Why wait for 2012?: Under Rs. five lakh cars

Tata Nano Diesel

Expected launch date: Early 2012, Expected price: Rs 2 lakh

The most affordable and most fuel efficient car in India, the Tata Nano currently runs a 624cc two-cylinder petrol motor. It is going to be available in an all-new diesel avatar. Tata, in collaboration with Bosch Diesel Systems has developed a 800cc two-cylinder diesel engine. This diesel Nano, to be launched early next year, is expected to cost Rs 2 lakh ex-showroom.

New Maruti compact 800

Expected launch date: Early 2012, Expected price: Rs 2 lakh – Rs 2.25 lakh

Tata showed the world that it could build the cheapest car yet, but it was Maruti that put India on wheels with the 800 back in the day. And it is all set to revive the iconic car that is expected to be powered by a more refined 800cc engine. The new car will be based on the Alto platform and as a result will offer more room inside. The price is expected to be higher than the Tata Nano petrol at Rs 2.25 lakh ex-showroom.

Chevrolet Spark 800 cc

Expected Launch Time: Mid – 2012, Expected Price: Rs. 2.5 to 3 Lakhs

It made its debut in India in the form of the brilliant Daewoo Matiz with a perky little engine and roomy interiors. At present the car is called Spark and sports a Chevrolet badge and has been quite a strong seller. Chevrolet is all set to get into the ultra compact segment as well with an all-new 800cc Spark. Expect stingy fuel consumption and very practical interior packaging as in the Daewoo Matiz. The 800cc Spark should come in the right price range as well.

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Hindustan Motors Ambassador (Shortened)

Expected Launch Time: Mid-2012, Expected Price: Rs. 4 -5  lakhs

The Hindustan Motors Ambassador served India for decades before the arrival of the international manufacturers. After launching a pick-up version of the Amby for the rural market earlier this year, Hindustan Motors has been testing a shortened version of the sedan to avail of the under 4 metres tax exception. The revamped version of the Ambassador’s 1.5-litre diesel mill is expected along with a petol/CNG version for about Rs 5 lakh.

Mahindra Verito Compact Sedan

Expected Launch Time: Early 2012, Price: 5 Lakhs

The Mahindra Verito compact sedan will be a sub four-metre car with the same engines in its petrol and diesel avatars, and the same features as the Mahindra Verito sedan aka the Renault Logan. The price is expected to be lower. The Verito compact sedan is an effort to make a sub 4-metre car which would not have higher taxes or a higher price tag.

Tata Manza CS

Expected Launch Time: End – 2012, Expected Price: Rs. 5 lakhs

Tata pulled off a brilliant move with the launch of the Indigo CS. It plans to do something similar with the Manza and launch a compact sedan version below the four-metre mark for lower taxes. The Manza CS is expected to get the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel mills as in the Tata Vista.

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