The 10 most important cars of the Indian automotive industry.
10. Mahindra Scorpio
One of the highest selling SUVs in our country, the Mahindra Scorpio is easily among the most recognizable SUVs on our roads. The SUV was the first-ever in-house vehicle from the Indian manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra. Worked on by a team of only 23 engineers, the Scorpio was born on the 50th anniversary of the company in the year 2002. What really stood about the vehicle was its shocking starting price of Rs. 5.5 lakhs. The original 2.6-litre SZ2600 turbocharged diesel engine made a healthy 109 PS and 250 Nm of torque.
9. Tata Indica
Branded as India’s first fully indigenous passenger car, Tata Indica became an absolute sensation in the country with a staggering 1,00,000 bookings in the first 24 hours of its launch. The chairman of Tata Sons, Mr. Ratan Tata gave these famous lines “Indica will have dimensions of a Maruti Zen, the cabin size of an Ambassador and the fuel efficiency of a Maruti 800.” In a way, the Tata Indica revived Tata Motors and established them as a solid brand in passenger cars. It was marketed as ‘coming of age car’ for India.
8.Tata Sumo
The name Sumo is the result of the amalgamation of the former MD of Tata Motors, Mr. Sumant Moolgaokar. The iconic MPV became one of the best-known vehicles around during its era with the honor of being one of the first passenger vehicles ever, to be designed and developed in India. Tata Sumo had the formula which was tried and tested over the years. More than just a MUV, Sumo provided a sensation of being the boss of the roads with its tall height and upright positioning. Presently the MUV has a new name of Movus and is powered by a 2.2-litre VARICOR unit that churns out 118 PS and 250 Nm of torque.
7. Tata Safari
Talking about SUVs how can we forget to mention one of the most important SUVs of India, our first premium SUV, the Tata Safari. Launched in the year 1998, the Safari took the market by storm due to its USP of space, decent off-roading capabilities and a bold masculine stance. Despite being launched at a price of Rs. 8.25 lakhs, and being on the expensive side of the pricing, it found many takers who were willing to pay for a comfortable ride and liked its robust looks. As the Ambassador, Safari has also been a favorite amongst many politicians and is to date used as an escort vehicle in our Prime minister’s and President’s convoy. Currently, the Storme variant of the iconic SUV is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that pumps out 156 PS and 400 Nm of torque in the top-spec form.
6. Maruti Gypsy
The classic SUV of the ’90s that defined the term cool’, long before SUVs became popular in the automotive sector, was this lightweight off-roader, the Maruti Gypsy. Lack of air-conditioner and power steering made this SUV a horrible city roamer but as the paved roads ended, this beast started to shine in its natural habitat of off-roading. Not only the Gypsy has numerous rally wins on its name, but it has also been the companion of our protectors at borders – the Indian Army. The 4X4 is powered by a petrol power motor that produces 80 PS and 103 Nm of torque.
5. Maruti Omni
The car that became famous for being the choice of every kidnapper in Indian movies because of its sliding doors, the Maruti Omni has plowed a deeply significant place in the history of Indian automobiles and hearts of the people of the country. The Omni was generally referred to as Maruti ‘Van’. Powering the car was the same 796cc inline 3-cylinder petrol engine that produced 37 PS and 62 Nm of torque. After the long production run of 35 years, the Omni was discontinued by the manufacturer due to its inability to meet the updated safety and emissions standards of the nation.
4. Hindustan Motors Contessa
Dubbed as the muscle car of its time the Hindustan Motors Contessa was one legendary classic of the Indian automotive industry. The Contessa was the second car that was launched by Hindustan Motors and was intended to be the new face of the company replacing the iconic Ambassador. Acquiring the inspiration from Vauxhall Victor, the Contessa arrived at the market with a 1.5-litre BMC B-series engine that was mated with the 4-speed HM manual transmission. Ruling the nation for about 25 years, the Contessa Classic was a very popular choice for government vehicles because of its luxury.
3. Maruti 800
Launched in the year of 1983 to fight against the likes of the country’s favorite sedans the Ambassador and Padmini, this little hatchback changed the way India looked at cars. Retailing for Rs. 48,000/- the car gathered so much demand that people were inclined to shell out more than Rs. 1 lakh for this hatchback. Powered by an inline 3-cylinder 796cc petrol engine the 800 produced 37 PS and 59 Nm of torque. The Maruti 800 was the first Indian car to feature the front wheel layout in India. Though the car was an undisputed leader of the market its entire life, it was forced out by the market by its manufacturer itself.
2. Premier Padmini
Colloquially known as the ‘Pad’ or ‘Fiat’, the Premier Padmini was named after a 14th-century Rajput princess. The compact looking sedan was reliable and rock-solid all thanks to the Fiat 1089cc, 4-cylinder petrol engine that made 40 PS and 71 Nm of torque. The Padmini was the strongest rival that stood against the king of the roads, the Ambassador. Many leading icons of the time including Rajnikanth, Mammootty and Aamir Khan and many others owned this compact sedan during its prime years.
1. Hindustan Motors Ambassador
This car has been the symbol of high and mighty in power corridors, the choice of politicians and bureaucrats of the country and the longest production car of India, a true icon and legend of the Indian automotive industry that is the one and only the Ambassador. The Ambassador became the face of the nation and will remain the single most legendary car of our country. Known as the king of the roads, the Ambassador was the first diesel car of India and was famous for its sturdy build and comfortable ride.
10 Most Iconic Indian Cars
– Tata received over 1,00,000 bookings of the Indica in the first 24 hours of launch
– Mahindra Scorpio’s project was completed by a team of only 23 engineers
– Hindustan Motors Ambassador is the longest production car in the Indian automotive history
