MARUTI-800, STILL GOING STRONG: The M-800, which debuted in December 1983, has been a success story mainly because of the love that the middle class showers on it.

For them, it has always been a car that has been affordable and reliable, and which does not cost much to maintain. The car's fine performance through the decades has also helped Maruti Udyog Ltd reap big profits, add volume sales, grow significantly, acquire goodwill and grab the largest market share in the Indian automobile sector.

Even the May sales figures show that the M-800 is not far behind the leader, the Alto, and might even overtake it to regain its crown.

In 2003-2004, Maruti Udyog Limited sold 167,561 units of the M-800, up from 143,322 units in 2002-2003.

MUL also has the distinction of selling 20,687 M-800 units in March 2003 -- the highest monthly sale by any single model in India -- beating its previous high of 18,735 units in August 1999.

The M-800's May figures suffered mainly due to the cut in the prices of the Alto. There is a very little difference between the two cars' prices and this makes the Alto a very attractive bargain. Car industry analysts feel the emergence of a lower-cost Alto may eventually hit the M-800 growth story, especially since MUL has said it will not phase out the M-800.

Eight M-800 models are available. You can buy the Maruti-800 Std - Bharat I non-metallic car for Rs 191,009 (ex-showroom, Mumbai), while the top-end model -- Maruti 800 Std with AC Bh-II Metallic -- will cost you Rs 236,247 (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Photograph: Maruti Udyog Ltd

Also see: Supercars ar the motorshow