Once upon a time in India... there was a car.
It was dream and desire, social and status symbol. People who owned it were revered, and guys who drove it got all the chicks. For some people, it was life ambition itself to own one. It was the first car, with those real ’phoren’ looks, and among the slew of bulky ambys and fiats, it looked like a sheep among buffalloes. And had a waiting list of 1 year. It was the Maruti 800, or simply Maruti.
Cut to the present, fast-forward some 25 years.
Ruling the roads, there are the marvelous Mercs, gleaming Hondas and Hyundais, zipping Fords and Chevrolets. But the Maruti 800 is still here. Its no longer lusted after, but it is still India’s sweetheart. The sharp-edged sunken-eyes look is long gone, and has a more fresh rounded look. It is still the largest selling car in India, after all these years, and last year sold more numbers than the entire C (Mid-size) segment (The Esteem-Ikon-Accent segment), and 19 out of every 100 cars sold was a Maruti 800. It has defied time and is still India’s sweetheart. Why-oh-why? Lets see why.
Why? Because:
Price: Of course, its the moolah that matters. At a price of 2.07 lakhs ex-showroom south, and 2.17 north for the standard version, ($4500 or E3800) Its the cheapest car in the world! For the AC version you have to give just 20000 more. Also, it can be picked up dirt cheap second hand, even for Rs. 75000, if you try hard enough.
Easy than ever loan schemes, with some plans offering a monthly EMI of just Rs.2499, only make things easier. Totally value for money, if you ask me.
It runs! The 800 is bare-bones, just having that what is necessary. Maruti has crammed into its little body everything that can be available at that price, it even has an MPFI engine.
Dont pretend to be Schumacher. Dont even think of it. The little 800cc engine churns out a just manageable power figure of 37bhp and it just about gets the work done. The looks too. small, well rounded with just pleasing lines, it is no head-turner, but will do. But long distance trips and load hauling may be a no-no.
The car really scores on the maintenance front, having just unbeatable running costs. Because of its no-frills style, you dont have to run to the workshop every four days. And the fuel efficiency. 20 Kpl is not a bad figure, is it?
Its for everyone: If you just got your ’L’ and are a new entrant into the big bad dog-eat-dog world of Indian driving, this one is just for you. Especially ladies. It makes most sense as a hassle free urban commuter car, the best for short trips.
You want to upgrade from a commuter Boxer or Boss? Go for it. Its more than a bike on four wheels. Its very easy to drive also. Press the accelerator, it runs. Stomp the brakes it stops. No heroics, no pretensions. It is built for Indian roads, and can tackle rough roads quite well.
Students, PYTs, nice aunties, the grave-looking government employee, ambitious 20-somethings just starting to earn, young husbands, grandpas, just anyone can have their way with an 800.
The image Maruti has built up over the years, especially in the rural and semi rural areas. There, its still the beat ’desi’ car. all others are ’phoren’, and the 800 is still the image of ’medium-class’ car, all others are just, well ’not for us.’ The image of the 800 has so much rooted in the mind of people, so on mentioning the name ’good car’ the image that comes to the mind of the people is that of the 800.
And of course, it has no competition.
And why not?
For one, safety. Better give way for the huge menacing trucks and buses, for in the instance of a crash, the little 800 will just get totalled. It will not be a very pleasureable experience. The body is about as strong as an eggshell, and dont forget it.
The space is cramped, but ride quality is good. Not exactly the car for Mumbai-Goa trips.
Wannabe Schumachers: Stay away from it. If you want to get fast and furious, save some money and go for something else.
If you are looking for something more presentable or upmarket, just try the Alto, for which the base version is just Rs 20000 dearer than the AC variant. The 800 also cannot be a good family car.
Bottomline
You want a nice car, just to drive from home to office? An occasional night in the town? Or an occasional visit to grandma? but of course. The best and cheapest urban commuter car in the world. Not at all practical for people who do a lot of long distance driving or large families. Buy only if you cant afford anything else.
Happy driving!
Cheers n TakeCare!
Vinod.