The car community is never restricted to a specific kind or type of vehicle. Hence in a car meet, you’ll see a ton of people from tuners to ricers. But apart from them, there exist different kinds of people who like to go off-road. Hence they customize their vehicles for different purposes. And these vehicles ought to have a 4×4 system from the factory. So, here we count down ten such cars that used to offer 4×4 drivetrains in the past. (In no particular order)
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Renault Duster
The cheapest car to sport a 4X4 drivetrain on the list was the Renault Duster. Well, one should not go on the price as the vehicle had outstanding off-road capabilities. The vehicle’s dynamics do not end there, as Duster AWD got a multilink suspension at the rear.
Meaning? The ride quality was exceptional on any road. This drive train, coupled with a 110ps engine, was a masterpiece. We wish the car makes a comeback with this drivetrain.
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Mahindra Scorpio
Next to have the go-anywhere attitude was the Scorpio. If you are not aware, Scorpio had a 4X4 drivetrain a while back. But surprisingly, Mahindra decided to ditch it, and now the ever-expensive Scorpio only comes with an RWD configuration. The engine in the 4X4 used to generate 120ps of max power, delivered to the wheels at a fairly low RPM making the SUV a good off-roader. Should Mahindra get the Scorpio back with 4X4? Let us know.
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Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
Can you imagine Maruti Suzuki, too, had a 4X4 SUV? Well, Suzuki cars are known to have a really good ride and handle along with potent petrol engines, and Grand Vitara is one example. Because of the versatile drivetrain, the Grand Vitara was and still is used in rally racing and going on off-road trails. Additionally, Suzuki Grand Vitara had to be customized to suit the owner’s requirements to do all the fun stuff. Next, the adventure is out there.
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Tata Safari
Is it right to say that the new Tata Safari is not right anymore? Well, this is what we think. Tata Safari has been and will always be an icon in the car community in India. Tata Safari Storm used to come with a body-on-frame chassis along with an RWD system (majorly).
Besides that, there was also an option of a 4X4 drivetrain. But it is sad to report that all of those goodies and toys are no longer in the vehicle. The new Tata Safari is a mere people’s mover with an FWD drivetrain. Also, we are unaware if Tata will bring Safari back to its glory.
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Tata Xenon
Sadly, the next vehicle to go extinct is the Tata Xenon. Though the commercial version of the vehicle is still a part of Tata’s portfolio by the name of Yodha, it misses out on the 4X4 drivetrain. The Xenon was one of India’s first family pickup trucks with all the basic amenities.
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Isuzu D-Max V-cross
Next in the line is another pickup truck, Isuzu D-Max V-cross. The vehicle was available until the BS6 was implemented, after which it was discontinued. Now, it’s been almost a year, and we still see no V-cross. Nevertheless, Isuzu D-Max was the weapon of choice for those seeking only off-roading. Modifications like a lift kit and upgraded suspension with tyres were like the standard kit making the vehicle somewhat road illegal.
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Mahindra XUV500 AWD
The SUV that aided Mahindra in gaining back its market in India is the XUV500. This family car has been a part of the company’s portfolio for a long now and desperately needs an overhaul. However, with time, Mahindra pushed a couple of facelifts off the vehicle.
But it is depressing to report that Mahindra made some unwanted changes in updating the vehicle. To begin with, XUV500 is an FWD vehicle, meaning it is a soft-roader. But some hooligans opted to go for AWD, which the car had on offer earlier. But this is not the case now, as the AWD variant has been put to rest.
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Maruti Suzuki, Gypsy
When we talk about Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, the Indian Army and Rally Racing, two things pop into our heads. This is because the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy was built for a purpose, and that’s versatility. With the low-range 4X4 gearbox and a short wheelbase, Gypsy faired quite the companion in uneven terrains. But sadly, the company has no more Gypsy in their line-up. But there are speculations that Maruti might bring the Gypsy’s successor Jimny into the Indian market. Let’s wait and watch!
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Ssangyong Rexton
Mahindra brought the Ssangyong brand to the Indian market, and the first vehicle to come was the Rexton. For the price at which the SUV was launched, it offered great value. Ssangyong Rexton got a powerful engine and capable chassis, making the vehicle go anywhere as stock. Slapping advanced mods like better tyres and suspension gave the SUV some serious capabilities.
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Skoda Yeti
Coming to the SUV that started the compact SUV segment here in India is the Skoda yeti. Yeti is considered the true underdog, as the vehicle was capable of much but could not prove it. That said, Skoda Yeti came with an exceptional German-built coupled with a powerful engine and seamless transmission. In addition, the USP of Yeti also came with a 4×4 drive train, which was quite interesting.
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Interesting Read: Top 10 Selling Cars In India, March 2021 Sales Report
These were the potent driver’s cars that we missed. Let us know in the comment section, did we miss any cars. Also, please tell us which car is your favourite among these icons.
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