Move over Nano, Maruti Cervo will soon be here

Soon Tata Nano is going to loose the title of being the 'only' ultra low-cost car in the market.

We say so because the number of carmakers gearing up to produce a competitor for the Tata Nano has been going up constantly.

Also, the recent upsurge in the number small cars being launched indicates that the carmakers have understood India's special liking for hatchbacks and small cars.

So, with Bajaj Renault-Nissan, Maruti and maybe Fiat jumping on the ultra-low-cost-car bandwagon its time for the Indian consumer to get prepared to be showered with options.

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The Bajaj Renault-Nissan's Nano rival is currently struggling with engineering challenges.

"It is over two years that Bajaj is trying to produce the car. The physics of it is very difficult. We have not yet found a solution as there are lots of engineering solutions required," said Collin Dodge, Nissan's executive vice-president at the Geneva motor show.

According to S Ravikumar, Bajaj Auto vice-president of business development, "The partners are aligned to the project and to the agreed objectives. The project is proceeding as planned."

This car is being jointly produced by Nissan, Renault and Bajaj Auto and if completed it is expected to cost Rs 150,000 onwards and is expected to be launched in 2011.

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The other news is coming from the Geneva Motor Show where Fiat displayed a two-cylinder engine which is being introduced by its power train division.

Tata Nano has a 35 horsepower Bosch-powered 2-cylinder 624cc engine. And Fiat's new TWIN-AIR 2-cylinder engine is expected to produce 85 horsepower via turbo charging.

Though Fiat has displayed the engine in a Fiat 500, which is a very expensive car, but rumours are that Fiat is planning to produce a low-cost car for India, which debuts in the Indian market by the year 2012.

Silverio Bonfiglioli, chief operating officer, Fiat Group Automobiles International has said that this low-cost car would be put at the very bottom of the B segment. No details have been yet revealed about this new car but speculations are high.

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Lastly, it is the country's very first small car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki that is gearing up to launch Maruti Cervo.

The car is expected to cost between Rs 150,000-200,000 with a 0.7L, 660cc petrol engine and an expected maximum power of 54bhp.

Maruti Cervo's rear has space to accommodate two passengers and the luggage box has enough space to carry only the daily shopping bags. The car is expected to give a great fuel economy of 20-24 kmpl and would have a top speed of 115 kph.

So, this brings us to the conclusion that this segment is soon going to have more than one option to choose from, which is good news for the consumers.

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