Aug 02, 2007 08:01 PM
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The Maruti 800 is perhaps the most common sight on Indian roads. It has been the best entry level car for so many years now by putting middle-class India on 4 wheels and continues to be the most popular car in both the new and used markets.
My baby :
I purchased this little beauty as a second owner about eight months back and am quite happy with this 2000 model M 800 with 5 speed MPFI engine. From the day that I bought this car I have traveled many a mile and have found it to be absolutely hassle free. People who are very fussy about luxury, technical specs etc have censured this car time and again but I am sure nobody can refute the point that one cant think of a better vehicle for that price
Vehicle quality :
The M 800 comes with the most trusted SUZUKI engine and was launched about 24 years back and has graduated to the BSIII compliant M800 of today with several facelifts from time to time.It has won the test of time and has been one of the most trusted cars ever launched in India. You can take this car for any kind of trip with absolute peace of mind as I have hardly seen a M800 on road side due to a breaking down. The interiors are just ok and it keeps reminding you that you are on a basic car. The dashboard, upholstery, each and every piece of material in this car has got “economy” written all over it. The MPFI models have certainly proved to be better than those carburetor models ( pre 2000 ) in terms of fuel efficiency, overcoming power lag to an extent and the feel of the engine sound.
Fuel Economy:
This is one car in India that is so well known for its frugality. It is usually claimed that the mileage is about 16kmpl in city and this is true more often than not. But mileage in city conditions is very subjective and it depends upon the city the person is driving in, the time he is driving in (peak or off peak hrs) and also upon the person’s driving habits – whether he treats the vehicle with some regard or as a race horse. One can safely say that with decent driving habits one can manage 20+ on highways with the AC turned off.
Maneuverability :
When it comes to riding in city traffic, this is probably the best car in India. Show me a lane where an auto can sneak in and “this kid” will get in into it as well without hassles. City is one place where I feel extremely proud to ride this fellow. As I drive nonchalantly in heavy traffic, he puts all the Mercs, BMWs and Skoda’s behind as they beg for gaps to move ahead.It’s a pleasure to play with its steering wheels and you would feel so comfortable with prompt steering response. For its 660 odd kg, the steering doesn’t require power assistance. I can easily call it a “Champion of City”. The turning radius is amazingly less for this vehicle at 4.4m and it can literally spin in a narrow road. Parking is absolutely not a problem with this car, courtesy the car’s dimensions.
Performance :
Though you cannot expect a race horse from this 800 cc engine with about 43 bhp (ps. The 4 speed versions churn out only 37bhp) , the engine is quite peppy and you can have great fun while driving in the city. The power to weight ratio is quite acceptable. But you will seriously regret when you take him on highways. Although I have touched 110 Kmph with five on board, this car is certainly not designed for speeds. The vehicle literally sucks for power when you turn the AC on. And when it is “fully loaded” with passengers and you still turn the AC on, it is just like trying to make a kinder garden student solve problems on Algebra.
Comfort :
If you speak of comfort in M800, the only answer is “SORRY”. This car could best be described as an upgrade from two wheeler segment for a middle class family.This vehicle ideally is meant for 4 on board although it can manage with five people at times - if they are of average build – not those Amjath khan types. The boot space is quite Ok for a one day journey or a shopping trip. One serious problem with this car is that its seating is at a disturbingly low level. Aged people would find it pretty hard while crawling in and coming out of the car.
Ride quality:
Suspension is something that could have been better than it actuall is in a M800. The fact that it is a cheap vehicle shouldn’t have made its presence felt in every facet of this vehicle – especially its suspension. When this fellow gets a dip into a pit, you would realize how weak the vehicle is to take such a treatment from Indian roads. Pits and villages are a night mare to these M800s.The ride is quite bumpy especially at the rear. One thing I would like to suggest is to go for radial tyres as it certainly does a bit in improving the on-road stability.
Cost of Ownership and maintenance:
If there is one good reason why one should opt for this vehicle, obviously it is because of its low purchase cum maintenance cost. This a totally trouble free vehicle which can keep running for about 50, 000 km without any extra cost other than periodical “ health check ups “ at least once every 5000 km. Subsequently, it might require some “special” attention on maintenance which is acceptable.This vehicle is quite pocket friendly and an absolute boon for a starter in four wheeler segment. Spare parts are available in plenty for any model of 800 that you might posses excepting those true Japanese models (1983 – 86). And no matter where you go, there is always a Maruti service station to attend to your car – their network probably is the largest in India.
To sum up :
The Maruti 800 is the best choice if you are planning to buy a basic - entry level car with nothing much to brag about save the pride of riding on this ubiquitous product of Maruti which began the four wheeler revolution in India. This cutie little car will keep serving you gratefully for years to come without any problem.
