Tata Nano
India is famous for many factors, may it be the culture, art or science, the country has left its footprints in all the fields. True to this, the numero uno among the cheapst cars is the
Nano from the house of Tata. Termed as “People’s Car”, this mobile is safe, affordable and is priced at Rs 1 Lakh, truly a revolutionary car for a middle class family. The Nano gets a sophisticated exterior as well as interior. In the interior, the car only has speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil light. Standard features of the car include two spoke steering wheel and vinyl trimmed seats. It has a mono volume design with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear that imparts space and manoeuvrability.
Yet to make its presence in the car market, Nano will come in three variants equipped with a two-cylinder, 623 CC, 33bhp multi-point fuel injection petrol engine. The car complies with Euro 4 standards with safety features like crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. It ensures high fuel efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions.
Chery QQ3
China has always adorned the crown for manufacturing cheapest products though not meeting the best in quality. The second position in the list of World’s cheapest car is coveted by the chinese car Chery QQ3. Launched in 2003, the name QQ3 was renamed in the year 2006 from its original name Chery QQ. This little wonder comes within the price range of Rs 1.5 Lakh to Rs 2.5 Lakh. The car is powered by a three- cylinder, 0.8-litre engine, which produces 51 bhp, and a 1.1-litre engine capable of producing 67 bhp. The compact, five-door hatchback is only 3.55 m long and comfortably seats four adults. Installed with air conditioner and modern safety technologies, this car has become popular in the chinese auto market, especially among women. Chery QQ3 has already gained popularity because of a trademark issue with the auto giant General Motors.
Merrie Star
The third positon on the nominal roll is bagged by another chinese auto manufacturer Geely Automobile for its car Merrie Star. Unlike the first two which belongs to the small car, this car is a 4 door sedan. The car was launched in 2005 and since then it is one of the favorite cars of middle class Chinese families with a price tag of Rs 2 Lakh to Rs 3.3 Lakh. The sedan comes fitted with an 1-litre or 1.3-litre engine depending on the variants. Already exported to Africa and South East Asia, the company has plans to introduce the car in U.S. market by 2010.
HQ S-RV
Chinese cars are creating wonders and the fourth positon is also bagged by another product from Geely Automobile car portfolio which has become a household name in the middle class chinese society. Since its launch in 1998, the hatchback HQ S-RV is credited with many accolades for its spacious interior and stylish design.
Priced between Rs 2.2 Lakh to 3.2 Lakh, the HQ S-RV comes in two variants equipped with 3-cylinder, 1.3-litre engines that delivers 55 bhp and gives a mileage of 13 km/L under normal driving conditions. Geely addresses this as a luxury car with its attractive features like adjustable cloth seats, luxurious dashboard, and state-of-the-art security system. The upgraded version of the car includes features like air-conditioning, central locking, and power steering.
Maruti 800
Maruti 800 has revolutionzed the way Indians see mobility. The car has recently completed its 25 years of glorious and dominating presence. With high popularity and fame in India, the car is also positioned in the fifth place in the list of world’s cheapest cars carrying a price of 2.2 Lakh and above and rated high in customer satisfaction.
Maruti 800 joins the row and bags the fifth position. It is rated high in customer satisfaction and lowest cost of operation per kilometer. High fuel efficiency and affordable price have been a boon for the Maruti 800 which make the car most preferred vehicle among the Indian masses.
Designed to suit all kinds of Indian terrain, this car has undergone many upgradations in its look and feel. The sleek and slim dimensions, hassle-free maintenance are among some of the features which has made the small car so famous. Elegant interiors and the safety features make it a best small car on road. Though introduced in the early 90's this car still continues to roll through the Indian streets. The car is powered by 800cc engine and also comes in LPG variant. The petrol (800 Std Bharat III and 800 AC Bharat III) and the LPG variant give an output of 37bhp at 5000rpm and 35bhp at 5000rpm.