12 Lost sedans of 90’s: From Ford Escort to Daewoo Nexia

The 1990s was one of the most important eras for the Indian automotive industry. It was during the 90s that the country opened its doors to global manufacturers. As a result of this, we saw a wave of new, stylish sedans enter the car market. Today, many of these cars have only become memories, which are cherished by enthusiasts. So today, we thought we should take you back to the era which started it all.

Ford Escort

Following the liberalization of India, the Escort became the American automotive giant Ford’s sedan in India. It was known for its sturdy build quality and its modern European design.

It came with engine options ranging from 1297 cc to 1796 cc in both petrol and diesel variants. The Escort offered a comfortable ride with features like power steering and air conditioning. It was one of the popular choices of its time.

The Ford Escort especially became a popular choice among the Indian middle class. At the time, it was priced between Rs 6.6 to Rs 7.85 lakh. Its introduction marked the beginning of Ford’s journey in India, which also set the stage for future models like the Ikon and Fiesta.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Japanese automaker Mitsubishi introduced its Lancer sedan in India back in the mid-1990s. This sedan quickly became a favorite for its sporty appeal and reliability. It was available with engines ranging from 1468 cc to 1998 cc.

The Lancer’s sleek design coupled with its manual and automatic transmission options made it a popular choice. Its price at the time ranged from Rs 7.33 to Rs 8.13 lakh. The success of this sedan not only established Mitsubishi’s reputation in India but also helped the brand to launch other products as well.

Maruti Esteem

At the time, the Maruti Suzuki Esteem was a dream of many middle-class families. Originally launched as the Maruti 1000, the Maruti Esteem became immensely popular in the country. It was also offered with a few different engine options from 995 cc to 1598 cc.

This sedan also offered a choice between petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG options. Hence, there was an Esteem for each type of buyer. With a mileage of up to 18 kmpl and a price range of Rs 4.63 to Rs 6.15 lakh, it provided an economical yet luxurious option. Esteem’s reliability and affordability also added to its popularity.

Peugeot 309

The Peugeot 309 sedan was introduced in India through a collaboration with Premier Automobiles. This sedan brought a touch of European flair to Indian roads. Unfortunately, despite its solid build and advanced features, the 309 faced challenges due to poor service networks and production issues.

It was offered with engine options ranging from 1360 cc to 1905 cc. However, Peugeot’s struggle with local partnerships and market conditions led to its exit in 1996.

Opel Astra

Like Ford, the American carmaker General Motors’ first offering in India was a sedan. It was none other than the Opel Astra. It was launched back in 1996 and quickly gained a reputation for its stylish design and feature-rich cabin.

It came powered by a 1.6-liter petrol engine with single-point fuel injection. The Opel Astra was known for its modest 76 PS power output and decent interiors. Unfortunately, despite its initial popularity, Opel struggled with poor customer service and a lack of localized spare parts. This then led to its decline in the Indian market.

Daewoo Cielo

The Daewoo Cielo entered the Indian market as a strong competitor to the Maruti Esteem. It tried to make its name by offering luxurious features and spacious interiors. It was powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine. This motor helped Cielo deliver 75 PS of power. At the time, it was one of the most powerful sedans of its time.

It was also priced competitively, and it appealed to buyers seeking value for money. However, Daewoo’s subsequent financial troubles and market exit led to the Cielo becoming a rare sight on Indian roads.

Hyundai Accent

When it comes to cars that helped Hyundai make its name in India, the Hyundai Accent is a hard-to-miss name. This was Hyundai’s first sedan for India. It was launched with a 1.5-liter petrol engine delivering 92 PS of power. At the time of its launch, it was a decent amount of power, and it helped the car to become more sporty.

This sedan came with a feature-loaded cabin as it offered power steering and air conditioning as standard across all variants. The company managed to cement its position in the Indian car market after the launch of this sedan.

Rover Montego

Many people might not be aware of this sedan, but it was an imported model that was available in India back in the 90s. We are talking about the Rover Montego. It was a British import, which added a touch of luxury to the Indian sedan segment. The Montego was known for its comfortable interiors and advanced features.

It catered to a niche market of upper-class Indian buyers who were looking for premium vehicles. However, despite its appeal, the Montego faced stiff competition from more established brands and struggled to make a significant impact.

Ford Ikon

The Ford Ikon was launched in India following the success of the Ford Escort. It was introduced in India in 1999 and came equipped with a 1.3L or 1.6L petrol engine, producing 70 and 91 bhp respectively.

There was also a 1.8L diesel engine producing 60 bhp. This sedan featured a 5-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive, and offered good handling and ride quality. Like the Escort, the Ikon also appealed to customers with its sporty design and driving dynamics, earning the nickname “Josh Machine.”

First Generation Honda City

The first generation Honda City was launched in India back in 1998. This sedan, at the time, was offered with a 1.3L or 1.5L petrol engine, producing 90 and 100 horsepower respectively. The Honda City also featured 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission options.

Like the current generation model, this first generation model was also known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. The City helped Honda establish a strong brand presence in India, and it became a benchmark for mid-sized sedans.

Daewoo Nexia

Last but not least, the Daewoo Nexia. This sedan was introduced in India back in 1995, and it came equipped with a 1.5L petrol engine. This motor produced around 85 horsepower and came paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Nexia offered a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior for its time. However, being an early entrant from a foreign manufacturer in the Indian market, this sedan’s overall presence in India was short-lived due to financial difficulties.