Hindustan Motors Ambassador

Hindustan Motors Ambassador

Ambassador Overview

Often referred to as the official government car of India, Hindustan Motors Ambassador car is the first ever car that was manufactured in India. Even today, the car is considered to be a classic which is related with old world charm. Recognisable by every Indian, be it a child or a senior citizen, Ambassador is still plying on Indian roads with the same vigour as it had 50 years ago.

Providing enough space, even for a big Indian family, to travel together in comfort, Ambassador car ruled the Indian roads unrivalled for a few decades. However, liberalisation of Indian economy brought competition for the car. Still, Ambassador has managed to carve a niche for itself in the ever-growing Indian automotive market.

Ambassador Introduction

On an average, a car carrying a member of the political or the administrative class of the country will definitely be an Ambassador. This introduction is enough to speak about the importance of Ambassador cars in India. Regarded as the first 'Indian' car, Ambassador has lured buyers ever since it was presented in the market.

Staying in production for more than half a century, Ambassador car is a niche product offered by Hindustan Motors. Initially, having been introduced as a sedan car, today, Ambassador has expanded its product range to include a small commercial vehicle Veer as well. Ambassador cars carry a legacy with them about which almost the entire country is aware of.

Ambassador Launch History

Ever since its inception in 1948, Ambassador has set incomparable standards of interior spaciousness in a car. Despite being originally based on Morris Oxford car of United Kingdom, Hindustan Motors Ambassador car has been through a series of design changes till date. Over the years, the car has adapted to match the expectations of the average Indian car buyers. In 2011, the company introduced another revamped version of Ambassador car having several new features and design changes.

With state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Uttarpara in West Bengal, Hindustan Motors Limited is gearing for the production of a more contemporary version of Ambassador car in India. This updated version will come with features that cater to the needs of the present generation of customers. Ambassador is the only car that continues to ply on Indian roads even after completing more than five decades in the market. Ambassador car's underlying attributes of reliability, spaciousness and comfort have made it one of the most appreciated cars in India.

Ambassador Variants

Hindustan Motors Ambassador Grand variant is available in as many as 5 models that have been described below. Some of these variants are also available in the classic versions that have the same traditional design of Ambassador car.

All Ambassador car models have nearly identical features and can be mainly differentiated on the basis of their engine and fuel type.

Ambassador Pricing

The new Hindustan Motors Ambassador car models are available in the price range of Rs. 4.5 lacs to Rs. 6.5 lacs in India. The price depends on the place of buying, as different states in India have different tax regimes. In addition to this, what model among the 5 available is chosen to be bought makes a difference in Ambassador car price.

Ambassador Review

Receiving excellent initial reviews, Hindustan Motors Ambassador in India has achieved a heritage status for itself. It was highly appreciated as an example of the industrial strength of India even in its initial years as an independent country. Used as the official transportation for the who's who of the political class over the last more than 50 years is an achievement in itself.

Ambassador Grand that is currently on sale, received mixed reviews from the media and general public. A section of reviewers appreciated the somewhat changed look and introduction of certain new features in the upgraded Ambassador car. However, a large section of media gave negative reviews to the new Ambassador car in India, stating lack of accessories and safety features as the prime reason. Many reviewers went on to say that it was high time that Ambassador car got an actual upgrade. They suggested that the company present a version of the heritage car with features and accessories that are the standard in today's cars in an affordable price range.

Ambassador Used Car Market

Being in production for more than 50 years definitely helps the cause of Ambassador cars by getting decent resale value. Popularity as a built to last Indian car leads to commercial passenger vehicle operators opting for used Ambassador cars in large numbers. Another factor that makes Ambassador popular in the used car market is that it is mostly pre-owned by the politicians and bureaucrats of the country.

Ambassador Specifications

Specifications for different models of Ambassador car have been given below.

Hindustan Motors Ambassador Grand variant is available in as many as 5 models that have been described below. Some of these variants are also available in the classic versions that have the same traditional design of Ambassador car.

Ambassador Exterior

Ambassador Exterior Appearance

Even after 50 years of continued production, Ambassador car looks very much the same. Based on the Morris Oxford (manufactured in United Kingdom), certain style changes were made in the car’s exterior appearance to give it a somewhat different look. Over the years, the car has been revamped on several occasions. Ambassador Grand, the model that is on sale currently, includes body coloured bumper which improves the style factor of Ambassador. The side indicator with Escutcheon is a unique turn indicator on the body of these cars.

Ambassador Grand has headlamps with clear lens and prismatic reflector that provide an excellent forward view while driving in the dark. Diamond-cut Tail-lamps ensure that vehicles behind can easily spot the new Ambassador car even from a distance. Full wheel hub cover and soft touch door handles provide Ambassador a modern side profile.

Ambassador Exterior Measurements

The exterior measurements of Ambassador cars have been given below.

Hindustan Motors Ambassador Grand variant is available in as many as 5 models that have been described below. Some of these variants are also available in the classic versions that have the same traditional design of Ambassador car.

Ambassador Interior

Ambassador Interior Appearance

Hindustan Motors Ambassador car has a simple appearance on the inside. The first noticeable thing upon entering Ambassador is the huge space for passengers, which is more than enough for 5 adults. In addition to this, things like moulded door pads, 3-spoke steering wheel and a new gear knob among others show a true example of old meets new design approach in new Ambassador 2011.

Ambassador Interior Comfort

Having a one-of-its-kind front 60/40 split seat, Ambassador in India is a car that can accommodate 6 passengers comfortably. The centre armrest in this car is very comfortable for rear passengers. The car also comes with a factory fitted powerful air-conditioning system to provide relief in hot weather. The new Hindustan Motors Ambassador cars also come with Stanley leather seats for added comfort.

Ambassador Interior Measurements

One of the most spacious cars in India, Ambassador car comes with ergonomically designed front split seats (60/40) that provide decent space for 5+1 passengers. There is no dearth of headroom, legroom or width in this vehicle for its occupants.

Ambassador Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Depending upon the model, Ambassador cars can achieve an average mileage of 9 kmpl to 11 kmpl in city. On highways, Ambassador can get a fuel economy of 14 kmpl to 16 kmpl. Of course, the average mileage achieved depends on driving style and driving conditions apart from fuel quality used and other factors as well.

Ambassador On-road Drive

Whatever be the grade of the road on which Ambassador car is driven, it never ceases to have an excellent handling and ride quality. In addition to this, passengers never feel uncomfortable inside an Ambassador. The suspension of Hindustan Motors Ambassador is quite good for the poor road conditions often found in the country.

Ambassador Power

Hindustan Motors Ambassador car is equipped with a larger engine than other cars in its competition, however it has quite less power. The engine can transport the car with full load of passengers and luggage easily, albeit not at high speeds.

Ambassador Acceleration and Pick Up

Not built to make a sprint, Ambassador car has low acceleration and consequently, a poor pick up capability. None of the engines offered in the Ambassador has enough torque to take the heavy car from 0 kmph to 100 kmph quickly.

Ambassador Safety and Security

Hindustan Motors Ambassador has a very solid and rugged body that feels quite secure on the inside. Seat belts help in making the passengers feel safe inside the Ambassador car. Front disc brakes help in stopping it quickly and easily even when travelling at high speeds. However, Ambassador does not have any safety or security features even though some of the cars in its price range offer those features even in base variants.

Ambassador Comfort and Convenience

To add to the convenience and comfort factor, Ambassador has power steering that makes it easy to manoeuvre even in traffic conditions. Apart from this, Ambassador car comes with power windows for the convenience of passengers. In addition, a mobile charger helps passengers to charge their cell phones on the move in this car. An anti-glare rear view mirror is also very helpful while driving Ambassador cars.

The new Bharat Stage IV (BS IV) versions introduced certain new features like Malfunction indicator (engine check light), digital trip meter with multi-trip option for convenience of the customers. Apart from that, new comfort features like rear air-conditioning vents and remote boot opener have been included in Ambassador cars.

Ambassador Colours

Ambassador Wheels

Details regarding wheels and tyres in Ambassador cars have been given below.

Hindustan Motors Ambassador Grand variant is available in as many as 5 models that have been described below. Some of these variants are also available in the classic versions that have the same traditional design of Ambassador car.

Ambassador Stereo and Accessories

The Grand version of Ambassador has changed the way the car has been perceived till date. An MP3 audio system, as a part of the new acoustic package is developed in association with Treves of France, comes in Grand. A reading light and an optional study table for the rear seats are available as accessories in Ambassador cars. A new digital clock is also present in Grand version of Ambassador.

Ambassador Dealers

Hindustan Motors has more than 60 dealers in the country and Ambassador cars can be bought from following dealers:

Hindustan Motors Ambassador Grand variant is available in as many as 5 models that have been described below. Some of these variants are also available in the classic versions that have the same traditional design of Ambassador car.

Ambassador Company Quotes

In September 2003, during a press conference for the launch of Ambassador Grand, Mr. Satish Burman, the Vice President (Marketing), Hindustan Motors, had said that with the Grand, the company expected to get individual customer's interest back to the Ambassador. However, it prefers to position the car as a niche product.

Speaking about Ambassador car's improved sales performance in 2004-2005, Ms. Soni Shrivastav, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, C.K Birla Group had said, “The growth in sales performance of the Ambassador can be attributed to the continuous improvements we have been bringing into the product. Our strong marketing network and after sales experience with customers, are the other key parameters that are increasing the popularity of the Ambassador. There is definitely a renewed and positive interest in the product.”

Ambassador Competitor Analysis

The price range of Rs. 4 lacs to Rs. 7 lacs in the Indian automotive market is the most competitive one. Many hatchbacks like Hyundai i10, Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Tata Indica, Fiat Punto, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Toyota Etios Liva, Honda Jazz, Ford Figo and Nissan Micra are present in this price range. Ambassador car is more spacious than all of them, however, it is not powerful enough despite having larger engines.

Entry level sedans like Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta classic, Tata Indigo, Toyota Etios and Nissan Sunny also compete with Ambassador cars. However, Ambassador is not even close to the level of equipment and features provided in these cars and that even in the same price range.

Ambassador LPG/CNG Version

Hindustan Motors Ambassador cars are available in LPG as well as in CNG versions. Both of these models are popular owing to their low running costs and well-renowned efficiency. In addition to this, there is not much difference in power and torque of these LPG/CNG versions and the petrol version. Among these, Ambassador car in CNG version is a hit among fleet buyers who use the car as a taxi. CNG is now available in all major cities of India, another reason for high sales of Ambassador CNG model across the country.

Ambassador Pros

A built to last and sturdy body is one of the biggest plus points of Ambassador car and thus it can be driven on all kinds of roads comfortably. Availability of service and parts throughout the country is another advantage of Hindustan Motors Ambassador. Low initial as well as running and maintenance cost is a factor that leads to the car registering a decent number of sales even today. A tall-boy sedan, Ambassador makes it easy to enter/exit the car even for the older passengers. Very popular among fleet operators, Ambassador serves the purpose of a spacious taxi with enough space for 5+1 passengers. Counted among the first cars to be manufactured in the country, Ambassador in India is the only car to be produced for over 5 decades. This makes it no less than a heritage car of India still having the old world charm. The political class of the country, even today, uses the humble Ambassador as an official means of transport.

Ambassador Cons

Poor acceleration and pick up makes Ambassador car a slow starter from a standstill. Lack of safety features that are common in other cars of its segment also go against Ambassador's market value. Absence of some of the basic accessories is another disadvantage for this car. An almost non-existent marketing strategy is quite harmful for Ambassador in today's highly competitive market. Some buyers try to avoid the 'taxi' tag by not even considering Hindustan Motors Ambassador cars. Inconsistent and half-baked upgrades have led to almost negligible improvements in Ambassador car ever since it was introduced over 50 years ago.

Ambassador Conclusion

Buyers usually look for a new car; however, hardly offering anything new, it puts off many potential customers. Despite offering superior comfort than most of the cars in the market, Ambassador car has hardly any convenience feature. However, even today, the vehicle is bought by politicians as well as anyone who is looking for old world charm and spacious interiors. Overall, Ambassador is a car with a below average engine and huge interior space at the best possible price.