brand new car for $2500 :)

[djomlas]

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/WorldsCheapestCarArrivesTomorrow.aspx?GT1=10827

[rick3000]

I saw that yesterday, they're saying it is going to do more global warming harm.

[Grizzly]

The first one of those I see in the U.S., I'm gonna squish with my truck.

[dcporsche99]

I'm sure you probably wouldn't even need a truck to squish that thing! Just let a few skateboarders roll all over it and it'll be toast!

I heard on the news that it goes 65mph?? Honestly, I would not want to drive on the same road with that thing. I would be scared that if I were driving behind it, it would get lifted up by the wind and hit my windshield!!

BTW, is that a picture of a CRX?

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by dcporsche99

BTW, is that a picture of a CRX?

Yeah. It's what I could find real fast.

[timothy]

Originally Posted by dcporsche99

BTW, is that a picture of a CRX?

I give up, how did you know it is (was) a CRX?

[dcporsche99]

the bumpers :dance:

[Dr. Kill]

That looks like a nice car. I for one think a $2500 car is a great idea.

I guess safety is a relative thing. I would rather not be in that thing in an accident, but if it was designed well, shouldn't it be safer than riding around in an old 914, 356, or even an early model 911?

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

I guess safety is a relative thing. I would rather not be in that thing in an accident, but if it was designed well, shouldn't it be safer than riding around in an old 914, 356, or even an early model 911?

Geez Doc, I don't know. Look at the side view of this thing. In a front end collision, how close is your head to the action, not to mention your knees? I think I'd rather have 30 inches of steel 356 hood between me and the Buick that hit me.

[steve00s]

I do not think that you can evaluate a car like this in our normal automotive terms or compare to our standards. It is made for third world countries where car ownership is way beyond the average person. You would have to put yourself back in the days of the model T to appreciate the concept. You would be more apt to compare its performance to a donkey's than a Ford or even a Yugo.

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Geez Doc, I don't know. Look at the side view of this thing. In a front end collision, how close is your head to the action, not to mention your knees? I think I'd rather have 30 inches of steel 356 hood between me and the Buick that hit me.

I dunno – they claim this car meets crash test standards (whatever that means). I wonder if the old Porsches would – I am guessing not. I agree this thing looks chincy, but it may have some kind of well designed structure underneath it all that distributes the kinetic energy well in the event of an impact. Either way, it has to be better than the old hippie mobile whose list of safety features include employing crumple zones like the driver’s legs and chest cavity.

[saaber]

Reminds me of the Peel P-50 as shown recently on top gear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN0LQJLabqA

That thing is hilarious!

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by saaber

Reminds me of the Peel P-50 as shown recently on top gear:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN0LQJLabqA

That thing is hilarious!

Wow, great clip - thanks!

I wonder why more cars aren't powered by a 4.5 HP moped engine...

[bigb]

This is a great little car. Keep in mind, it is not meant to replace your C-class benz or anything. As Steve00S pointed out, it is meant for third world countries, so don't expect it at dealerships near you anytime soon

Indeed, at this price range it is meant to appeal to folks who would have instead bought a two-wheeler. Given the fact that this car does meet (whatever) safety standards (claims to have crumple zones, impact protection, and has passed *some* crash test...), I'd say that it is a much safer vehicle, given the alternatives.

Now comes the question of emissions and space. Certainly, if 1-2 people were in the car, then it wouldn't be space efficient. However, it is very common to see more than two people riding various forms of two-wheelers in developing countries (with kids no less). So again, from a safety standpoint, it would make a lot of sense to be in a car rather than a two-wheeler. In terms of emissions, it meets the Euro-IV standard, whereas the two-wheelers only conform to Euro-II (larger roman numeral implies a more stringent standard, not higher pollution ). So, on a vehicular basis, it would actually be better than two-wheelers.

Disclaimer: I don't work for the TATA group, just pointing out a few things I've learned about this car.

And, I'm sure 911 owners will love this, the engine is in the back

[dcporsche99]

saaber,
I thoroughly enjoyed that video! Nice one! Can't stop laughing!!

[Grizzly]

I've always wanted an old Microbus, just not enough to pay for one. They're getting crazy expensive.

[dcporsche99]

Everytime I look at the Microbus it reminds me of some kind of elongated bug, but I don't know exactly which one.

Let me ask this milipede larvae what it thinks??

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by dcporsche99

Everytime I look at the Microbus it reminds me of some kind of elongated bug, but I don't know exactly which one.

Let me ask this milipede larvae what it thinks??

Yes, I always thought it looked like some kind of large pill you would have to take if you ever contracted Rickets or some other terrible disease. (sorry Grizzly)

[Grizzly]

No, I hear ya. I wouldn't call it a work of automotive art or anything. i just think it's cool because it's so quirky. I'm often one of those "dare to be different" car enthusiasts. Not daringly different enough to buy one of those Tata death traps, though.

[dcporsche99]

Hey Grizz,
All kidding aside, the one in the picture is a very clean & cool looking ride, along with it's whitewall tires. You would definitely get a lot of complements. How much do they go for??