PAST PERFECT, FUTURE SENSE

NEW MARUTI 800
PRICE Rs 230,909 (STD),
Rs 258,022 (DLX)
(ex-showroom, Mumbai)
ON SALE Now

The Maruti 800 just refuses to die. It keeps coming back with new headlights and tail-lights, and upgrades for the engine and body to pass the latest safety or emissions norms. This is not an entirely bad thing, because it provides an alternative for millions who would otherwise be riding motorcycles.
This car retains the same external dimensions as the old one, the changes being limited to the details. The new clear lens headlamps now feature a headlamp beam-levelling device to meet new safety regulations that come into effect from April this year. Other changes include the new design grille featuring the Suzuki badge prominently at its centre and the tail-lamp lens covers. These minor changes freshen up the looks but calling the car 'all-new' as in the brochures is stretching things a bit.

On the inside, the dual-tone seats and door pads help brighten up the cabin, but we feel disappointed by the slight drop in the quality of the upholstery, although the seats themselves are softer and more comfortable. And, as expected, there are three new colours to choose from — Icy Blue, Crystal Gold and Caribbean blue.
To meet the Bharat Stage III emission norms coming into effect from April 1 this year, the engine now gets a 32-bit ECU and a catalytic converter that has been moved closer to the exhaust manifold, to help the 'cat' reach operating temperatures faster, hence resulting in better emissions control.
The core values of the 800 remain intact, and that is, the wallet-friendly price-tag, the peppy performance, and compact dimensions that make it a breeze to drive through traffic and the frugal drinking habits of the engine.
Maruti has still not taken pains to cure the old faults of the 800. Quality has been deteriorating. Body panel gaps have become wider over the years, mainly because this is a high volume car and the manufacturing dies tend to wear out faster. Engine noise intrudes heavily into the cabin when revved, the ride is still nothing to write home about and the gearshift quality, best described as rubbery, has not been improved. But most owners will tend to overlook these faults.
In this segment, the price-tag and cost of ownership are the main factors and the 800 still scores here. Priced at just Rs 12,000 more than the out-going model, and being relatively maintenance-free, the 800 is still a bargain. Looks like the little car that got India up and about is going to be here for some more time.
Ouseph Chacko

Factfile
Engine
Layout 3-cylinder, in-line 796cc
Max power 37bhp@5000rpm
Max torque 6.02kgm@2500rpm

How big
Length 3335mm
Width 1440mm
Height 1405mm
Wheelbase 2175mm
Kerb weight 665kg
Fuel tank capacity 28 litres

WHAT TO EXPECT
The old warhorse with fresher looks and a cleaner heart.

Captions:
Upholstery is of inferior quality.