Geneva 2009: Bodacious Tatas - Indian automaker debuts Nano Europa
by Chris Paukert on Mar 4th 2009 at 11:58AM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano Europa
Uttering the word "Europa" should spark memories of the funky and fragile Lotus of the '60s and '70s, or perhaps the British sportscar company's more recent revival. What one normally doesn't tend to think of is the Tata Nano.
That may change, however, as the discount Indian auto is slated to come to The Continent wearing the Nano Europa badge, and it will arrive with more standard equipment and a higher base price than the target $2,500 USD it will sell for in India. Judging from the production-ready models debuting at the Geneva Motor Show this week, it will also be the best-looking Nano in the family.
While the naming usage may have Colin Chapman rolling in his minimalist coffin, the Nano Europa still shares a few similarities, including a low curb weight, small wheels at the corners, small engines with unusual placements, and so on.
The Europa differs significantly from the standard Nano with a longer 2.28-meter wheelbase (90 inches, or about 7.5 inches longer), a different drivetrain and added standard equipment. In fact, the Europa offers a raft of high-end new-to-Nano features like four-lug 14-inch alloy wheels, electric power steering, LED lighting (unlikely to see production) and even a standard passenger-side mirror. Did we mention it even has an all-aluminum three-cylinder engine and a five-speed transmission for less-dangerous highway cruising?All joking aside, the Europa also figures to get more safety features, including stability control and anti-lock brakes, and Tata says the car will adhere to all necessary safety regulations before it goes on sale.
While pricing has not been announced, there is talk of hitting the 5,000 Euro bogey (around $6350 USD) when the car launches for 2011, and if the company can hit that target price, we suspect there will be far more Tata Europas extant than Lotus Europas in just a few months' worth of production. High-res gallery of both yellow and silver Europas below, official press release after the jump.
Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa
PRESS RELEASE:
Tata Nano Europa, for future launch in international markets, displayed at 79th Geneva Motor Show
Geneva, March 3, 2009: Tata Motors today presented at the 79th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Europa, intended for a future launch in select international markets. The company has also displayed the Tata Prima, a concept luxury sedan, and the Tata Indica Vista EV, an electric vehicle based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista.
Speaking on the occasion at the Geneva Motor Show, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, "In India, the Nano will be launched on March 23, and the cars will be on display at company dealerships from the first week of April. The Nano has also generated wide interest in developed countries, since it's unveiling in Delhi and its presentation here last year. We are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in such markets. The Indica Vista EV represents the work of Tata Motors on alternate technologies, while the Prima is an iteration of a luxury sedan we will introduce. They together signify the ongoing evolution in our cars."
Tata Nano Europa
With a length of 3.29 metres and width of 1.58 metres, the Tata Nano Europa continues to be stylishly petite but surprises with its spacious interior and generous leg space. The slightly longer wheelbase of 2.28 metres combines excellent space and manoeuvrability, further improving on the benchmark standard set by the Tata Nano. The enhanced spaciousness is complemented by redesigned interiors, marked by smooth curves and a high tech yet gentle feel.
To meet the driving needs of its target customers, the Tata Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder sporty all-aluminium MPFI engine matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and electric power steering. The gasoline engine will be class-leading, providing high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission of less than 100 gm / km meeting the twin goals of being environmentally friendly and stylish – just like the Tata Nano.
The Tata Nano Europa meets all safety regulations. In addition to the all sheet-metal body, its energy absorbing design, use of advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and Air Bags will enhance passenger safety.
Just like the Tata Nano, the Tata Nano Europa incorporates exterior compactness with interior comfort and seeks to provide motorists the pleasure and utility of personal mobility combined with affordability and environment-friendliness, in a world where smaller, fuel-efficient cars are emerging as a preferred choice.
About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with revenues of US$ 8.8 billion in 2007-08. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, a business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has a strategic alliance with Fiat. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country's market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com <http://www.tatamotors.com/> )
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2o6 12:10PM (3/04/2009)
Suprisingly, I love it. Reminds me of an old Simca or something. Maybe a 1000cc sportbike engine would make it quite interesting.
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ArchAngel 12:09PM (3/04/2009)
The price is getting closer and closer to the base Hyundai Accent. Its $9999 cash up here in Canada... 5000 Euros, man that hurts.
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lu1de 2:09PM (3/04/2009)
The exterior of the car is ok-looking, but the interior - what the hell?
IK 5:34PM (3/04/2009)
what are you complaining about
how many other cars have a big shelf in front of the driver so you can use your laptop while you drive??
Mattias 5:08PM (3/05/2009)
Just do not compare European and American prices. A base Hyundai Accent here in Europe is around €11000. The cheapest car here is the Dacia Logan that is sold between 7200 and 7600, maybe just below 7000 in some Eastern European countries. So the base Nano would still be one third cheaper than the Logan.
Another aspect is high prices for fuel. Pizza delivery and home care services tend to favor Daihatsu Cuores and Citroen C1s (aka Peugeot 107) with Daihatsu three cylinder engines over similarily prices Citroen C2 or Dacia Sanderos. Those Daihatsu engined cars are lighter, so they consume 10 to 20% less fuel, at 7 to 9$/gallon this is an argument which also makes the Nano a nice alternative for those businesses.
Geoff 12:17PM (3/04/2009)
It's not pretty, but at least it looks better than Mazda's new 3.
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MikeofLA 12:22PM (3/04/2009)
I don't know why, but it reminds me of the new "sleek" vaccum cleaners that are at Target.
Is there talk of this coming to the states?
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Taglane 12:54PM (3/04/2009)
Only if they can meet crash test standards.
imoore 12:25PM (3/04/2009)
If Europe is getting the car, is the US next? Considering Tata can make the Nano compatable to US safety and emissions standards and consumer tastes, I'll say yes. I'll say 2012 at earliest, along with the Xenon pickup to compete with Mahindra. This car can easily give everyone else a run for their money.
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James 12:32PM (3/04/2009)
The British market just laughed with Rover, in its dying days, starting importing Tata Indicas as CityRovers. But if they were still around and they still had the vital brand, this could have been a REAL twenty-first century incarnation of the Mini: an affordable people's car, as opposed to the overpriced space inefficient hip-mobile being made by BMW.
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Rich 3:44PM (3/04/2009)
Errr... no.
Shiftright 12:42PM (3/04/2009)
The styling tweaks make it look a ton better, and not nearly as embarrassed as the original, but for 5k Euros I'd rather have a nice used super mini from a major European manufacturer.
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Bloke 12:59PM (3/04/2009)
€5K is highly unlikely to buy you a used good European B-segment supermini unless it's at least five years old and has high mileage.
That kind of money will get you something like a 2002-03 base Renault Clio or Fiat Punto from a car supermarket with reasonable mileage. If you're after a better supermini such as a Corsa, Fiesta, 206 or Polo, then a base 2003 example or older will easily fetch €6K or more with nominal mileage. You're unlikely to find anything that old via a main dealer, either.
Shiftright 1:06PM (3/04/2009)
I've seen plenty of decent base model super minis with acceptable mileage for that price range in Europe. The equipment on any of those will be on par or superior than the Nano, and it will be a proper car. Still, there are those that have to have new, and you can't beat 5k euros for a new car. There are some nice scooters that cost that much. Personally, I would feel silly driving this thing.
Bloke 12:42PM (3/04/2009)
Given that the cheapest Dacias run at an average of €7.5K to €8K and the likes of the cheapest Peroduas starting at €6K, then €5K for revised Nano is a definitive bargain.
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Epyx 12:52PM (3/04/2009)
Cheap does not equate value.
Alex 12:48PM (3/04/2009)
I see a new home for a hayabusa engine.
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patrick clement 2:24PM (3/04/2009)
Better yet the new 2009 yamaha crossplane r1 engine, with a good exhaust, the thing will sound like a v8.
Taglane 1:00PM (3/04/2009)
Wow... Do I want one? Yes. And then I'll send it to West Coast Customs.
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len simpson 1:05PM (3/04/2009)
This piece has good possibilities,but describing the Lotus Europa as being funky & fragile is being far too kind. I surveyed one for for an interested party back in the day & what a POS! Surprised Lotus survived that mess. Of course, back in those days, Ferrari was an extremely high mtce item too.
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