The Maruti 800 may be based on 1980s technology, but it remains very popular as an entry-level model in India. Its obituary has been written before, but the 800 has defied predictions of its demise.

Before the 1980s, India's car market was dominated by two outdated models: Hindustan Ambassador and Premier Padmini. Cars were expensive, unreliable, and seen as a luxury. Long waiting periods, ...