26 years back, a little car rolled out on the streets of India, becoming a part of every middle-class family. Code named SS80, Maruti 800 became the quintessential part of the picture of the developing India! It was a ticket to mobility for all the families and a fresh change from the bulky ambassadors guzzling on the streets. The variant was launched with 796 cc engine and no AC, yet considering the 'then conditions', it was seen as a desiderata for a family of four, which had for long wanted to ease out from the uncomfortable - slightly cramped seating of the scooter.
And today its' makers have decided upon not upgrading the existing Bharat stage III to Bharat stage IV, as required by the Indian emissions regulations.
Thus, the time has come to say 'Ciao' to the car, which came out from the Gurgaon plant and zoomed straight into our hearts. Even though it is now being phased out, it will remain permanently parked in our memories.
A few quick facts - Maruti 800 was the maximum selling car, till Alto came and captured the market. Interestingly, Alto is very similar to M800.
M800 is also available in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Chile. In Pakistan, it is known as Suzuki Mehran. Around 2.5 million M800 cars have been sold till date.
