It used to be the largest selling car in India until the Maruti Alto recently took that title. It is also exported to a number of countries in southeastern Asia including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and to some South American markets (as Chile, sold as Suzuki Maruti), and was available in selected European markets between 1988 and 1992, sold as the Suzuki Maruti.
The car comes in different versions including one with air conditioning and one without. It was launched in December 1984 with almost 100% imported content.
The car went through a series of facelifts and one notable mechanical change, the introduction of a 5-speed manual transmission (currently unavailable). The car has reported slipping sales in recent times, mainly due to the introduction of the more attractive Alto at a comparable price. The car produces approximately 37 bhp (28 kW) of power and runs on 12 inch (305 mm) wheels.
Curb weight is 650 kg (1433 lb) and 4 passengers (including the driver) fit in comfortably. Top speed is in the region of 120 km/h (75 mph) and the frugal car is known to deliver fuel economy better than 20 km/l (47 mpg) on clear and plain roads.
A Euro III emission compliant version of the car was released in 2005 in India.
The Maruti 800 is still popularly hailed in India as "the smallest car in production" due to its relatively tightly spaced interior.
