Maruti 800 (1983) -The car that put India on wheels
No single car has made as much of an impact as the Maruti 800. Launched in 1983, the humble 800 changed the face of Indian motoring forever. Compared to the obsolete Premier Padmini and Hindustan Ambassador, it was a technological marvel with a list of ‘firsts’ like a front-wheel-drive layout, a monocoque chassis and disc brakes as well as basics like bucket seats, an electrical cooling fan and electric windscreen washers! The 800 was so cheap to buy and own that it democratised car ownership and literally put India on wheels. It spawned an entirely new generation of drivers, especially women who loved its user-friendly nature. Over 29 lakh 800s, including those for exports, were produced in its 30-year history.
Maruti (Suzuki) Swift (2005) - redefined the concept of a hatchback
Until the Swift came along in 2005, hatchbacks were expected to be basic modes of transportation with few frills and little emotion. The premium hatchback segment did not exist. Ford tried to create one with the Fusion as did Hyundai with the Getz, but customers didn’t warm up to the idea of paying big money for a hatchback. It was the Swift that completely redefined not just the face of Maruti but what a premium hatchback should be. It pioneered a segment, which today forms the largest chunk of the Indian car market. The Swift’s sporty styling, zippy performance and affordability struck a chord with customers and connected with its owners at an emotional level to give it a cult following. That it’s been the best-selling premium hatch for nine years on the trot is proof enough of its fan following.
Tata Indica (1998) - the first true ‘Made-in-India’ car
If there was no Tata Indica, there would be no Tata Nano and Tata Motors would not have bought Jaguar-Land Rover. In fact, Tata may not have been in the car business had the Indica flopped. But what a success it’s been. Ratan Tata’s formula of offering a car with the dimensions of a Maruti Zen, the cabin size of an Ambassador, and the fuel efficiency of a Maruti 800 made it a hit. When bookings opened, over 1,00,000 people paid an advance for the Indica which, despite serious teething problems and poor quality, went on to become a best-seller. The Indica showed the world what Indians really want — a car tailor-made for them and not a global model adapted for India. It was a lesson for all global automakers.
Mahindra Scorpio (2002) - India’s first urban SUV
If there’s one model that transformed the perception of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), it’s the Scorpio. Until then, M&M was perceived as a maker of crude and utilitarian UVs serving rural markets. With the Scorpio, M&M leapt into the 21st century and into the minds of urban car buyers. In fact, the Scorpio can lay claim to being the first urban SUV in India — its relatively compact dimensions more suited to the cut and thrust of urban driving than the larger and more cumbersome Tata Safari. Owners loved the styling too, and the Scorpio’s road presence was an intrinsic part of its appeal. Twelve years on, demand for the Scorpio continues to be strong.
Tata Nano (2009) - the car that should have been
The world’s cheapest car captivated the world when it was first unveiled in 2008 but, unfortunately, that tag didn’t go down well with potential buyers. The Nano had the potential to make it to the top of this list but it’s turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments in automotive history. However, the lack of success can’t take away the significance of the Nano which best symbolises Indian ingenuity and frugal engineering. High on space and low on costs, the Nano was conceived to be the ideal first choice for a family making the jump from bikes to cars. It’s this purity of purpose that makes the Nano special, but it also proves that it’s not quite the car an aspirational middle class buyer wants to have.