This review is based on my experience with my father’s Premier Padmini S1 (petrol) which he bought new in May 1996.
When my father decided to buy a new car at that time, the choices before him were Maruti 800 and Premier Padmini. My father wasn’t and isn’t too keen on the Omni though I’m a great fan of the Omni. The waiting period for the 800 was around 6 months and he went in for the Padmini S1. He had already owned a Padmini in the 70s and this tilted the balance somewhat in favour of the Padmini.
The Padmini S1 was Premier’s ’’new’’ car in the mid 90s. Engine power was upped to 48 bhp from the standard 40 bhp from the 1089 cc engine. The car had a better alternator that aided battery charging. The car also got Maruti control stalks.
Engine: Reasonably refined and powerful. Relatively trouble-free.
Chassis: Very good (considering its vintage).
Gearbox: Decent. This car has a column shift and gear shifting can be fun once you get used to it. Gears are synchromesh except for 1st.
Performance: Nothing compared to today’s cars but you can still take off at the lights. It takes a good driver to extract great performance from this car but if you are able to do this, be prepared to see some surprised faces in the cars next to you :-) Highway driving is a breeze if you have a clear road ahead.
Suspension and braking: Suspect. This car needs a good and clear road to be enjoyed today.
Fuel consumption: 9-12 kmpl city. 14-16 kmpl highway.
Comfort: Very decent.
A/C: This car is a non A/C version.
Luggage carrying capacity: Amazing. Not as much as the Amby but still a huge boot.
The Padmini was the choice of car for many. It is easier to own and drive compared to the Ambassador. Also, the Padmini was more of a personal car in Chennai rather than a tourist taxi.
The Padmini can’t compete with any of today’s cars but considering the era in which it was designed, it is still a very comfortable car.
I can’t help smiling even today whenever I see a Padmini on Chennai’s roads being driven by some elderly gentleman or lady on their way to a wedding or to do some shopping. Some of these people (including my father) still treat their Padminis with the same love and care that they accord to their children.
To all those of you how have never driven/travelled in a Padmini - you don’t know what you have missed.
I admit - this is a nostalgic and emotional review.
And, this is why my title reads: Padmini - the queen of the road.