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.
that is quite a sad news for maruti 800 lovers, but still for more than a decade the car of the nation has left its indelible prints on the Indian roads, its memories will stay forever in milions of hearts. Kudos to the hatchback.
ReplyDeletefacts and figures (especially 796cc :))are very nicely posted,.... great research!.
To your and others info .. Ford has also made an official declaration that they are going to stop the sales of their much loved sedan Ikon and Fiat will stop making palio as both are not BS-IV compliant. And soon General motors will temporarily withdraw tavera from the market.
He he.. stop mocking at me.. great research..!!!
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for the extra facts, Mr. Mechanical Engineer!
Note: Iconic Brands never die down.They just lie dormant and then have a reincarnation later in the form of a new avatar.Eg: VW Beetle, Zen etc.
ReplyDeleteEven if they dont have such a cult following which hints at revival, they always have more than a passing reference in Pop Culture.
WE might soon see a new car coming out on the chassis design and build of M800 to counter the Nano.
pls return comment on lotus.
ReplyDeleteThanx.
:)
http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/ArticleImage.aspx?article=17_04_2010_001_006&mode=1
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