1. Tata Nano
The launch of Tata Nano created a sort of history in the automobile industry. At a time when high-end motorcycles started sporting a price tag of somewhere around $2000 in a country like India the Nano was offered at $2,497. The cash registers started ringing immediately. This tiny car is not only about price but other factors too. The car was well-planned and everything was indigenous. However there were skeptics who argued (maybe they were true to some extent) that air pollution will increase because many people will be able to afford a car like this.
The list comprising the top 10 cheapest cars in the world ends here. Clearly the winner is Tata Nano which is standing at number one position for the moment. Maybe for sometime it will be able to hold its place. Nano did not make a sudden entry rather it was a planned one. The buzz was created long before its launch. Of course the manufacturers had to face setbacks while setting up its manufacturing facility. When finally that issue was settled the Nano rolled on to a red carpet welcome. The popularity and success of the Nano will encourage other car manufacturers to come up with models which may turn out to be cheaper than the Nano but till then it will remain the bestseller.
2. Cheery QQ
Standing tall at number two and holding it firmly the China made Cheery QQ costs $4,781. It is surprising that one can get two Nano cars at this price; still the Cheery holds its ground. The car has lot of similarities with the erstwhile Matiz from Daewoo (later sold off to GM/Chevrolet) and this resulted in trademark issues which were sorted out after much deliberation.
3. Maruti Suzuki 800
Tagged as the ‘bread and butter’ car of Maruti, the Maruti Suzuki which is priced at $4,994 was once the most affordable car in India. The Maruti 800 is a mini hatchback that is great for city commuting. Many families which dreamed of owning a sedan but could not afford one found an excuse with this car.
4. Geely MR
The Geely MR comes at $5,500 and is slightly cheaper than its elder brother. Both the cars are similar. However the MR with its sporty powertrain feature acts slightly differently than the HQ SRC. Otherwise for an enlightened car buff there is no striking difference between the two cars.
5. Geely HQ SRC
The Geely HQ SRC is offered at $5,780. The car is built on the platform of Daihatsu Charade (1980 model). When the Daihatsu Charade was introduced in the auto market it was considered as a good and dependable car. It remains to be seen how far the Geely can take its legacy.
6. Chery A-1
The Chery A-1 comes at a price of $7,340. It is a subcompact that gives a solid impression. According to grapevine the Chery A-1 will be available in Mexico where it will be sold as a Dodge model. AVL, an Austrian company has been roped in by Chery in a partnership deal. AVL will provide the necessary technology to make the car Euro IV compliant.
7. The Tata Indica
Sporting a price tag of $8,500 the Tata Indica made by Tata Motors looks very ugly by European standards yet it is thriving there because it is the cheapest car available there. In South Africa the Tata Indica tasted great success.
8. Hyundai i10
The i10 made by South Korean automaker Hyundai is based on the Atos and is considered as its new generation version. The Hyundai i10 costs $9,096 and though it was originally produced in South Korea manufacturing facilities have been opened up in other countries including India.
9. Fiat Palio
The Palio from Italian carmaker Fiat sports a price tag of $9,242. Brazil was the first country where this car was built first. Thereafter manufacturing facilities were opened up in several Latin American countries, India, Morocco, Poland, Russia and China. Fiat incorporated advanced technology into this model and followed it up in its later models.
10. Dacia Logan
Starting at number 10 is the Dacia Logan from Renault. The car costs $9,477 and is made in 5 countries-Romania, Brazil, Turkey, India, and Iran. Renault focused on affordability while designing this car. The Dacia Logan is similar in many aspects with Renault Clio and Nissan Micra.
The launch of Tata Nano created a sort of history in the automobile industry. At a time when high-end motorcycles started sporting a price tag of somewhere around $2000 in a country like India the Nano was offered at $2,497. The cash registers started ringing immediately. This tiny car is not only about price but other factors too. The car was well-planned and everything was indigenous. However there were skeptics who argued (maybe they were true to some extent) that air pollution will increase because many people will be able to afford a car like this.The list comprising the top 10 cheapest cars in the world ends here. Clearly the winner is Tata Nano which is standing at number one position for the moment. Maybe for sometime it will be able to hold its place. Nano did not make a sudden entry rather it was a planned one. The buzz was created long before its launch. Of course the manufacturers had to face setbacks while setting up its manufacturing facility. When finally that issue was settled the Nano rolled on to a red carpet welcome. The popularity and success of the Nano will encourage other car manufacturers to come up with models which may turn out to be cheaper than the Nano but till then it will remain the bestseller.
2. Cheery QQ
Standing tall at number two and holding it firmly the China made Cheery QQ costs $4,781. It is surprising that one can get two Nano cars at this price; still the Cheery holds its ground. The car has lot of similarities with the erstwhile Matiz from Daewoo (later sold off to GM/Chevrolet) and this resulted in trademark issues which were sorted out after much deliberation.3. Maruti Suzuki 800
Tagged as the ‘bread and butter’ car of Maruti, the Maruti Suzuki which is priced at $4,994 was once the most affordable car in India. The Maruti 800 is a mini hatchback that is great for city commuting. Many families which dreamed of owning a sedan but could not afford one found an excuse with this car.4. Geely MR
The Geely MR comes at $5,500 and is slightly cheaper than its elder brother. Both the cars are similar. However the MR with its sporty powertrain feature acts slightly differently than the HQ SRC. Otherwise for an enlightened car buff there is no striking difference between the two cars.5. Geely HQ SRC
The Geely HQ SRC is offered at $5,780. The car is built on the platform of Daihatsu Charade (1980 model). When the Daihatsu Charade was introduced in the auto market it was considered as a good and dependable car. It remains to be seen how far the Geely can take its legacy.6. Chery A-1
The Chery A-1 comes at a price of $7,340. It is a subcompact that gives a solid impression. According to grapevine the Chery A-1 will be available in Mexico where it will be sold as a Dodge model. AVL, an Austrian company has been roped in by Chery in a partnership deal. AVL will provide the necessary technology to make the car Euro IV compliant.7. The Tata Indica
Sporting a price tag of $8,500 the Tata Indica made by Tata Motors looks very ugly by European standards yet it is thriving there because it is the cheapest car available there. In South Africa the Tata Indica tasted great success.8. Hyundai i10
The i10 made by South Korean automaker Hyundai is based on the Atos and is considered as its new generation version. The Hyundai i10 costs $9,096 and though it was originally produced in South Korea manufacturing facilities have been opened up in other countries including India.9. Fiat Palio
The Palio from Italian carmaker Fiat sports a price tag of $9,242. Brazil was the first country where this car was built first. Thereafter manufacturing facilities were opened up in several Latin American countries, India, Morocco, Poland, Russia and China. Fiat incorporated advanced technology into this model and followed it up in its later models.10. Dacia Logan
Starting at number 10 is the Dacia Logan from Renault. The car costs $9,477 and is made in 5 countries-Romania, Brazil, Turkey, India, and Iran. Renault focused on affordability while designing this car. The Dacia Logan is similar in many aspects with Renault Clio and Nissan Micra.