Independence Special - India’s Top 10 Favourite Cars

Most Popular Made in India Cars Since 1947

This year we will be celebrating India’s 73rd Independence day, so let’s celebrate this occasion by having a look at the most iconic cars that have made an impact in the Indian automotive industry. Some of these cars do have a nostalgic significance in our hearts, while some have created deep impacts in the nation. In addition to this, some of these cars have also helped to change the outlook and create a new trend in the Indian automotive industry as well. Out of the various cars that have ruled the Indian roads, we at MyNewCar get to you the top 10 list of India’s iconic vehicles that has been loved by the masses. 

 

1. Hindustan Motors Ambassador

One of the most iconic cars in India is the beloved Ambassador from Hindustan Motors, which is also known as the ‘Amby’. It was the go-to choice for taxi aggregators, Government Official and Indian Politicians. The Ambassador started as the Morris Oxford in the UK before it was brought into the Indian market in 1958. Hindustan Motors discontinued the production of the Ambassador in May 2014 and hence it rightfully stands by the tag line “ The King of Indian roads”.

 

2. Premier Padmini

Just like the Hindustan Ambassador, the Premier Padmini is another iconic car that was loved the masses and we all have some kind of memories with this car. The Premier Padmini went on sale between 1973 to 1998 and it was one of the most perfect car in its time after its only competitor - the Ambassador. This car was also famous as the ‘Kaali Peeli Taxi’ in Mumbai, which in recent times has been discontinued from operations.  

 

3. Maruti 800

The Maruti 800 was the first small hatchback to be launched in the Indian market and this helped to change the way middle class commuted. As it was first launched back in 1983, the 800 was offered with many facelifts and it was finally discontinued in 2014. From the time of its production, the Maruti 800 was ranked as the number 1 bestseller car in the Indian market. With this, the 800 helped Maruti Suzuki pave its path in the Indian market.  

 

4. Maruti Gypsy

For more than three decades, the Gypsy has been serving the nation for the armed forces as well as for the police force. Over the years, it had seen quite a few changes in the mechanical part but it has retained its iconic design and aesthetics. With its peppy petrol engine and off-road pedigree, it has been a favourite choice for the off-road enthusiast. Although the Gypsy has now been discontinued due to the BS6 emission norms coming into place, it can still be seen in many off-road events such as the Desert Storm, INRC rally and the Raid de Himalaya. 

 

5. Hyundai Santro

The Korean car manufacturer entered the Indian market with the Santro and it is now the second-largest auto exporter in the nation. With its low cost and ease in maintenance and service, the Hyundai Santro was welcomed with open arms hence becoming the second best selling car in the nation. Hyundai discontinued the model back in 2014 but after a long wait, it was re-launched back in 2018 in its third generation avatar. It still carries the tall boy design language and it now comes packed with the latest modern features and technology. 

 

5. Tata Indica

Tata Motors brought a revolution in the Indian hatchback segment with the launch of the Indica by introducing a diesel motor. Launched back 1998, the Indica offered a spacious cabin, reliable motor and ease in maintenance. This helped the Tata Indica to be one of the best selling cars in India. Over the years we saw many iterations such as the Indica cabs, Indica Vista, Monza, Indica V2 and Indica CS. Tata Motors also exported this hatchback in the European and African markets. With the launch of the new generation cars from Tata Motors, the plug was pulled out from the Indica back in 2018.

 

6. Tata Nano

 

With success gained by the launch of the low-cost Tata Ace in the year 2005, Tata Motors geared up to develop an economical four-wheeler that would appeal the masses in the nation. To bring the cost down of the Nano, Tata Motors cut out on nonessential features, low-cost manufacturing and construction techniques. With this, the Nano gained a lot of media attention both in the international and domestic market for being the cheapest car. Tata Motors launched the Nano in 2009, and over the years it received a facelift and feature updates. With the drop in sales and the new emission norms coming into place, Tata Motors discontinued the Nano in April 2020

 

7. Tata Safari

Tata Motors showcased the Safari at the 1998 Auto Expo and it was the first made-in-India 4x4 SUV by an Indian manufacturer. At the time the Safari was introduced alongside the Tata Sierra and the Tata Sumo and this trio was popularly known as Si-Su-Sa. Over the years, the Safari received a couple of facelifts and the latest iteration was known as the Safari Strome. With the BS6 emission norms coming into place, Tata Motors has discontinued the Safari Strome but is currently serving the Indian army. It is known as the GS800 and it is completely bulletproof with additional payload carrying capacity.

 

8. Mahindra Scorpio

Mahindra launched the Scorpio back in 2002, which was a direct rival to the Tata Safari and it achieved immense popularity that helped it to become the most selling car in India. The Mahindra Scorpio is still on sale and over the years, it has achieved many facelifts, design updates, features updates and mechanical upgrades as well. Mahindra retailed the Scorpio as the Mahindra Goa in the European market and other international markets as well.

Do let us know, your favourite Indian car in the comments section below.

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