Legendary cars & SUVs that just refuse to die

15 years is a long time as far as car life cycles go. Most cars age quickly and are replaced by new, better-looking ones, once every 5 years or so. But there are some legends that continue to motor on as the years pass by. We bring you 6 such cars and SUVs that have been around for over 15 years. Yes, they were refreshed to keep up with the changing times but these cars simply refuse to die.

Maruti Gypsy

The Gypsy has been an iconic off roader for no less that 30 years. Yes, the Gypsy first arrived in 1985. Used widely by Indian Armed Forces because of its off-road capabilities and light weight, the vehicle is also known as the mountain goat. The SUV was first launched with a 970 cc petrol engine, and was an instant hit with motorsport enthusiasts, even winning a lot of rallies in India. Currently, the Gypsy is available with a 1,298 cc petrol engine with maximum power of 80 BHP. The vehicle’s kerb weight of only 985 kg makes it highly agile.

The Mahindra Jeep

The Mahindra Thar is a name that most off-road enthusiasts worship. The direct injection version of the Thar has been around since 2010 and is still going strong. The DI version of Thar is essentially a Mahindra MM540 that made its debut way back in 1985, and the shape has remained unchanged ever since. The DI engine is not available in BS4 spec. Therefore, the Thar DI in available in towns that haven’t yet adopted BS4 norms. The 2,523 cc turbo diesel engine is available with both 2WD and 4WD options and generates a maximum of 63 BHP.

Maruti Omni:

This is the second car launched by Maruti in India after the 800. Launched in 1984, the Omni is a multi-purpose van that can be seen everywhere; From ferrying kids to school to delivering cargo. The boxy shape and mid-engine of the Omni gives it unique character. Currently, the Omni is available in various configurations for commercial or private purposes. The 796 cc three-cylinder engine is available with option of petrol, CNG or LPG. This van continues to regularly find a place in India’s top-10 selling cars, no mean feat for a vehicle that’s the oldest in the market currently.

Tata Indica

The Indica was the first passenger car from Tata, and was launched in 1998. The car became a rage, but was beset with quality issues initially. Tata launched an improved version called the V2, and ever since, the car hasn’t looked back. Fast forward, and the Indica’s X1 platform has served as a base for many other passenger cars from Tata. The car’s role has now changed. It’s more popular in the cab segment than the family buyer market. The Indica is now sold with petrol, CNG and turbo diesel engine options.

Mahindra Bolero

The Bolero has been India’s highest selling UV for 9 years. That should give you an idea about the popularity of the car. The rugged utility vehicle has remained the most trusted car when it comes to the interior parts of the country, amid unfriendly roads. Based on the Armada Grand, the vehicle was first launched in 2000. The vehicle is available with 2.5 liter DI and M2DiCR turbo diesel engine, both making about 63 Bhp of peak power. A 4WD variant is also available on special order.

Tata Safari

The Safari is an icon, and India’s first ‘luxury SUV’. The heavy-duty looking vehicle was extensively used by political leaders in their motorcades since the car made it to market in 1998. The SUV has its own charm and even though so many years have passed since the launch, it has retained its original intimidating look. The Safari has received a lot of facelifts till now and has survived in the market. Even though the big Tata SUV is now a slow seller, it continues to have a steady fan following. No one can forget what it used to be in its best years. The Safari is currently sold with a 2.2 liter DICOR turbo diesel engine (140 Bhp).