6 Iconic Cars we want back in the market - HM Contessa to Honda Civic

There have been some cars that enjoy a huge following even years or decades after they were discontinued from the market. In spite of the lack of features or an archaic design, most car aficionados would want to have these cars back on the road. Here's a list of as many as six cars we want back in the market -

6 ICONIC Cars we want back in the market

HM Contessa

The HM Contessa is often referred to as the 'muscle car of India'. While it isn't a muscle car and has no relation with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, it enjoys an almost a cult status owing to its long hood, clean surfaces, and straight lines. The Contessa was actually based on a Vauxhall VX Series that was on sale in the UK till the late 70s. In India, the Contessa remained the most premium car on sale in the market for several years. It was finally discontinued in 2002. The Contessa is easily among the most iconic cars today.

Honda Civic

India-bound 2019 Honda Civic (facelift) revealed

The Honda Civic is the newest model in this list of iconic cars. The eighth-generation Honda Civic that was on sale in India was quick to garner a lot of popularity owing to its modern design, peppy engine, and a sufficiently premium cabin. It was discontinued in 2012, but Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) is close to launching the tenth generation Civic in India. In all likelihood, the all-new Civic will carry forward the legacy of the eighth-generation version.

Mitsubishi Lancer

Also Read- Next-gen Mitsubishi Lancer design close to being finalised – Report

Until the last decade, Mitsubishi India sold many enthusiast-focussed cars in India. One of the most popular models was the Lancer sedan. In India, the Mitsubishi Lancer was available in three engine variants - 1.5-litre petrol, 1.8-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel. The Lancer was the choice of many car enthusiasts owing to its well-sorted driving dynamics. Also, its clean design and easy availability of performance upgrades made it a favourite among the customizers.

The Lancer could never outsell the Honda City, but it continues to remain one of the most legendary models to have gone on sale in the country. Mitsubishi India launched the Lancer Cedia, which was the next generation of the sedan, but it failed to become as popular. The Lancer is one C-segment sedan should return to the market.

Mahindra Classic

Often regarded as the predecessor to the Mahindra Thar, the Classic was a lifestyle SUV that looked macho and was quite capable off the road. It was once the 'go to' models for all those who craved flamboyance and huge road presence. The Thar is definitely more modern and is a highly capable off-roader, but there's nothing that comes close to the open-top motoring that the Classic offered.

Tata Sierra

The highlight of the Sierra was its very stylish 3-door body format. The lack of rear doors made it less practical for the owners, but the three-door body form and the bold stance gave it plenty of road presence. Tata launched a turbocharged diesel engine variant, which went on to power the first-generation Safari SUV. However, the market wasn't ready for a three-door SUV with a high price tag.

Maruti Zen Carbon & Steel

Another 3-door car that should return to the market is the 3-door version of the Maruti Suzuki Zen. It was sold in limited numbers and was available in two trims - Carbon and Steel. Both of them had a three-door format, and the entire stock was quick to be lapped up by the enthusiasts. The jelly-bean-shaped Zen hatchback was fun to drive owing to its peppy 996cc engine, low kerb weight, and direct steering.

[Image source - cartoq.com]