What is the world’s cheapest car?

The title has shifted over time: historically it belonged to India’s Tata Nano, while today the cheapest mass-produced new cars are China’s micro EVs—led by models such as the Chery QQ Ice Cream (from about ¥29,900, roughly $4,100) and the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (from about ¥32,800, roughly $4,500) in their home market. Precise “cheapest” status depends on definition (car vs. quadricycle vs. low-speed EV) and local taxes, incentives, and availability.

Why the definition matters

When people ask for the “world’s cheapest car,” they may mean one of several things: the cheapest car ever sold new, the cheapest currently available new car in a given market, or the cheapest vehicle that looks like a car but may not meet full passenger-car regulations. Each yields a different answer, especially as prices, regulations and availability change by country.

The historical title holder: Tata Nano

Announced in 2008 with a headline-grabbing launch price near ₹100,000 (about $2,000 at the time), the Tata Nano was explicitly engineered to be the world’s most affordable new car. Despite its cultural impact, sales never matched the hype, and concerns about safety, features, and perception weighed on demand. Production effectively ended by 2018. As of 2025, there is no mass-market Nano successor on sale, though prototypes and conversions have circulated.

The cheapest new cars you can buy today

As of 2025, the lowest-priced mass-produced new cars are generally micro electric vehicles sold in China. Prices vary by trim, battery size, and city-level incentives, but several models consistently undercut conventional small cars sold elsewhere.

• Chery QQ Ice Cream (China): Base variants have listed around ¥29,900–¥39,900 (about $4,100–$5,500), making it one of the cheapest fully road-legal, mass-produced passenger cars on sale.
• Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (China): Typically starts near ¥32,800–¥36,800 (about $4,500–$5,200) for entry trims; higher-range and special editions cost more.
• Geely Panda Mini (China): Frequently priced from around ¥29,900–¥39,900 (about $4,100–$5,500), competing directly with the QQ and Mini EV.
• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (India): One of India’s least expensive conventional cars, generally starting around ₹4.0–4.2 lakh ex-showroom (roughly $4,800–$5,200), before local taxes and fees.
• Renault Kwid (India): A budget hatchback with SUV styling cues; entry versions typically start around ₹4.7 lakh and up (roughly $5,600+), depending on city and offers.

These price points illustrate that “cheapest new car” today is usually a Chinese micro EV in its domestic market; outside China, the lowest priced new cars tend to be small, entry-level city cars that cost more due to regulations, logistics, and taxes.

What about ultra-cheap “cars” you see online?

Some vehicles advertised for $1,000–$3,000—such as the Changli or various low-speed EVs (LSEVs)—are not conventional passenger cars. They are typically limited to low speeds, may lack full crash protection, and often aren’t street-legal outside specific local allowances. Similarly, the Bajaj Qute (India) is a “quadricycle,” not a full passenger car in many jurisdictions, and its use can be restricted.

Key factors that keep prices low—and what you trade off

Ultra-low pricing usually comes with trade-offs. If you’re considering the cheapest possible new vehicle, keep these points in mind.

• Regulatory class: Micro EVs in China can be smaller and lighter, with fewer mandated features than cars sold in Europe or North America.
• Safety equipment: Cheapest trims may have fewer airbags, simpler structures, and limited crash-test credentials compared with pricier models.
• Performance and range: Entry-level EVs prioritize city use, with modest top speeds and battery ranges.
• Market restrictions: Some low-cost vehicles aren’t certified for sale or highway use in many countries.
• Total cost of ownership: Insurance, charging or fuel, taxes, and maintenance can narrow the gap with slightly more expensive models over time.

Understanding these trade-offs helps explain why a car that’s extremely cheap in one market might not be sold—or permitted—elsewhere.

Bottom line

If you mean the cheapest new car ever sold, it was the Tata Nano. If you mean the cheapest new car you can buy today, the crown typically goes to Chinese micro EVs like the Chery QQ Ice Cream and Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, which start around $4,100–$5,200 in China. In other markets, the cheapest options are generally small city cars that cost more due to local requirements.

Summary

The “world’s cheapest car” historically was the Tata Nano, but it’s no longer produced. As of 2025, the least expensive mass-produced, road-legal new cars are Chinese micro EVs—most notably the Chery QQ Ice Cream and Wuling Hongguang Mini EV—priced from roughly $4,100 to $5,200 in China. Elsewhere, the cheapest new cars tend to be more expensive due to safety, emissions, and tax rules, with India’s Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 among the most affordable conventional options.

Is there any car worth $1 billion?

We’ve all heard of cars that sell for millions of dollars, and every year prices just seem to climb higher. Does a car exist that is worth a billion dollars? Not quite yet, because apparently even the world’s billionaires have budgets. But there is now a car worth a cool $142.5 million.

What is the world’s cheapest car?

the Nano
Instead, it failed miserably… In 2008, Tata Motors launched the Nano—a compact car priced at just $2,500 USD, making it the world’s cheapest car. The press called it “the pop star of the car world.” Tata projected annual sales of 250,000 units.

What is the least expensive car?

The 2025 Nissan Versa S is currently the least expensive new car available in the U.S., with a starting price around $20,130, making it a budget-friendly option for basic, reliable transportation. Other affordable new vehicles include the 2025 Hyundai Venue and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax, which offer more space and SUV-like features at slightly higher price points. 
Least Expensive New Cars (as of August 2025):

• 2025 Nissan Versa S: Opens in new tabStarting at approximately $20,130, the Versa is the most affordable option, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low running costs. 
• 2025 Hyundai Venue SE: Opens in new tabAt roughly $21,695, it is the cheapest crossover SUV and comes with a strong warranty and good gas mileage. 
• 2025 Chevrolet Trax LS: Opens in new tabWith a starting price of about $21,895, the Trax is a budget-friendly American-made SUV that offers significant cargo space for its class. 

Key Considerations:

• Price Fluctuations: Opens in new tabThe models listed were based on prices at the time of their respective articles, and actual dealership prices may vary. 
• Cost of Ownership: Opens in new tabBeyond the initial price, consider factors like fuel economy, maintenance, and insurance costs. The Versa, for example, is known for its low running costs. 
• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabThe Versa is a subcompact sedan, while the Venue and Trax are crossover SUVs, offering different levels of practicality and style. 

What is the world’s lowest car?

Honda Civic
🇹🇼🚗 A modified Honda Civic, nicknamed “Banana Peel” for its ultra-low profile, has been revealed as the world’s lowest car. Built specifically for exhibitions, the vehicle is controlled by a driver lying down and using cameras for navigation — there’s no room to sit inside!