Maruti 800 was revolutionary in the fact that it changed the transport scene in India, with its low, competitive pricing. Ruling the market as the leading passenger car model, in terms of sale, the decision of Maruti to discontinue its long running favourite left many fans teary-eyed. Most were left wishing for the Maruti 800 to be resurrected in a new avatar to keep with the changing times.
While the car has now been reincarnated, it has happened in China and not India. According to latest reports, Jiangnan Auto officially launched the Maruti 800 as the mk2 Suzuki Alto priced at around 17,800rmb or Rs.1,24,000, which makes it the cheapest car in the Chinese market.
The Alto was produced by four companies, which include the Jiang Nan, Chang’an Auto, Sichuan Auto and Xi’an Tai during the late 1990’s and the early 2000’s. However, losses forced each of these companies to end production. The car is powered similar to its Indian counterpart, by an 800cc engine that produces 36bhp of max power that is sufficient enough to drive you around town.