The Indian market is the fourth largest automobile market in the world at the moment. The market is full of cars and SUVs that are quite popular, but a few of them are unique in many ways. Remember the Fiat Palio S10? Well, it is a modern day classic, which did not receive much attention during its full glory days. There are many such vehicles available in the present market that will become classic in the future. All of these vehicles have a strong history with the market and offer something that makes them charming and ageless. We have six cars here that we believe will become the ‘Future Classics’ in the coming times. If you feel that we missed something for the affordable car segment, feel free add your thoughts!
Fiat Abarth Punto
The Fiat Abarth Punto is one of the most underrated vehicles in the market today. It is the most potent hatchback under Rs. Ten lakhs and this form of Abarth is not available anywhere else in the world. The India-specific Abarth Punto gets stiffer suspension and a gem of an engine. Under the hood, the Abarth Punto gets a 1.4-litre turbocharged unit that generates a massive power of 145 Bhp and a peak torque of 210 Nm. Fiat did try to make the enthusiasts happy in the Indian market, but sadly, the response was lacklustre. It is a vehicle that will be remembered for a long time to come in the future for being unique and standing out from the crowd.
Mahindra Thar
The current-generation of Mahindra Thar can soon become history, and soon, it will get replaced with an electronic-frenzy, computer-controlled vehicle that will lose the mechanical touch. Thanks to upcoming safety rules and emission norms, the current-generation Thar will be off the markets soon. The current-generation Mahindra Thar is a reincarnation of the iconic Mahindra MM540. At present, the Mahindra Thar is electronic-equipment free, and it gets a decent engine including the iconic Direct Injection 2.5-litre diesel engine. The Mahindra Thar can conquer most of the terrains without making it look difficult, and the charming Jeep-inspired design makes it suitable for a wide range of modifications. Mahindra Thar is something that remains highlighted in the history of Indian automotive and will remain so for a long time to come.
Maruti Suzuki Gypsy
Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is an iconic nameplate and is one of the most recognised SUVs on the roads. The Gypsy is still available in the Indian markets, and it will remain so till the end of March this year. The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is a living legend, and it served the Indian Army in the toughest of terrains. The lightweight Gypsy has enough potential to get modified and win numerous rallies too. The 1.3-litre four-pot petrol engine of the feather-light weight of the Gypsy makes it a promising off-roader too! The Gypsy is only available on order now, get one before you lose the opportunity to buy an all-new version of the vehicle.
Tata Nano
Tata Nano that was launched as the most affordable vehicle in the Indian market just failed to attract the customers in the Indian market. It was launched to be extremely practical, a daily-commute vehicle that offered an extremely good fuel efficiency. The Tata Nano’s rear-engine, rear wheel drive set-up of the Nano makes it quite fun-to-drive too. When Tata announced that discontinuation of Nano, it became a piece of news for the world, just like it became news when it was launched in the market.
Maruti Suzuki Omni
Maruti Suzuki Omni has remained in production for long 35 years in the Indian market. The Omni’s ultra utilitarian characteristics have ensured that it remained a reliable seller in the Indian market till date. The low-maintenance Omni is mid-engined and is rear wheel driven. Even with the compact size, the Omni can accommodate up to 7 people and can carry 540-litres of luggage. The iconic shape of the Omni and a unique position of the engine will ensure that it is missed by many in the future.
Mahindra Bolero 4X4
Not many are aware, but Mahindra also sells a 4X4 version of the Bolero in the Indian market. It is quite popular in the extreme terrains like the North-Eastern states and is available in the basic set-up. The Mahindra Bolero 4X4 is so basic that there is not even AC in the stock vehicle. It is a purist people mover with a bullet-proof engine. It can run for ages without much of a problem, and because there is not much interference of electricals, it can be repaired easily and quickly too! The Bolero 4X4 is already an icon, and its rarity on the road will make sure that it gains the ‘Future Classic’ in the coming times.
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