybrid

[Source: Reuters]

Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Lansing, MI offer the cheapest Chevrolet Volt in America?

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials

2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt extended-range EV has a base MSRP of $41,000. For most Americans who buy one, this can be reduced by $7,500 thanks to a federal tax rebate. Additionally, some buyers will be able to take advantage of state or local government incentives that will drop the after-rebate price below $33,500, like the 2,500 Detroiters who can get free installers and a $40 flat monthly rate from DTE Energy. The people with the absolute cheapest entry point for a new Volt, though, could be those in Lansing, Michigan.

That’s because the local utility, Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL), will offer incentives that match the $7,500 from the feds. According to the Lansing State Journal, the incentive is, “a $7,500 cash rebate to the first 25 buyers of the Volt in BWL’s service area and install high-speed charging stations for those who make the list.” The financial assistance comes from a $750,000 grant from the federal government that is meant to promote electric vehicles in mid-Michigan. BWL will also buy two Volts for its own use with the money.

The bad news? This amazing deal is limited to the just 25 people, and it doesn’t seem to include any other plug-in vehicle (why no Nissan Leaf love?). If you’re only helping 25 people, why not just buy some Volts to give away? In any case, it’s a pretty sweet deal, and we would be surprised if other local governments are working on similar programs with their own federal grant money. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to go make a phone call.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype

[Source: Lansing State Journal]

Will Lansing, MI offer the cheapest Chevrolet Volt in America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX – Driving the world’s cheapest car

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, India, Quick Spin

2011 Tata Nano CX – Click above for high-res image gallery

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?

Gallery: 2011 Tata Nano CX: Quick Spin

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Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX – Driving the world’s cheapest car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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