Maruti Suzuki And Its Historical Portfolio Of Hatchbacks In India

The Indian automotive industry has come a long way from the day it began. More so, India is among the top 5 largest automobile industries on this planet. Like any other industry, this market was not like what it is today. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra are among the top carmakers that contributed to this evolution. But the carmaker that has been on top of the sales charts since is Maruti Suzuki. Those were the value for money hatchbacks that gave Maruti an edge over the others. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and see the 8 historical cars that hatchbacks from this distinctive brand.

1. Maruti 800
   

   

   The first-ever vehicle from this carmaker is the Maruti Suzuki 800. Launched in the late 1980s, this small yet efficient hatchback gave a new definition to value for money vehicles back then, and this made the 800 the first vehicle for many car buyers at that time.

   Here are 10 Most Googled Questions About Maruti 800, Answered!

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto
   

   

   The following vehicle in the Maruti’s lineup to come to our shores was the Alto. After 800, Maruti Alto was among the best selling cars; actually, it still is. Over two decades since its launch, Alto has been running long and strong, and this hatch still manages to overtake many new vehicles when it comes to car sales numbers.

   Check out the 10 Reasons why the Maruti Alto will have a Special Place in India

3. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
   

   

   Another vehicle in Maruti’s portfolio that has undergone numerous facelifts and generation changes is the WagonR. Maruti Suzuki WagonR has been the go-to choice in the budget car segment, and it still is in this era. The Reason? Well, the car gets its traditional tall boy stance and doesn’t compromise on the space inside the vehicle. Indeed, Maruti WagonR has done wonders for the company.

   Let’s talk about Suzuki WagonR Smile | Why Should India Have This?

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4. Maruti Suzuki Zen
   

   

   Let’s talk about the vehicle known to be in the garages of those seeking driving pleasure in those old times, Maruti Suzuki Zen. Maruti Zen has a low slung stance that gave this hatch an authentic street racer stance. Well, this came as stock. Also, being the Suzuki, now Zen has immense potential in the car tuning community. Apart from that, Zen was truly an iconic vehicle from the brand Maruti Suzuki.

   Also, Read The 1999 Maruti Zen Classic | A Less Desirable Zen

5. Maruti Suzuki Swift
   

   

   The hatchback that escalated the car sales for Maruti Suzuki in India is the Swift. Launched in 2005, with a powerful yet efficient the Swift is a true example of an engineering marvel for the time. Also, like the Zen, Swift holds immense potential to be tuned for those mouthwatering track days. Additionally, because of the space on the inside, Maruti Suzuki Swift also is the perfect hatchback for family.

   Here are the 7 Important Features That The Maruti Suzuki Swift Misses On

6. Maruti Suzuki A-Star
   

   

   Amongst the best selling cars from Maruti Suzuki, some hatchbacks could not impress the Indian audience. One such vehicle is the Maruti Suzuki A-Star. A-Star and the Ritz had a lot in common, from the engine to the bodyweight, but the Ritz had the upper hand. Still, A-Star from Maruti is a hatchback worth mentioning in this list.

   Read about the 10 Failed Hatchbacks from Major Car Makers [Verito, Matiz, A-Star]

7. Maruti Suzuki Ritz
   

   

   The car from Maruti that was known to have the handling like a Go-Kart is the Ritz. Maruti Suzuki Ritz was small, had a powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. These engines with light curb weight made the car efficient and also fun to drive. But sadly, amidst the advancing technology, Ritz was a little ahead of its time.

   Recommended read: Remembering The Maruti Suzuki Ritz: The Unstoppable Hatchback

8. Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
   

   

   Let’s talk about the hot hatch from Maruti Suzuki in India. If you were living in a cave and had no idea about this hot hatch, Maruti Suzuki did try one in India. It was the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS. Let’s talk numbers first; Baleno RS came with a 1.0-Litre turbo petrol engine under the hood. This engine was capable of generating 100ps of max power and 150Nm of peak torque. But it failed by not being a conventional Maruti Suzuki, SAD!

   Must Read: Remembering the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS Hot Hatch

These were the 8 historical hatchbacks from the Maruti Suzuki in India. Let us know in the comment section below, which one is your favourite and why.

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