Tata Motors has just launched the Tata Nano 5-door car in Mumbai that costs only $2,000.

Tata Motors says the car will not be profitable for at least 6 years, and hopes to have a European ready model by 2011.

The Tata Nano currently does not comply with US emissions or safety standards.

It has drum all-round breaks instead of front discs, and only has basic panels such as the speedometer, fuel, and odometer gauges. The wheels measure at only 12-inches. The vehicle can impressively travel up to 90km per hour.

The Tata Nano comes in three variants as outlined below

* Tata Nano Standard (BSII* and BSIII*): The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat.

* Tata Nano CX (BSII* and BSIII*): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest.

* Tata Nano LX (BSIII*): With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler. Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.

Performance: The 2-cylinder engine - delivering 35 PS @ 5,250rpm and a torque of 48nm @ 3,000rpm - enables the car to have a top speed of 105kmph and negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30 per cent.

Fuel efficiency: 23.6km/litre, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India under mandated test conditions, which is the highest for any petrol car in India.

Emission: The high fuel efficiency, coupled with a low kerb weight of 600kg, ensures that the Tata Nano - at 101gm / km - has the lowest CO2 emission amongst cars in India. The Tata Nano is BS-III* compliant and is BS-IV* ready. It is also available in BS-II* norms.

Tata hopes the Nano will experience mass adoption given how cost effective and affordable the car is to the people of India, even more so during this tuff economic time.