10 Great Cars That Liberated India

Indian automotive industry is among the top 5 in the world. Now, this is something massive, and so is the occasion today. The automobile industry in India is reaching new heights, but this was not always the case. It took a lot of time, blood, and tears of everyone associated with the industry, just like Baapu, who helped India gain its independence.

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So, in honor and occasion of our father of the nation ‘Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s birthday, we bring 10 Indian cars that liberated the Indian automotive industry. Liberated? Yes, these are the ten cars that were a part of the market and helped the country progress. So, off we roll.

1. Hindustan Motors Ambassador
   

   

   Okay, as we said above, one vehicle would have popped into your head, Hindustan Motors Ambassador. After all, this car or rather an emotion, doesn’t require any introduction. We think it is safe to say that Ambassador was one of those vehicles that initiated the Indian Automotive Industry.

   Interesting Read: Hindustan Motors Ambassador Nova: The First Diesel AMBY!

   Launched in 1958, the Amby was considered an elite people’s mover back then. Also, in other terms, Laal Batti Wali Gaadi. You know, to take the politicians to different places. Also, it was White that was the staple colour, be it prominent businessmen or politicians. Indeed, Hindustan Motors Ambassador did help India gaining pace when it was needed most.

2. Maruti 800
   

   

   There was a time when cars were more for the ultra-rich people. Around the late 1980s, Maruti paired with Suzuki and brought in the first vehicle, 800, to the Indian market. At the time of its launch, Maruti 800 was priced at just ₹47,500. With its introduction, the car(s) were more affordable and gave many people to make their dream possible of owning a car.

   Into the History: 37 Years Of Maruti 800 | Gone But Never Forgotten

   And oh boy! It was a style statement back then. That said, Maruti 800 was inexpensive to buy, but the costs of maintaining were relatively low. Now, this gave the government another reason, to make better road connectivity. Thank you, Maruti 800.

3. Tata Indica
   

   

   The first indigenous vehicle to be researched and developed on this turf is the Tata Indica. Standing strong upon Sir Ratan Tata’s dreams, Tata Indica was one of the most successful cars in the Indian market. That said, Tata Indica was launched in India in 1998.

   Through the records: Tracing The History Of Tata Indica In India

   Now, considering the features, it offered Indica was targeted towards the audience looking for a hatchback. Talking about it, Tata India boasted of features like powered windows and an air conditioner. This, coupled with a 1.4-litre motor, was a gem of a deal at that time.

4. Tata Nano
   

   

   The following vehicle is also from the house of Tata. After Maruti 800 in the 1980s, the Tata Nano allowed the Indians to own a vehicle at a price way lower than any other vehicle or brand. At the time of its launch at the 2012 Auto Expo, it grabbed many eyeballs.

   Let’s have a look. What went wrong with the Tata Nano?

   Well, to begin with, it looked kind of cute and also the starting asking price of the car was about ₹1 Lakh (ex-showroom). Now, this is something that is a huge deal. Also, because of Nano, Tata got its name engraved in many record books, and it became the ‘Worlds cheapest production car’.

5. Ford EcoSport
   

   

   It is a sad week for another American carmaker Ford, as recently they have announced their exit from India. For more details on the news, we’d recommend you to visit GoMechanic News or Click Here! Ford Ecosport gave the Indian market a new segment, subcompact SUVs, with that out of our way. At the time of its launch was an instant hit. It was 2012 when Ford came up with one of the powerful subcompact SUVs in Ecosport.

   Let’s have a look at the Top 10 Most Googled Questions on Ford EcoSport.

   Back then, with a potent naturally aspirated petrol and a diesel engine, Ecosport also came with a 3-time award-winning 1.0-litre (turbo petrol) EcoBoost petrol engine. From day one, Ford has never stopped making cars for those who love the driver’s seat, and Ecosport is a prime example. With all the said above, we think that Ford Ecosport does deserve the hall of fame of Indian cars.
   

6. Tata Nexon
   

   

   2017 was the year when Tata launched their first subcompact SUV in India. At first, people here were a little sceptical about the SUV, but later the SUV grew on the people’s hearts. Now it is the top-selling vehicle in Tata’s lineup. The Nexon comes with a powerful engine for its size.

   Let’s have a look! Tata Tigor EV vs Tata Nexon EV vs MGZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Compared

   Tata Nexon comes with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine under the hood. The motor generated 120ps and 170 Nm of peak torque. For your buck, you also get features like a TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and also India’s favourite sunroof. And one can also associate the Tata Nexon, with safety for which it scored a total 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test. Safe yet affordable!

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7. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
   

   

   Next to other cars that surprisingly still exist and sell in big numbers is the Maruti Suzuki WagonR. Well, if you are not aware, Maruti Suzuki WagonR came into being in 1999 in India. And has been among the top 10 selling cars of the country. Along with a private vehicle, WagonR is also a superior choice for commercial Taxi use.

   Interesting Read: Suzuki WagonR Smile | Why Should India Have This?

   This has to do with the mileage that the car has on offer, especially when running on CNG. Since its launch, Maruti Suzuki WagonR has changed a ton and has seen the world change. Meaning, keeping the current scenario, WagonR has evolved into a mature and no non-sense vehicle.

8. Honda City
   

   

   Moving to a segment above, the other vehicle or rather a sedan that has witnessed the change in the Indian automotive industry is the Honda City. This C-segment sedan has ruled its segment from the day of its launch. Speaking of which, the first Honda City came to the Indian shores in 1998. It’s 2021, and Honda has never stopped since, and so has the country’s development.

   Here are 7 Things That Honda City Owners Are Tired of Hearing

   The Japanese carmaker Honda thoroughly updated the City in 2020 in its 5th generation. With this update, the City got even more significant, more powerful and surprisingly more comfortable on the inside. All of these combined makes the City the perfect chauffeur driven vehicle.

9. Mahindra Thar
   

   

   Possibly the oldie on the list has to be the Mahindra Thar, for it is the car that has seen India just after its independence, Though it was the Willys CJ3A jeep, yes! a different name. The journey started in 1949 when the Mahindra was used to make cars for the Willys in India. Well, this was the first utility vehicle, rather a potent off-roader in the country.

   Interesting Read: Mahindra Thar | The Jeep CJ Made For and Made In India

   Over the years, with the vehicle’s development, it became even more versatile.  Slowly from more of a realistic look and feel, Mahindra became more advanced and more modern. (to know the complete story of Mahindra Thar, don’t forget to click here). Moving on, in 2010, Mahindra gave their jeep a completely new identity, Thar. Hence it is serving the enthusiast and also the army personnel rather well.
   

10. Maruti Omni
    

    

    Cars usually have a single purpose and a single costume. But the vehicle that has taxied people saved people, taking children to school (to kidnapping) is the Maruti Suzuki Omni.  Well, In 1984, Maruti introduced the Omni just after the launch of the iconic Maruti 800. Additionally. Maruti Omni came powered by the same 796cc inline three-cylinder motor that also powered the Maruti 800.

    To know more about Maruti Omni | An Ode to a Versatile Van

    In the early days, the microvan from Maruti was called just the ‘Van’, and it wasn’t later in the year 1988 that the name was changed to ‘Omni’. And after a couple of updates and changes in the emission norms, the car was put to rest. Still, Maruti Omni will always have a deep place in our hearts.