Maruti Suzuki is planning to launch a revamped version of its iconic Maruti 800 with an engine that meets the BS IV emission norms. The car was discontinued in April 2010 owing to non-compliance with emission norms. It is being speculated that the new Maruti 800 will have the same engine as the Alto and will be based on the Alto platform. The new car will also have more cabin space and new interiors.
A price of sub- Rs. 2,00,000 will be targeted for the car to separate it from the Alto by an amount of Rs. 40,000 and place it in the Tata Nano segment where it would have lesser competition with the Tata Nano facing a slow-down in its sales. At such a low price, along with better space and interiors, the M800 is expected to be a reasonable value proposition for the Indian customers. Currently, about 2,500 units of the existing M800 are being sold per month all across India with the exception of 13 cities where the BS IV emission norms are being followed.
