SANDY TECHFANATIC

Bookings for Tata Motors eagerly awaited Nano, dubbed the world's cheapest car, open on Thursday.

The Nano was formally launched by Chairman Ratan Tata on March 23 and has been available for viewing in showrooms around the country from April 1, as are application forms.

The Nano made a much-trumpeted debut in January 2008 and was due to go on sale late last year, but its arrival was delayed by a dispute over the land where a purpose-built facility was to be located.

Following are some frequently asked questions.

WHAT WILL THE NANO COST?

Prices vary, but the standard Nano will cost 100,000 rupees ($1,993), ex-factory, though this is available to only 100,000 buyers who will be selected through a computer generated draw sometime between late-April and late-June. Showroom prices start from 112,735 rupees for the standard version and go up to 185,375 rupees for the luxury version.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING FEE FOR THE NANO?

For the standard version it is 95,000 rupees, rising to 120,000 rupees for the mid-segment model and 140,000 rupees for the luxury variant.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS?

Customers can book online at www.tatanano.com and pay the booking fee there. Or they can book via forms at specified branches of State Bank of India , the country's largest lender which is managing the process, dealerships and other outlets. Customers can get financing from 18 banks and Tata Motors Finance. Booking fees for financing start from 2,850 rupees for the standard model, at interest rates ranging from 9 percent to 14.25 percent.

HOW MANY NANOS WILL TATA MAKE?

Large-scale production has been delayed by the relocation row that shifted output to Gujarat from West Bengal last year. As a stop-gap arrangement, Nanos will be rolled out from Tata's existing car factory in Pantnagar in Northern India, which has the capacity to produce 50,000 units a year.

WHEN WILL CUSTOMERS GET THEIR CARS?

Bookings close on April 25, and within 60 days Tata Motors will announce the allotment of 100,000 cars in the first phase of deliveries. These 100,000 cars will be price protected at the launch price until delivery, but the booking fee will bear no interest for the customer. Deliveries will start from July.

WHAT HAPPENS TO CUSTOMERS NOT AMONG THE INITIAL 100,000?

Applicants can rollover their booking deposit even if they aren't among the first 100,000 buyers. They will earn interest on that deposit -- from the date that a second phase allotment is announced -- at 8.5 percent to rollover the deposit for between 1 and 2 years and 8.75 percent for more than 2 years. The allotment of those keeping their deposits at Tata will be announced along with those chosen for the first 100,000 cars.

HOW BIG IS THE NANO?

The car can seat 4 people. Tata's chairman has said his inspiration for the cheap car was the common sight on Indian roads of a family of four riding a motorbike.

HOW MANY INDIANS OWN A CAR?

There are around 9 vehicles per 1,000 people, well below levels in developed countries. India's population is around 1.1 billion.



HOW MUCH DOES A 2-WHEELER (SCOOTER, BIKE) COST?

Prices of motorcycles range from 30,000 rupees at the low end to 1.2 million rupees at the higher-end. Tata has said the Nano aims to give people the chance to shift from a bike to car ownership.

Are you a member of the 'There's a Hole in My Wallet' club?
And does the hole in your wallet seem to be getting bigger lately? Does shopping for groceries make your palms sweat due to a serious liquidity crunch?

Studies have shown that when money gets tight in the economy, a lot of us cut back on groceries and switch to buying cheaper prepared foods that stimulate our taste buds but are not necessarily good for us. According to most health officials, the economic slump has a devastating impact on the population's diet and health.

A lot of us may actually wind up packing on the pounds by eating so-called 'comfort foods' that are laden with sugar and saturated fats.

Practical tips to prevent wallet-busting

Offered below are a few tips to help you make better choices with a limited budget. So guys, tighten your belts!

Set a budget: Track all food purchases for a few weeks and identify areas where you can cut back.
Use leftovers: Frozen cuts of meat, bags of cut green beans or shelled peas, other essentials that you might have forgotten about -- you will find use for all of them.
Off-season foods are always more expensive: Do you really need to buy out-of-season fresh foods each week, or will frozen veggies do? In-season produce is hands down less expensive. Set a weekly or monthly spending limit.
Make a shopping list, and then stick to it: Keep a running list on the fridge and write down necessities as you think of them. Before you're off to the store, find out what's there in your pantry and fridge and add or remove items as needed.
Buy only what you'll use: Purchase foods that you use regularly. Remember, fruit and vegetables are still fairly cheap and also very filling, so don�t miss out on them.
Do not experiment with new foods: If you happen to dislike a particular food or cuisine, this isn't the time to try it. It will likely end up in the trash.
Don't buy in bulk unnecessarily: Buying in bulk only helps if a food is a staple in your house, like whole wheat flour, eggs, biscuits, fruit or some staple vegetables like potatoes and onions.
Be realistic: If you don't eat too much of a particular food, don't buy a super-sized amount, as you probably will never get through the whole thing.
Know your good, bad and evil comfort foods: Cook more at home -- it's much cheaper. And cut down on buttery baked foods like pastries, pies, puffs, cakes as well as other packaged foods like wafers, cookies, mixtures and fried variants. They're expensive, unnecessary and will make you gain weight. What's wrong with soul-satisfying soups, grilled home-made panini sandwiches, chicken frankies or rolls and savoury veggie omelettes instead? These are just a few substitutes that are not only healthy, but provide you with loads of nutrition.
Now for a little savings game:

Dinner for two at a restaurant involves:
Waiting time of 30 minutes
Cost:
1 portion of salad: Rs 50
4 rotis: Rs 100
1 portion gobi mattar: Rs 90
1 portion dal makhani: Rs 120
2 portions of dessert: Rs 240
Total bill: Rs 600

Dinner for two at home involves:
A few minutes' planning time (this can be done while you're commuting to or from work)
Preparation time of 30 minutes
Cost:
1 portion of salad: Rs 20
4 rotis: Rs 10
1 portion gobi mattar: Rs 25
1 portion dal tadka: Rs 50
2 portions of dessert (sliced fresh fruit): Rs 50
Total bill: Rs 155

Which is the healthier option, in terms of diet and cost? Think about it! Food prepared at home is less expensive, more nutritious and can feed more people.

So put on your recession cap and ensure:

That you balance your budget scale and your meals -- never, never overeat.
That you're smart and turn this into an opportunity to save some money and work your way to a healthier you.
Seal that hole in your wallet, make the moolah go farther and feel good about yourself, knowing you are a step ahead of the game!