The experience of trying to book a Nano leaves you feeling small.
There is quite a buzz at the Tata Motors showroom on New Delhi’s Barakhamba Road, on a religious holiday. In fact, it is the only activity in the business district, which is usually a beehive of activity. You don’t need to guess why: the Nano is now on display.
The security guard at the entrance has given up asking why people are trickling in. I enter and find that the Nano is there — in silver — but not quite the centrepiece among the cars on display. But it’s all right, I am excited enough. To be honest, being a sworn motorcycle lover, I have never been turned on by cars, but the Nano is different. It’s not the marketing blitz that got me but the sheer audacity of engineering this car.
I am like a little kid and can’t wait for the two other prospective buyers checking out the front seats to finish. As soon as they are done, I rush to take my place on the car seat and feel what it’s like to sit in a Nano. Poring through the reviews in the automotive press has helped, and I feel at home instantly. I am relieved that even with my 6 ft 2 in frame, I have plenty of leg and head room.
That sorted, I now look for the sales guy to tell me how much I will have to fork out. Experience in buying vehicles has told me — always get the final bill. The sales guy, when I ask for a price list and brochure, fishes out a rather sorry couple of photocopied sheets. Welcome to low-cost sales! The look in his eyes adds weight to the theory that there is not much margin in selling a Nano. My final bill for the fully-loaded LX model is Rs 1,85,509 (including registration, insurance, logistics and Rs 400 for the number plate).
I ask if the model comes with a stereo thrown in. Comes the reply, “Please check the price of the car. You get a stereo only in a Rs 5 lakh Indica Vista.” A test drive, then? “No, only display.” And when can I get my hands on my Nano? “The lottery will decide”. I am pointed towards a counter where I can buy the Rs 300 booking form, and if I want finance, a bank will help me out from April 9 onwards.
I am still excited about the Nano, but I walk away clutching the makeshift brochure. Somehow, the showroom experience has left me with a feeling of emptiness, rather than something to cherish.
Score: 5/10. Points only for the Nano. There is no buying experience
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