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800cc vehicles in India

Ever since the advent of the Maruti SS80 in 1983, India has developed a splendid affinity for all 800cc cars. What is interesting is that these kinds of cars served a different purpose almost 40 years ago, and the purpose today has totally changed. Maruti Suzuki is the company that first realized the true potential of such cars in a diverse country like India.

Why was the SS80 such a runaway success? As compared to this vehicle, other options such as the Jeep, Premier Padmini, Ambassador and Standard Herald were more prone to problems. One did not have to worry about the car constantly breaking down any more. While the other underbodies rusted over the years, Maruti’s underbelly remained fresh as a daisy for several years owing to the use of metal alloys.

The SS80 slowly led to the development of the Maruti 800, another vehicle which ruled the country’s roads for 25 years. Now this time, people had realized that this car could be maneuvered as easily as a cycle on the road. If places to stay were congested, this was always the most convenient vehicle to park. What’s more, the pickup of the 800cc Maruti was enough to overtake most large vehicles on the highway. The only disadvantages, however, were light kerb weight and low build quality. Indians got used to this over the years, and understandably so.

The point being made here is that 800cc cars are excellent for the Indian roads. Of course, they can be made with tougher bodies and safety tools, but that size is truly perfect to be maneuvered anywhere. Maruti 800 got a 5-speed transmission in the last few years of its existence, and its elimination led to the Maruti Alto 800. Little wonder that such cars become lifelines in the Himalayas where roads are narrow and lanes are small, but why shouldn’t Indian consumers get options from more auto manufacturers in this segment?