[JayD]

Whoops! Sorry guys! i forgot that the 2000 was petrol! so i guess the first TD car would be the montego.

[dadu]

True, the standard 2000 came only in petrol, i remember now because we used to talk about the fuel efficiency of it at those times and it was extremely poor.

Since all this was years back, I doubt if anyone would remember the exact dates of their launches but you can refer to the below links for more info (as is available).

Standard 2000

Rover Montego

For montego look at the dates, dont remember exactly when it was actually launched due to custom delays but the TATA Sierra/ Estate were launched in late 1990/ early 1991.

Also look at what components were procured locally, the whole body casing came as SKD's. It was only assembled in india and not manufactured.

BUT...if Montego was launched earlier, than it takes the crown for the most features (see brochure), so are we also considering the CKD's/ SKD's ??

[quicksilver]

Originally Posted by hrag

Correct. However, if I remember correctly, the Tata 1210 SE (or something similar) engine was a direct fit in the Standard 2000 engine bay. Which made it quite popular in TN.

thanks! I was sure about the non-availability of diesel engine as OE part. Regarding the aftermarket fitment, I think it was the Nissan diesel engine on the Mahindra Allwyn Nissan cabster engine that was a more or less direct fit on to the Standard 2000.

I know because we had one (err... 2 actually) in my family (my uncle used to have two of them, one that he drove around and another one for spares)

[octane_100]

#12 - chilled glove box - I think this was first seen in the Ford Escort. I distinctly remember that in the ad that was featured, where Leander Paes was driving the car and he pulls out a can of some soft drink from the glove compartment. That ad was quite nicely done

[.anshuman]

And which were the first cars to offer-
1. More than 2 Airbags
2. Electronic stability program
3. Traction Control
4. All wheel Disc brakes
5. Climate Control

[Mpower]

First car to offer:

• Turbo Petrol
• 5 valve per cyl engine

Answer for both is Skoda Octavia VRS

Originally Posted by JayD

1. Car having radial tyres-Tata sierra/estate
   

First to offer radials as stock fitment
Maruti 1000 which came before the Sierra.

Note: Title has been changed

[Ram]

First car having automatic transmission was not the Daewoo Cielo.
It was the 1986 Maruti 800 for disabled drivers.
It had automatic transmission plus hand operated brake and accelerator.

Though priced low, the car sold well only for the first two years.

The demand was then grabbed by the general public as automatic transmission was still new in India. Maruti's real target audience missed out and the car was finally shelved.

[ece2k2]

what about the Premier 118 NE and Contessa. I am sure that they might have offered some first's in India.

[JayD]

Originally Posted by Ram

First car having automatic transmission was not the Daewoo Cielo.
It was the 1986 Maruti 800 for disabled drivers.
It had automatic transmission plus hand operated brake and accelerator.

Though priced low, the car sold well only for the first two years.

The demand was then grabbed by the general public as automatic transmission was still new in India. Maruti's real target audience missed out and the car was finally shelved.

Yes, but that was more of a special order car. Only people with some disability could order them, amd it came customized specifically for them.This was a very good move from maruti. I also remember seeing the "easy Drive" series Zen from maruti which had the above mentioned features too. wonder why they stopped it.
Heres a pic of a Maruti 800 Auto, .

[Ram]

Originally Posted by JayD

Yes, but that was more of a special order car. Only people with some disability could order them, amd it came customized specifically for them.This was a very good move from maruti. I also remember seeing the "easy Drive" series Zen from maruti which had the above mentioned features too. wonder why they stopped it.
Heres a pic of a Maruti 800 Auto, .

JayD can you shoot a focused pic of the mechanism to operate the brake pedal by hand, and the accelerator pedal by hand?

[Mpower]

First car with diesel automatic
Skoda Octavia Tdi Auto

Anybody know which was the first car with tubeless tires?

[manikjeet]

First car with digital speedometer ???

Honda civic

[Mpower]

First car with common rail diesel
Accent Crdi 3 cyl

Originally Posted by manikjeet

First car with digital speedometer ???

Honda civic

Correct, but I believe some bikes already had it.

[roms]

Originally Posted by windsurfer

Some more -

First to offer ABS
First to offer Airbags
First to offer Climate control
First to offer traction control
First to offer 4 WD/AWD

I think our beloved Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX SP (Safety Pack) version would have to probably be the first car in its segment or rather the first one under the 10-12 Lakh bracket to provide ABS, Driver side Airbag and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

[noidaboy]

Pop out fuel lid - zen ?