All New Maruti 800 to Challenge Tata Nano

The legendary car of India, Maruti 800 is coming back on Indian roads in its all new avatar. Maruti 800, with its 2.5 million sales, continued to be the best selling car till 2004. After the reign of Maruti 800 ended, the company came up with another ace, the Maruti Alto. However, Maruti 800 continues selling till date in BS3 cities and towns, which do not follow BS4 regulations.

If media reports are to be believed, revamped Maruti 800 version will soon be launched by Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). Although there is no official word on it yet, pictures of the new version is already making the rounds in the media. Experts opine that the price range is expected to be low for the new version. Moreover, when every other major automaker is coming up with an entry level offering for India, this can be considered a conscious effort by MSIL. Further, they think that with this launch, the model will directly compete with Tata Nano in the entry level segment.

Media suggests that the model is similar to that of Maruti Alto in many aspects. The new Maruti 800 now has the curvy lines of Maruti Alto. However, MSIL is rumoured to have taken adequate steps to revamp the looks of older version of Maruti 800, in order to offer a sleek and stylish model. In addition, the new version has also got a complete makeover with headlamps and front grille. Besides, the rear of the model still bears the 800′s boxy lines, unlike Maruti Alto.

As per AutoCarIndia, the new offering will be based on the Maruti Alto platform. The model is expected to have spacious and redesigned interior. In compliance with Bharat Stage 4 emission norms, the model is offered with modified three pot F84 engine. However, it still continues to have 796 cc engine. However, with modifications, the model can be conveniently used all across India, in both BS3 as well as BS4 cites.

Many are speculating that Maruti 800 will give a tough competition to Tata Nano. The high end version of Tata Nano has a comparable price tag to that of the current BS3 version of Maruti 800. Initial predictions are keeping the price range of the new Maruti 800 somewhere close to 2 lacs. However, the company has made no official announcement regarding the launch date or the price range. Besides, Hyundai Motor Company too will be coming up with its H800 under the similar price segment. The stripped down version of Hyundai Santro Xing is speculated to be launched in the month of November. With stunning looks and affordable price tag, the car will be a strong contender in the competitive low price category.

However, it is too early to reach any inference. The Indian automotive market is going to witness a heated competition among low priced cars. The low priced car segment has huge potential in the Indian market and is still largely unexplored. Only time can tell who gets a thumbs up and who does not, but all in all, it has given enough reason for Indian customers to cheer.