The first phase of bookings for the Rs. 1-lakh 'dream car' Tata Nano began on Thursday, April 9, with crowds thronging the Tata Motors showrooms, and specially-opened booking counters in banks, including State Bank of India, which is Tata Motors' key partner in selling and receiving the booking forms.

The forms, costing Rs. 300, are also available at Tata Indicom centres, Titan showrooms, Westside and Croma stores. The booking for the wonder car - which can also be done online - will close on April 25.

With the cost of the three Nano variants lying between Rs. 1.23 lakh and Rs. 1.72 lakh in Delhi, the booking amount, between Rs. 95,000 and Rs. 1.4 lakh, can either paid in one go or be financed from SBI and fifteen other banks. Only one lakh customers - chosen through a computerized draw within 60 days after the bookings close, will be applicable for availing the Nano launch price.

Since countless counters have been opened for bookings, there was neither any visible scamper for forms in the showrooms, nor are there exact figures available with regard to the number of bookings done on day 1.

Nonetheless, Sumeet Partha - branch manager, Tata Motors Finance Limited - said: "Among the applicants, most of them were from the middle class, be it service holders or businessmen. Most preferred loans instead of buying Nano at one go!"