Vehicle model
Maruti 800
The Maruti 800 is the car that launched the brand and put India on wheels. Introduced in 1983, this very small, economical city car derived from the Suzuki Alto/Fronte stayed in production for three decades, until 2014. The quintessential entry-level model, it targeted families buying their first car, with a low price, minimal maintenance, and great frugality. Compact, light, and easy to drive in the city, it became a cultural icon and one of the best-selling cars in Indian history. The 800 ran on very small wheels (around 12 inches) typical of the micro city cars of its era, with narrow, economical tire formats. It was never sold in Quebec or North America; any example would be a rare import with no support from a local network.
History
History of the Maruti 800
The Maruti 800 is the car that launched the brand and put India on wheels. Introduced in 1983, this very small, economical city car derived from the Suzuki Alto/Fronte stayed in production for three decades, until 2014. The quintessential entry-level model, it targeted families buying their first car, with a low price, minimal maintenance, and great frugality. Compact, light, and easy to drive in the city, it became a cultural icon and one of the best-selling cars in Indian history. The 800 ran on very small wheels (around 12 inches) typical of the micro city cars of its era, with narrow, economical tire formats. It was never sold in Quebec or North America; any example would be a rare import with no support from a local network.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Maruti 800 was built around a small three-cylinder gasoline engine of about 0.8 L (796 cc), initially of F8B origin, paired with a 4- and later 5-speed manual gearbox, driving the front wheels. A simple, light, and robust design, optimized for low cost and fuel economy.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Les Maruti étant de petites voitures et VUS compacts, elles chaussent généralement des roues de petit à moyen diamètre, typiquement de 14 à 16 pouces (par exemple des jantes R15 ou R16 sur la Swift, la Dzire et le Brezza). Les pneus sont de format compact, adaptés à la conduite urbaine et à l'économie de carburant. L'entraxe (bolt pattern) le plus courant sur ces modèles à traction est un 4 trous (4x100), fréquent sur les compactes. Comme ces véhicules ne sont pas vendus au Québec, on n'y trouve pas de montes d'origine locales ; un acheteur devrait se référer aux dimensions exactes inscrites sur la portière. Sur les routes québécoises, des pneus d'hiver homologués (pictogramme montagne-flocon) seraient indispensables sur ce type de petites voitures légères.
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