Independence Day 2022 Special: Modern Cars That Changed The Indian Automobile Space | IN PICS

Cars like the HM Ambassador and the Maruti 800 have shaped India's automobile market while the 800 can claim to put India on wheels being the first successful mass-market hatchback and a car that changed the Indian automobile market forever. However, with India marking its 75th year of Independence, we will take a look at the modern cars which have shaped the new Indian automobile market and also success stories that have shown how the Indian car-buyer has changed.

Hyundai Creta: The SUV that changed the Indian automobile space the most has to be the Hyundai Creta and it started the compact SUV phenomenon that every carmaker is now trying to get into. The Creta has been the most successful SUV in India and also again shows the change in buyer demands for a more premium car but with an SUV body style. The new generation Creta with multiple engine options and features has been even more successful than ever. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

Maruti Baleno: India's affinity for cars has increased and also the type of cars that India now wants. The Baleno has been a big game-changer for Maruti along with regularly being one of the top 3 best-selling cars yet it is also a premium hatchback with the latest technology and features. More than anything, the Baleno shows the Indian car buyer moving beyond the need for a simple basic car and wanting the latest features along with technology. The Baleno despite being the most expensive hatchback outsells the Swift or even the Alto and that shows a trend. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

Maruti Dzire: The Dzire gave birth to a unique segment that is India-specific in being an under 4m sedan and also fulfilling the ambition of car buyers in upgrading to a sedan yet along with the frugality of a hatchback. The Dzire has again been the best-selling sedan in India and the new generation in particular has been hugely successful with a premium interior along with an efficient engine. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

Toyota Innova: Few automobiles can claim to have a loyal fan base as the Innova and how it is one of the most important cars in the Indian market. The Innova has its own customer base that refuses to buy anything else and that loyalty along with reliability has made it one of the most loved cars in the Indian market. The reason is the space, comfort, ruggedness along with excellent reliability. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

Honda City: Another brand that has its own loyal fanbase from every generation along with being one of the first premium sedans in India. The first few generation models gave India a premium sedan experience with the fantastic Vtec engines, space, and superior engineering. The later models including the current City have moved more premium along with being the best-selling sedan while also introducing new technologies like a hybrid powertrain. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

Mahindra Scorpio: Another brand that India loves dearly is the Scorpio and it remains the most important brand within the Mahindra stables. The Scorpio is India's first SUV and over the years the SUV has been changed and updated yet the rugged nature has been kept intact. The charm of the Scorpio and the love it gets makes it one of the best-known cars in the Indian market. The new Scorpio N further takes the brand in a premium direction. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)

Tata Nexon: The Nexon became the first Indian car to get 5 stars in the Global NCAP rating and the electric version has been the first truly successful EV in the Indian market while still currently occupying a majority share. It is the most important car that Tata Motors has made as it has taken the carmaker to a new level. (Photo: Somnath Chatterjee)