The Car we miss - Maruti 800

|THE DEN|

When we talk about cars that we simply cannot ignore in India, the Maruti 800 will be on the top of that list for sure! A car that was truly revolutionary and made owning a car possible for many middle class families of India. Not only was the Maruti 800 probably the most value-for-money car ever to be sold but also one of the most reliable machines Maruti Suzuki has ever made. The production stopped in 2014 but the 800 will be close to to our hearts forever.

The steering of the 800 was accurate and sensitive, and the hatch's small size and high power-to-weight ratio made it a joy to drive. It was easy and practical to manoeuvre in and around restricted lanes due to its size. The ride quality and handling were both acceptable for the price. If you drove carefully, the basic suspension arrangement soaked up the bumps and potholes. Maruti may restore the car's legendary brand in the near future, and we hope we're not disappointed.

The interiors are basic and well-designed, just like the exteriors. It simply serves as a reminder that keeping things simple is always better and smarter. Electronics with fewer components are less likely to malfunction and are more reliable. Unlike many modern cars, which have faulty electronics, every button, knob, and lock works well, and people who own it have little to complain about. Overall, the inside is still a pleasant place to spend time and travel for four adults.

This car surely lacks in terms of safety but it wasn’t aimed at rich people who needed safe cars. The target audience were people who had to travel on two wheelers with their entire families and this car was much safer than that anyway. Space although tight was enough for people to be moderately comfortable.

The Bharat III-compliant 800cc engine felt decent in the city. The 12-valve engine provides 37 horsepower, which is sufficient for city driving conditions. The refinement is excellent, yet the 3 cylinder motor feels gruff when the foot is pushed all the way down. The motor isn't taxed until around 90kmph, but anything faster than that makes you want to let go of the throttle. Although the speedometer shows a top speed of 140 kmph and this is one of the few car that can actually go faster than the indicated top speed.

This car can only be described as 'nostalgia,' as most of us Indians will have some connection to it. This was a breath of fresh air for folks in their 60s and 70s who had only the Ambassador and Premier Padmini to choose from when purchasing their first automobile. This was the first pair of wheels for people in their 40s and 50s. In this car, young men and women in their twenties and thirties grew up and learned to drive. To cut a long storey short, this car was responsible for putting India on the road.