The Nano phenomenon!

9th AUTO EXPO 2008

The much-awaited Rs 1 lakh car unveiled, finally.

Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata today unveiled the much-awaited 'Rs 1 lakh car' at an emotionally-charged media function at the ninth Auto Expo on Thursday.

The event was attended by close to 400 media personnel and telecast live by various television channels.

A "promise is a promise," said Tata, as he announced the price of the car, which is exactly Rs 1 lakh for the base model excluding VAT and transportation charges.

Tata, in his presentation, mentioned that there were many who doubted the project and said it could not be done. Statements made by Osamu Suzuki "" "Tata will not be able to make a one lakh car" "" flashed on large screens during his presentation. Earlier in an interaction with the media, Tata said such statements "invigorate most of us" and that it was a challenge to live up to the expectation of the nation.

Here is a close look at the Nano:

The tall roof and generous green-house area enhances the sense of space.

"One-box" architecture means a smaller traditional bonnet. No need for the grille too since there is no engine up front to cool.

The Xmas tree tail lamps link the Nano to the rest of the Tata passenger car family.

Rear-view mirror on one side. Precious rupees saved.

The 623 cc engine features a Bosch developed fuel injection system and is good for 20 kpl.

Alloy wheels shown only on the top-end version. Expect cheaper, pressed-steel wheels as standard issue.

A large speedometer, fuel gauge and digital odometer make up the instrumentation. Curiously, none of the cars displayed featured rear seat-belts.

What is common to Ferrari and Tata Nano? The air-intakes on the flanks are necessary for cooling the rear engine.

Proper independent suspension all-round. Ground clearance looks good even on 12-inch tyres.

The interior features 20% more room than the Maruti 800 thanks to the additional room liberated.

At 3.1 metres long and 1.65 metres wide, the Nano has a footprint that is only 80 per cent that of a Maruti 800.

The twin-pillar treatment ensures that despite the small frontal area, the cabin of the car can withstand impact in the event of a crash.

A curved windscreen is expensive to produce - a hint that the car was not conceived to a price, design too was an equally important criterion.

While the car has already been subjected to front-on crash-worthiness tests, it is yet to go for off-set and side-on crashworthiness tests, expected later this year.

The front seats have head restraints built into the seat to save money and reduce complexity. The rear bench seat can seat two adults and a kid comfortably.

Ratan Tata, in an uncharacteristically combative mood, decided to take on criticisms and concerns accumulated over four years. Here are some of his remarks culled from the many that he made in the course of the day:

"Some have gone and said we will lead to an increase in the fuel import bill. Half a million two-wheeler capacity has been added in the country. They also run on fossil fuel. Why is no one asking them the same questions?"

"This car is less polluting than a two-wheeler. It has passed the crash tests required in the country and will be undergoing side and offset tests required for European markets. It conforms to Bharat III emission norms and this engine will meet the Euro IV norms. Dr Pachauri [R K, chairman of the inter-government panel on climate change] need not have nightmares and Sunita Narain [of green lobby CSE] can sleep at night."

"We had some unsolicited suggestions for the name of the car. Some said we should call it Buddhu (perhaps as a tribute to the West Bengal Chief Minister). Some suggested Mamata, or Despite Mamata~ [after Mamata Banerjee of Trinamool Congress who has been a strong opponent of the car project]."

"We did not put the Rs 1 lakh tag, the media did. But we took it up as a challenge."