When Tata announced their plans to launch the Nano, the country was in doubt. The question in everyone's minds was, will Ratan Tata's Lakhtakia, (the Rs 1 lakh car) really cost Rs 1 lakh? And even if the car did cost Rs 1 lakh, will we get anything more than a matchbox with two wooden seats, open windows and a bumpy ride on Indian roads?
Next thing you know, we overhear auto-wallas thinking about selling their autos and buying a Nano instead. We heard college gals raving about its dainty size and lovely colours. Well, now that the People's Car is finally launched, we decided to get the buzz around Nano. Here's what some people had to say...
When you think CAR these days, what comes to your mind? Central locking system, power steering, power windows, air conditioning and if you really have the dough, how about a small LCD screen attached to the seats? Nano, though, is a no frills four-wheeler.
Get learnin'
People buy cars when they know how to drive. But can a car encourage you to drive? Apparently the Nano does.
Vijaya Subramaniam, a 56 year old Naval executive says, "I never thought I would say this, but I am going to learn to drive simply to own this Rs 1 lakh car. I would love to own a Nano as it is a small car and fits my budget, so it may be worth the effort."
Replace husband/driver?
Lalita Prakash Natrajan, a 40 year old pharmaceutical executive says the Nano will enable her to drive her own car and she will not have to rely on her husband or driver to drop her off or pick her up.
She adds, "A woman is more under pressure with work and home than a man will ever be. Handling a small car would be so much easier than a big car. Also parking should be easier with so little space required."
Please don't stop the music
Let's face it. What is a car without a music system?
Twenty-five year old Gayatri Parameswaran, a Human Resource Officer, says: "I cannot think of getting a car with no music. And, considering the Indian heat, an AC in a car is a must; else I will be a cooked beef. So I will never consider buying the base model of the Nano. But I think the basic Nano is a good car, meant for common man."
Is it worth it?
According to PR executive Rupal Gune, a Maruti 800 is much better than the Nano. She says, "If I am shelling out 1 lakh anyway, I might as well pay a little extra for that power steering,the central lock and other paraphernalia. I think the Maruti has a better deal as far as features are concerned."
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Relatively comfortable?
Thirty year old journalist Uma Iyer says, "Who needs a radio or an air conditioner? All that matters is getting from one place to the other in relative comfort. I don't mind getting the car as it fits my budget. I can bid goodbye to irritating auto drivers and jostling with crowded buses will end." Of course, it is another story to be stuck in rush hour traffic, keeping your head cool, or face the road bully big cars whizzing past at dizzying speeds.
That independent feel
Aah, there is nothing like being able to AFFORD something. Take Renuka Raman, a 25 year old lawyer and Geeta Narayan, a 31 year old teacher.
Renuka says, "It's a kick not to depend on anyone and saying, I'll drive there! I don't have to depend on my husband or family for funds to buy this car.
I can get it myself, with my own money. It is an awesome feeling. I will SO buy this car."
Geeta Narayan says small trips such as dropping the kids off at school, or shopping at the nearby supermarket will become so much cooler.
"It is affordable and since I can buy it with my hard-earned money, I can call it my own car," says Geeta.
Mileage on…
Thinking of nicknames to call your Nano? We've already got one for you. "Pocket size powerhouse" is what Dr Kanan Khatau Chikhal calls it. She says, "It is really powerful. I find it damn cool car and yet anyone can afford it.
To top it all, it claims to give an average of 20 per km which is awesome."
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