Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore Diesel BS4 Taxi (2014)

The Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore Diesel BS4 Taxi is a culmination of several decades of evolution in the Ambassador series. Launched in 2013, this model features a 1.5-litre diesel engine that complies with BS IV emission standards, a significant upgrade from its BS III counterparts. The engine, developed with the aid of Austrias Magna Steyr, offers higher power and torque, improving the overall driveability and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The Encore retains the classic Ambassador design but includes modern touches such as power steering, improved suspension, and better vehicle control. It was primarily targeted at the taxi segment, where the Ambassador has historically been a staple, and was designed to meet the new emission regulations that had banned the sale of BS III vehicles in major metropolitan cities. Despite its improvements, the Encore still maintains the ruggedness and reliability that the Ambassador is known for, making it a solid choice for those in the taxi business.

The Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore Diesel BS4 Taxi, launched in 2013, is a significant upgrade in the Ambassador lineage, particularly with its compliance to BS IV emission standards. This model addresses some of the long-standing issues of the Ambassador, such as poor fuel efficiency and high emissions, by incorporating a 1.5-litre diesel engine that meets the newer emission norms. The Encore also boasts improved power and torque, better vehicle control with power steering, and enhanced driveability. However, despite these improvements, the car still lags behind in terms of modern features and design, which might make it less appealing to private buyers. For the taxi segment, though, it remains a reliable and rugged option, especially given its historical dominance in this market.

In May 2014, Hindustan Motors shut down its car factory, marking the end of the Ambassador Encores production. This decision was made due to weak demand and financing problems. The company had sold only 2,200 Ambassadors in the financial year ending March 2014, a significant decline from its peak sales.

The Ambassador Encore was voted as the world’s best taxi at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear motorsport show in 2013, a testament to its enduring popularity in the taxi segment. However, this recognition did not translate into significant sales.

Hindustan Motors invested significantly in upgrading the Ambassador Encore, including the engine and other features, without passing on the costs to customers. This was part of their strategy to offer value through cost-efficient manufacturing. The company was ramping up production at its Uttarpara plant to meet the anticipated demand.

In 2013, Hindustan Motors launched the Ambassador Encore, a BS-IV compliant diesel taxi, priced at Rs. 4.97 lakh (ex-showroom Kolkata). This model was designed to meet the new emission standards and was expected to capture a significant share of the taxi market, especially with the West Bengal government issuing new taxi permits. I believe this was a last-ditch effort to revive the brands fortunes.

The Ambassador Encore was significant because it allowed Hindustan Motors to sell the car in 17 metropolitan cities where the sale of BS-III cars had been banned since April 2010. This was a crucial step in reviving sales and maintaining market presence. I think this move showed the companys commitment to adapting to regulatory changes.

The Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore Diesel BS4 Taxi was priced at Rs. 4.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Kolkata) at the time of its launch. When considering the on-road price, you would need to add costs such as registration, insurance, and other local taxes, which could push the price up to around Rs. 5.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh, depending on the state and city. This pricing strategy was aimed at making the vehicle competitive in the taxi segment, where cost-effectiveness is a crucial factor. Given the investments made in upgrading the engine to BS IV standards, the pricing is relatively competitive, especially considering the value it offers in terms of reliability and durability.

The mileage of the Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore Diesel BS4 Taxi is a notable aspect, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 13.5 kmpl. This is a significant improvement over its predecessors and makes it a more economical choice for long-term use, particularly in the taxi segment where fuel efficiency is paramount. The better fuel efficiency, combined with the reduced emissions, makes this model a more viable option for those concerned about running costs and environmental impact.