Indian Automobile Market has drastically made it’s progress over the years and that’s clearly evident by looking at the current scenario of Indian Car Market, with tons of modern and sophisticated sedans running over in our nation, we have actually forgotten the one’s who have kickstarted the segment. below we have listed the one’s we have which have been forgotten and will probably never find a way into the Indian Shores.
1. Hindustan Contessa (1984-2002)
The Contessa was the amongst the first premium sedan in India which ruled the Indian streets like a King. Some people even gave the Contessa a title of “Indian Muscle Car”. The Contessa made it’s initial debut in 1984 with a 1.5L engine producing 50 bhp mated to a 4-speed gearbox.
![This resto-modded Hindustan Contessa is a gorgeous looker inside-out [Video]](https://www.cartoq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/contessa-mod-4.jpg)
The Sedan later on also received “Contessa Classic” Variant which was powered a 1.8L engine producing 85 bhp. The Contessa was famous for it’s long distance comfortable cruising and iconic road presence. However, the Contessa saw it’s discontinuation in 2002 due to weak demand.
2. Standard 2000 (1985-1988)
The Standard 2000 made it’s official debut in 1985. This Sedan was originally based on Rover SD1 which was awarded as ‘European Car of the Year’ in 1977. The 2000 was powered by a 2.0L engine producing 83 bhp of power which was capable of achieving a top speed of 145 Kmph. The 2000 was also the first Car in India to feature a power steering.
It was widely regarded for it’s notchback inspired design, features and space. However, due to poor fuel efficiency, weak build quality, high cost of maintenance and high price tag the Standard 2000 ultimately saw it’s discontinuation in 1988.
3. Premier 118NE (1985-2011)
Introduced in 1985, the Premier 118NE was based on the Fiat 124. Being an affordable buy over the HM Contessa, Premier gained a pretty-huge success from the 118NE.
The Sedan was powered by a 1.1L Nissan A12 Engine. The 118NE was known for it’s cushiony ride and slick gearbox. The Premier 118NE was discontinued in 2011.
4. Rover Montego (1991-1995)
In 1991, The Rover Montego was originally launched in India by Sipani Motors. The Montego was powered by a 2.0L Diesel Engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Montego featured power windows, power steering and air-conditioning as standard.
It was due to it’s INR 10 lakh price tag (Big thing back then), poor service and dealership network, financial issues of Sipani Motors that the Montego saw poor sales which then made Sipani to discontinue the Montego in 1995.
5. Daewoo Cielo (1995-1998)
The Cielo was originally based on the 1980 Opel Kadett and was powered by a 1.5L MPFI engine making it first car in the nation to offer it. The Daewoo Cielo was launched in India in 1995 and had created huge buzz for itself amongst the People due to it’s spacious interiors, Modern looks, Great Features and powerful engine.
Highlighted Features included powered ORVMs, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Central locking, power steering etc. Sadly, Daewoo went bankrupt in 1998 which ultimately made Cielo to see it’s termination.