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Hindustan Ambassador 1.8 Nova (74 Hp)
Overall Rating
Hindustan Ambassador:
The Hindustan Ambassador is an automobile manufactured by Indian manufacturer Hindustan Motors from 1957 to 2014. It was based on the Morris Oxford Series III by Morris Motors.
On 11 February 2017, Hindustan Motors executed an agreement with Groupe PSA for the sale of the Ambassador brand, including the trademarks, for a consideration of ₹80 crore. The tie-up entailed two joint-venture agreements between the companies of the two groups.
In 1956 Morris Motors sold the rights and tooling of the Morris Oxford Series III to Hindustan Motors, as it had done for its previous Series I and Series II models which were sold by Hindustan Motors as Hindustan 14 and Landmaster. The Series III model itself was a derivative of the Morris Oxford Series II model which was developed prior to the Austin and Morris merger....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Ambassador Overview:
Hindustan Ambassador (Ambassador). With 135 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1104 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Hindustan Ambassador was not tested by Euro NCAP. Its design, based on a 1950s platform, predates modern safety standards, offering minimal passive and active safety features compared to contemporary vehicles.
1.8 Nova (74 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
One of the more capable engines for the Ambassador, providing noticeably better acceleration and highway cruising ability. Still not a performance car.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy will be a trade-off for the improved performance, likely higher than the smaller petrol engines, but acceptable for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary reliability and robust build quality
- • Spacious interior and comfortable ride over rough roads
- • Simple mechanics, easy and inexpensive to maintain and repair
- • Iconic status and strong heritage value
- • Excellent value for money and low running costs
Cons:
- • Outdated design and technology, lacking modern features
- • Very poor safety standards by contemporary measures
- • Sluggish performance and poor handling dynamics
- • High emissions and low fuel efficiency compared to modern cars
- • Lack of refinement and noisy engines
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Hindustan |
| Model: | Ambassador |
| Generation: | Ambassador |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 Nova (74 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 74 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 40.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 135 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1817 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.9 kg/Hp, 67 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1104 |
| Max. weight: | 1554 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4325 mm |
| Width: | 1662 mm |
| Height: | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2464 mm |
| Front track: | 1376 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1356 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 165/80 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 4J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Is the Hindustan Ambassador the king of its class? Share your thoughts.