The 800 has been around for quite some time now and it’s showing no sign of going away. Maruti has launched the 800 in its latest incarnation, which uses two fuels — petrol and LPG — and is now called the 800 Duo. This new model promises to be very cheap to run — far cheaper than any petrol car. Will this save the 800 from going the dodo’s way? Let’s find out.

In LPG mode, maximum power drops from 37bhp to 35bhp. A 2bhp drop may not seem much but the power loss is accentuated by the 33kg increase in weight (thanks to the heavy LPG kit).

As a result 100kph from rest comes up in a lethargic 30.7 sec. Compare that to the petrol mode, and you’ll see the difference is about four seconds. You notice this difference on an open stretch of road. The throttle response is jerky and in start-stop traffic this can get irritating.

Also, the engine feels rougher when running on LPG which further adds to the overall lack of refinement of the 800.

When you accelerate hard in LPG mode, the engine sputters momentarily before it hits the 6400rpm redline. This hiccup is because the engine switches from LPG to petrol when revved hard to prevent damage to the engine. The system is also designed to completely cut off gas flow to the cylinders when you lift off the throttle in the interests of efficiency.

For normal city driving and on part-throttle, you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between LPG and petrol modes. Driving the 800 around town, we rediscovered its perky throttle response and loved the ease with which it overtakes taxis struggling up flyovers. The key to getting the best out of this car is to shift up early. The four-speed gearbox feels vague and the spindly gear lever doesn’t help.

On the highway, the 800 Duo feels completely out of place. The engine sounds strained even when doing 80kph and the dinky dimensions make sure that everyone else on the road gives you the last right of way.

If you do go long distance, you won’t have place to keep luggage either. This 800 has no boot because the spare tyre and the cylindrical tank leave you with space only for a toothbrush.

What about the all-important running costs? In LPG mode, expect 10.2kpl and 15.1kpl in the city and highway respectively. In petrol mode, the corresponding figures are 12.2kpl and 17.5kpl.

But though the 800 drinks more of LPG than petrol, the price difference per litre means you end up saving more than a rupee for every kilometre with LPG. So if you drive around 15,000km a year, you’ve recovered the extra you pay for the LPG option.

The 800’s non-assisted steering is another of its specialties. It’s not too heavy and feels direct. The only problem is the non-assisted brakes, which require a hefty shove to bring the car to a halt. The skinny tyres also mean that braking distances are considerable, especially if the road is wet.

Its small dimensions make it the perfect city car. You can squeeze through gaps in traffic almost like a motorcycle. You can park it in places where two Royal Enfield Bullets would fit side by side. And since the car has no central locking the diminutive size also means you can unlock all doors without having to stretch from the driver’s seat.

All convenient till the time you come head to head with a bus. Its tiny size makes you feel very vulnerable to the dangers of Indian roads. Everything else on the road, including taxis, makes you feel almost naked when you are in the matchbox-sized 800.

It’s about as well equipped as a matchbox too — there’s no tripmeter or left-side rear-view mirror and you are lucky to get intermittent wipers and air-conditioning. It does come with an immobiliser system though — a good thing as the 800 is one of the easiest cars to break into.

The plastics are dreadful, the overall fit and finish betrays the age of the car and even the touchpad on the dash — to switch between LPG and petrol — lacks any tactile feel. This car was designed to be cheap to buy and this is exactly what it is.

At Rs 2.45 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai for the Duo AC, it costs just Rs 15,000 more than the regular 800 AC model which is pretty good value for a fairly sophisticated LPG system, that comes with the backing of a factory warranty.

If you want a car that is as basic as cars can be and if running costs are above everything for you, then this car still makes sense. Nothing beats it when it comes to cost of ownership, and the 800 will continue to sell in large numbers. However, when it comes to overall quality and the ownership experience, there are better alternatives you should look at.

spec check

Maruti 800

Length/ Width/ Height: 3335/ 1440/ 1405mm

Wheelbase: 2175mm

Turning circle: 8.8m

Kerb weight: 698kg

Engine: Petrol/LPG

Installation: Front, transverse

Type: 3 cylinders in-line, 799cc

Power: 37bhp at 5000rpm (Petrol) / 35bhp at 5000rpm (LPG)

Torque: 6.01kgm at 2500rpm (Petrol) / 5.71kgm at 2500rpm (LPG)

LPG system

Manufacturer: Landi Renzo

Type: Closed loop LPG system

LPG tank capacity: 19.2 litres

LPG tank weight: 14kg

LPG tank pressure: 6-10bar

Gearbox: 4-speed manual

Fuel tank: 28 litres

Tyres: 145/70 R12, tube type MRF Zigma VT

Brakes(F/R): 215mm ventilated discs / 180mm solid discs