MC Auto Desk | July 22, 2025
Nicknamed the ‘King of Indian Roads’, the Ambassador was the preferred car for politicians and government officials for decades. It was built on the Morris Oxford platform. (Image – Wikipedia)
Launched in 1983, the Maruti 800 revolutionised Indian personal mobility by making car ownership accessible to the middle class. Its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordable price transformed urban commuting. (Image – Reddit)
An adaptation of the Fiat 1100, the Premier Padmini was known for its elegant Italian styling and reliability. Popular in the 1970s and 1980s, it became Mumbai’s iconic taxi and a family favourite. (Image – Wikipedia)
Launched in 1998, the Tata Indica was India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured passenger car. Known for its spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, it marked Tata Motors’ entry into the car segment.
Debuting in 2000, the Maruti Suzuki Alto became India’s best-selling car, appreciated for its reliability, low running costs, and user-friendly design. (Image – Wikipedia)
Originally derived from the Willys Jeep, Mahindra’s rugged off-roader became synonymous with reliability in challenging rural terrains.
The Santro, launched in 1998, introduced the ‘tall boy’ design to India. It was Hyundai’s first car for the Indian market and quickly became a family favourite. (Image – Team-BHP)
Since its debut in 1998, the Honda City has been the benchmark for sedans in India. Known for its premium styling, refined engines and superior driving experience, it became the aspirational choice for many.
Launched in 2008 as the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano aimed to make car ownership attainable for millions of Indians. It remains a symbol of India’s frugal engineering. (Image – Wikipedia)
Introduced in 2005, the Toyota Innova quickly established itself as the gold standard in MPVs. Still going strong, it is renowned for its durability, comfort and spacious interiors. (Image – Wikipedia)