Maruti Suzuki 800 finally retires from Indian streets

The country witnessed the first version of Maruti Suzuki 800 back in early 80's. Back then, hatchbacks were a term unknown to the local population and the car was an instant hit right from day one. Waiting period turned from days to months, and then nearly an year, interested buyers were reportedly willing to pay twice the amount to lay their hands over this trendy little hatchback.

The car till date was known for its peppy engine, reliability and efficiency. Maintaining this car was like a child's play for its owners. Over time, the car had lost its glamor amidst a new fleet of hatchbacks from the Indian and International car-makers, thus coming to a complete standstill on this fine day. Around sometime ago, the India's largest car-maker had stopped selling this hatchback in 16 cities, and now the car-maker has disclosed its plan to discontinue the car for other places as well. C.V. Raman, Executive Director of engineering at Maruti Suzuki, said, “Now on the 18th of January we have stopped the M-800 production completely. We have to keep all of them (dies and moulds) for the spare parts requirement. We have to continuously meet the customer requirements. That is our duty to make sure that they get all the parts.”

As per government norms, spares for the car would be available in the market for another 8 to 10 years and current owners may not worry about getting their vehicles fixed. Raman was also heard as saying, “We have an emotional connect with the vehicle, but at some point of time, you have to take hard decisions. The transition had to be made.”

Some of the variants may still be available with dealers across the country, but exact numbers are currently unknown. The good old car which has revolutionized the Indian hatchback segment shall be reminiscent in the minds of the local population for many years to come.