Confirmed: 2010 Prius more fuel efficient than Tata Nano!

Green Car Congress: Tata Motors Launches the Nano in India, Details Booking Process

In comparison, 2010 Prius has 134 hp and an estimated 3.7L/100km in the city and 4.0L/100km highway, for a combined rating of just 3.8L/100km, with 89 g/km CO2 emission.

Prius is a lot bigger and cost a lot more. The comparison is made to show the contrast of technology and benefits.

While the TATA NANO may get 55 mpg, I bet a empty can of Bud offers better front end crash protection!

And I thought the Yaris was scary when I drove one as a loaner!

Sounds like the Nano is supposed to be a replacement for all of the motorcycles they have in India. So...having a little something around you is a step up from a motorcycle.

You have to use the same tests to compare results. You've got a mix of Canadian and Indian numbers there.

The Indian tests now use the EU New European Driving Cycle procedure (source). Therefore compare the figures given in the Geneva motorshow brochure, which give 3.9L/100km 'urban', 3.7L/100km 'extra urban', 3.9L/100km combined, with the 15" wheel. As you state, CO2 emissions on this test are 89g/km. (Toyota Canada didn't state a CO2 figure.)

The test still might not be comparable as the Nano can't reach the 120km/h used in the NEDC cycle. I believe there's a lower-speed test for cars that can't reach this speed.

For the 17" tyre the numbers are higher - more fuel consumed, more CO2 emitted - but only 0.1L/100km all round, and 3g/km more CO2.

The Prius also meets Euro 5. The BS- toxic emissions grades are the same as the EU Euro-grades, which means the Nano only meets Euro-III. Euro 4 was required in the EU since January 2005. All new type approvals after September 2009 must meet Euro 5, and all models on sale must meet this by January 2011.

Thanks Mike for providing clarification and additional info. The point remains the same.