The first Maruti 800 was introduced in 1983 with a 796 cc engine under the joint venture alliance between Government of Indian and Suzuki Motors, Japan. During the initial stage, majority of the car components were imported from developed countries. The introduction of this small car marked a revolution in the Indian automobile history.

Maruti Suzuki India brought in the latest technology then available, which eventually brought down the car prices during that era. This led to the creation of huge market for the small car segment. Gradually as more and more numbers of component industries established in the market, Maruti Suzuki started localization of the car components. Maruti started a dozen of partnership to bring upgrades and improve the quality of car components.

Since its first launch in 1983, Maruti 800 has undergone minor facelifts. The first facelift was done in 1986, when a new Maruti 800 was introduced to the customer market.  It was only an addition of few exciting features like the air condition and music system. The second facelift was done after a decade in 1997 when the company tried to give the 800 a jelly bean shape of the customer appreciated Maruti Suzuki Zen. Both the facelifts had no modifications in the engine technology. Infact, the second facelift of a jelly bean like structure was a retrograde and was not liked by consumers.

Later, in response to the judicial activism aided by Tata Engineering, Maruti Suzuki took a swift turn towards the multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) system to meet new emission norms. In 1999, the company launched Maruti 800 EX with the new injection system, gas charged shock absorbers and coil spring suspension. The MPFI system comprises of a five speed gearbox delivering better performance. Maruti 800 EX is popular as the next generation 800, rather than being a facelift version.

The year 2002 witnessed introduction of a special edition of the 800, India’s first colour-coordinated car. Following the changing trend, Maruti introduced Maruti 800 Duo on the World’s Environment Day in 2008. The powerful Duo is definitely third generation Maruti 800 with improved performance, standards safety standards, and high power. This generation of 800 is capable of switching over between petrol and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) engine technology as per the driver’s requirement.

Recently, in the 2008 fiscal year, Maruti Suzuki has also launched a limited edition of Maruti 800 ‘Uniq’. This is not the next generation car but a facelift of the latest version. The limited edition has been made more alluring with cosmetic changes including interesting body graphics, beige upholstery, and a rear parcel tray.