The Tata Magic Iris has been unveiled at the Auto Expo, and like the Nano it is designed to get people off bikes and into cars.

The five-seater Magic Iris seats two up front and three in the back, and has a 611cc water-cooled diesel engine. It delivers 11bhp - more than the typical three-wheeled rickshaw - and has a 10-litre fuel tank with a top speed of 55kmp.

It is a cute looking vehicle that can has the capacity to replace auto-rickshaws. Its construction is basic; the Iris has sheet metal roof, car headlamps and tail lights are all heralded as steps forward in safety over a three-wheel rickshaws. It is available on 12-inch radial or 10-inch crossply tyres.

Prices have not been revealed, but it will go on sale this year and Tata promises it will have a lower maintenance costs and a higher load capacity than the existing three-wheel rickshaws.