the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano, gets an expensive exterior makeover

This is the GoldPlus version of the Indian Tata Nano car unveiled yesterday in Mumbai (Bombay), encrusted in jewels, covered in 80 kg of 22-karat gold, 15 kg of silver and inlayed with 10,000 semi-precious stones and gems.  It sounds like the sort of thing an arab oil sheik would give each of his wives to motor around the grounds of his palace in (except in Saudi Arabia where women are banned from driving).

The original Nano sells for 123,000 to 172,000 Rupees (US$ 2,700-3,800) and is billed as the world's cheapest car, pitching itself to the nation's many millions of motorcyclists wanting to trade up. 

This version, said to be a one-off, will tour Tata-owned Goldplus jewellery stores across India and is said to celebrate "5000 glorious years of jewellery making in India."

There is competition for the Tata Nano, however: India's Bajaj Auto is making an ultra low-cost minicar with Renault to challenge the Tata Nano, and wants the new compact to be cheaper, greener and deliver "pathbreaking" fuel economy.  The Tata Nano in its present form does not meet EU safety and emission standards.

Specifications

Body style: 4-door
Layout: Rear engine, Rear wheel drive

Engine:  2 cylinder petrol with Bosch multi-point fuel injection (single injector) all aluminium
Capacity: 624 cc (38 cu in), 2 valves per cylinder; overhead camshaft
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Bore × stroke: 73.5 mm (2.9 in) × 73.5 mm (2.9 in)
Power: 35 hp (26 kW) @ 5250 rpm
Torque: 48 N·m (35 ft·lbf) @ 3000 +/-500 rpm
4-speed manual transmission
Turning radius: 4 metres
Performance:  

Acceleration: 0-60 km/h (37 mph): 8 seconds
Maximum speed: 105 km/h (65 mph)
Fuel efficiency (overall): 23.6 kilometres per litre (4.24 litres per 100 kilometres (66.6 mpg-imp; 55.5 mpg-US))
Trunk capacity: 150 litres (5.3 cu ft)
Suspension, Tires (tyres) & Brakes:
Front brake: 180 mm drum
Rear brake: 180 mm drum
Front track: 1,325 mm (52.2 in)
Rear track: 1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Ground clearance: 180 mm (7.1 in)
Front suspension: McPherson strut with lower A arm
Rear suspension: Independent coil spring
12-inch (305 mm) wheels

Wheelbase 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Length 3,099 mm (122.0 in)
Width 1,495 mm (58.9 in)
Height 1,652 mm (65.0 in)
Kerb (curb) weight 600 kg (1,300 lb)–635 kg (1,400 lb)