Maruti 800 to Toyota Qualis: Iconic cars that changed India’s road travel scene – The era that was

During the late 1900s, owning a car was not a necessity but rather a luxury. This was the time when only a few models ruled the Indian roads, and they became so popular that everyone wanted them. They essentially started a revolution in India’s car scenario and paved the way for how the country travels today.

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Maruti 800
The Maruti 800 wasn’t just a car, it was a revolution. Launched in 1983 at a groundbreaking price of Rs 52,500, this tiny hatchback became India’s best-selling car for decades. Its frugal 796 cc, three-cylinder engine producing 40 hp might seem modest today, but back then it offered a world of possibilities compared to the limited choices available, like the Fiat Padmini and the Ambassador.

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Toyota Qualis
A pioneer for Toyota in India, the Qualis was a tough-as-nails SUV that carved a path for the brand’s future success. Launched in 1994 at Rs 4.6 lakh, it boasted a reliable 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine, perfect for tackling Indian roads. Though discontinued in 2005 to make way for newer models like the Innova, the Qualis left its mark, firmly establishing Toyota’s reputation for reliability in the Indian market.

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Maruti Suzuki Zen
Cruising onto the scene in 1993, the Maruti Zen, aptly named for its “Zero Engine Noise,” quickly became a youth icon. This stylish hatchback stole hearts with its modern design and zippy 1.0-litre Suzuki G10B engine, churning out 50 horsepower. With a starting price of Rs 2.8 lakh, the Zen wasn’t just affordable, it was a symbol of youthful freedom, ruling the roads and capturing the imagination of a generation.

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Mitsubishi Lancer
In the late 90s and early 2000s, the Mitsubishi Lancer tore up Indian streets as a popular sporty sedan. It offered drivers a choice between a peppy 1.5-liter petrol engine with 85 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque, or a fuel-efficient 2.0-litr diesel engine generating 68 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. Starting around Rs 8 lakh, the Lancer became a success story for Mitsubishi in India, joining the ranks of their popular Pajero SUV.

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Maruti Esteem
In 1994, the Maruti Esteem paved the way for premium sedans in India. This trendsetter boasted a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder engine churning out 85 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. Offered with both manual and automatic transmissions, the Esteem became a favorite among corporate professionals for its comfort and performance. By 2 2007, as the Swift and Dzire rose in popularity, the Esteem’s production came to an end.

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