While the launch of the Tata People's car approaches, Bajaj has surprised by unveiling it own cheap passenger car, the 4 seater Bajaj Lite concept, 2 days before the Auto Expo 2008 opens.
Take a look at the picture here. Not a bad looker at all, especially the lights and bumper - some might even say it looks better than the Zen Estilo. However, remember that this is a concept vehicle - the actual Bajaj Lite might look very different indeed.
Launch date is expected to be a couple of years down the line - so no, we are not going to see Bajaj's small car battling it out with Tata's small car on the streets of India. Expected fuel efficiency of the Bajaj Lite is 35 kmpl. That is higher than the rumoured fuel efficiency of the Tata small car which is 25 kmpl. The Tata small car is expected to cost Rs 1.25 lakhs - when it is out on the streets. That day is not too far away. But the Bajaj car is gonna be a long time coming.
Bajaj Auto expects to launch its small car in the next four years in partnership with Renault and Nissan. They are developing both diesel and petrol engines. Bajaj Auto will also be setting up a new manufacturing unit in Chakan that will manufacture the small car and light commercial vehicle. Bajaj has done away with the center panel and placed the two front seats touching each other. The gear shaft has been mounted on the dashboard. 
Well will a two wheeler manufacturing company be able to succeed with their ambition with cars? Well they used to say the same about the Truck manufacturers Tata's.
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