The Tata One Lakh Car - goodness heavens has this term occupied the minds of all and sundry or what! But why should it not! Afterall it is one of the most revolutionay things that might happen to the Indian automotive circus. And Tata, as seen over the years, can be trusted on doing just that - revolutionizing the Indian car market. All over again.
It is learned that Tata is trying out test mules of the OLC (One Lakh Car) by putting them through the real-world tests. Alright, it is not going to be any ground-breaking design, so whatever high-rise notions that you've had lie peacefully in the grave now. The aim was simple to build a car that even your kid could own after saving up some pocket money. So it had to be a low-cost offering with four doors and a boot to house your weekend shopping. And while at it, cheap-to-run factor gets thrown in as well. And since the Indian market is growing like algae, looks play an important factor too, hence the OLC should be very 21st century like. Well, so much from a car that you want under one lackh bucks eh? Greedy we humans are, for sure.
Hats off to the development team at Tata if their 'baby' does satisfy all the asks of a typical Indian buyer. Lets go into a little flashback, movie style, and see how the love affair with One Lakh Car started. Year 1998. Auto Expo. Bells ringing? Yes, you are right my friend, it was in this very year that Tata showcased the 'Zing' which was very well received by everyone. This prompted Tata to think out of the box. So out of the box infact that you utter words like one or words like lakh and the first thing that comes to the mind to petrolheads is Tata One Lakh Car!
So, Zing it was whose DNA was chosen for the OLC. A lot of man hours were spent alone on the thinking process and then followed the series of operations. Some nip and tucks here, some filing there. And Tata now is ready, almost, with its "gift" to our auto industry.
Ever observed a Maruti Zen Estilo closely? You are being asked this because the Tata OLC might look very much like the Zen Estilo, though much smaller in size. The front end will host a small bonnet, albeit without an engine! Yes, unlike what you imagined, the engine is going to be placed on the wrong side of the car and the front end can be a tight affair which will only be complimented by the headlamps and fog lamps, which might be offered as optional equipment, and the smiling grille section. The engine going at rear and the front end being tiny with equally tiny overhangs is a good news actually since this means that the cabin will accomodating enough. The Indicab type tail lamps are being made use of to give a slight upmarket feel to the car. The fit and finish will also be of a high order.
The engine will be small too. A 2-cylinder format will have a displacement of 660cc for the petrol while a 700cc diesel motor (developed in conjunction with Bosch) may also be offered to add to the VFM factor. What about ride? And handling? For once, oh please for once, let us not be so demanding. It is a budget car that promises to present itself as a very good value. Lets not ask the world from it! This machine is going to be unveiled at the upcoming Auto Expo next year.
From being known as a maker of super imposing, super comfy, crude and unrefined SUVs like Sierra and Safari, Tata did well by launching the Indica and Indigo. The One Lakh Car, by the looks of it, is sure to make a huge impact. And that's good!
