Tata Nano & 10 Other Small Cars in America
With an announcement that Tata Motors is bringing it’s tiny, inexpensive Nano to the US by 2011 Automopedia wanted to look at the current (and forthcoming) line of small cars for American consumers. The age of over sized SUV’s is over, and if you want to be hip get ready to spend a lot less on gas – hey, who’s going to argue that?! From a Kia dealership to the best place to find a mini-Mini, we tracked down the latest in small-ride technology.
Tata Nano
That’s right – Tata is bringing their $2300 mini-automobile to the United States in 2011. It will not only be one of the tiniest cars here, but also one of the smallest motors – with a 2-cylinder 33 horse power engine. Customers can opt for other luxuries: climate control, assisted braking, and fog lights. What will the biggest draw be for Nano? Its 65 miles per gallon rating.
Mini Cooper
Mini’s were a classic back in the 1970′s and made a resurgence (via BMW) throughout Europe and the US of A a few years back. With price tags ranging from $15k-$22K (used to new) This little sportster won’t leave you crying to the bank.
Mini Clubman
If you want a Mini Cooper but also require extra space, check out the 2009 Mini Clubman. It features suicide doors with an extended rear end and double-door trunk section. Clubman is still one of the tinier vehicles on the road today.
Smart ForTwo
I’m now seeing these cars EVERYWHERE from Montreal, Quebec to NYC – Cleveland to San Francisco. This little German ride boasts a top (in its class) crash test rating and comfortable room…for two. Smart also wants to design a ForFour model in years to come.
Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta Movement is growing in North America – and next year consumers will be able to test drive/purchase the Ford that has taken Europe by storm. Fiesta receives 39 MPG and has top horse power is 118. Think a Focus 2-door hatchback – but a hell of a lot sportier.
Hyundai Accent GS
http://www.automopedia.org/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=2158#post_name
Dubbed “The Egg Car” by some of our Automopedia writers/reader – Hyundai’s Accent GS is one of the most inexpensive new automobiles sold on American soil – with some price tags down to under $9900. It’s also reliable, comes with Hyundai’s Assurance plan (you know, the one where they will take back your new car if you get canned from work) and it’s ADORABLE!
Kia Rio5
Kia’ Rio and Rio5 hatchbacks are popular among rental car lots – but the Accent-based Kia is actually a sporty little 4-cylinder with flashy looks – and is scheduled for a design upgrade in 2010. Between Rio & Soul Kia is on its way to battle Tata to sell tiny, flashy and inexpensive cars.
Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf GTI
It’s name keeps switching from Rabbit to Golf to Golf GTI, etc…but Volkswagen’s hatchback is, along with the Eos, the smallest rides VW has to offer – right up (or down) there with a New Beetle.
Toyota Yaris/Echo
Before the days or Prius, Toyota had Echo. It was small, fuel efficient and, well…kinda ugly. But Toyota brought it back with a flashier design and a new name – Yaris. With rumors of a hybrid version coming down the road it may be one of thee smallest gas/electric cars by any Japanese auto maker.
Chevy Aveo5
Chevy’s Aveo was a cute concept by the GM brand when first introduced – and last year’s model garnered more positive attention then previous line ups. But the new Aveo5 has been mocked for its average MPG rating and it’s ugly front end. The way things are going in General Motors we may not see much more of Aveo.
Mazda2
Along with Ford’s Fiesta, Mazda plans on bringing a sub-compact car already on sale overseas – Mazda2 – over to the USA. Expect Mazda2 at dealerships in 2011 – with 40 miles to the gallon (in Europe), under 2100 weight, 1.5-liter engine and a 0-60 time of 10 seconds we can see it being a hit in the land of the free.
QUESTION:
Will any of these vehicles be manufactured in the USA?
Toyota was supposed to be making cars in the Southern US but I am not certain if their plant will open now due to the economy. Tata will most likely not build the Nano here. Many of the “American” brands are mostly manufactured in Mexicdo & Canada – gotta love that NAFTA eh? (sarcasm)
the only one on this list that gets better mileage than my 88 festiva
is the nano and it has nowhere near the cargo room.
Why doesn’t KIA import the pride (a.k.a. festiva) anymore?
It’s available just about anywhere but north america,
But here you can’t even go to lets say Isreal and buy one and bring it back.
mine has 260,000 miles gets 50mpg hwy 46city has never had an engine rebuild and passes CA emissions to boot.
It doesn’t make any sense that ford/mazda/kia have a car from 1987
that gets this kind of mileage and they would rather struggle to get worse mileage just to push a new body style.
I would really like one of those nano cars.
I mean, Tata bought jaguar, so they must know something about cars right?
Fiat might bring Nano to US.
Let me know when available in Las Vegas,Nevada Thank-you
Mar 11th, 2011 at 5:02 am
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