For a country whose automotive industry up till that point revolved around Hindustan Motors (Ambassador), Premier Auto (Premier Padmini) and Standard Motors Product (Standard), and with people getting tired of the same, the launch of the cherubic Maruti 800 was like a heavenly intervention.

With its petite and cute frame, supplemented by the enticing interior and the fact that the M800 was a non-fuel guzzler and reasonably priced unlike the others, it became an instant phenomenon. The Maruti 800 had become a favourite topic of discussion as much as in the glitzy party's of the rich as in the living rooms of the proletariat across the nation. Suddenly, everyone wanted to own a Maruti 800. In a very short span of time, the 800 had transformed from a mere car to a status symbol and an evident sign of success although it cost only Rs. 52,000. The Maruti 800 was the first 'people's car' of the country with its owners coming from a diverse socio-economical background. The 800 was sheer magic then and it still is 25 years later, albeit in a more subdued scale.

Maruti Udyog has till date produced 27, 36,046 Maruti 800's, with over 100,000 units being produced every year on an average. It is the second longest running production car in the country after the Hindustan Motors Ambassador and single-handedly doubled the automotive industry a year after its launch. The 800's engine capacity of 796cc has remained unchanged since its inception and has undergone only two model changes. It was the first car in India to feature a single overhead camshaft engine which was a rarity back then. Over the years, the 800 has witnessed several technological upgradations and facelifts which has kept it in sync with the prevalent standards and is as pleasurable to drive today as it was 25 years ago.

The modern day Maruti 800 is available in petrol as well as LPG format and rolls out of its factory in a total of 5 different variants with prices ranging from Rs. 1, 91, 203 (ex showroom Delhi) to Rs. 2, 16, 647 (ex showroom Delhi). The advent of the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Wagon-R has resulted in the 800 losing its 'highest selling car' badge, but its loveable aura lives on. India will forever be in debt of this legendary hatchback for it is the one solely responsible for the automotive renaissance of the 80's and for putting the nation on an automotive diet. We at the FullThrottle team salute the Maruti 800, the legend.