The Hindustan Motors Contessa used different engines during its production years. When it launched in 1984, it had a 1.5-liter petrol engine. This engine was from the older Ambassador model and produced around 50 horsepower. Later, the company added a 1.8-liter Isuzu petrol engine. This engine made about 88 horsepower and used a 5-speed manual gearbox. This new engine made the car very fast for its time. Many people liked this version because it was smooth and powerful. The car also came with a 2.0-liter diesel engine from Isuzu. This engine produced around 55 horsepower and was a good choice for drivers who wanted to save money on fuel. This model sent power to the rear wheels through its manual transmission. These engines were very reliable and simple for local mechanics to maintain or fix even today.

The Hindustan Motors Contessa had a very spacious interior for its time. It was known as a luxury car in India during the 1980s and 1990s. The car had enough room to comfortably seat 5 people. The front seats were large, and the back seat felt like a soft sofa. Most models used soft fabric or leatherette for the seat covers. This model came with a wide dashboard that often had a wood-like finish. It had a big steering wheel and simple dials to show the speed and fuel level. The windows were large, which made the cabin feel open and airy. Later versions of the car offered features like air conditioning and power windows. This car also had a central armrest in the back for extra comfort. Everything inside was designed to give passengers a lot of legroom and a smooth ride on long trips.

The Hindustan Motors Contessa had a very long and straight body design. It was based on the Vauxhall VX Series from the late 1970s. This car was a large sedan. It had a very long front bonnet and a big boot at the back. It looked much bigger than most other cars on Indian roads during that time. The front had a wide grille and chrome bumpers. Early models used simple round headlights, while later versions had twin square headlamps. The car had 4 doors and large windows that gave it a clear view. It used 13-inch wheels and had a very low stance. Many Indian buyers loved this model because it looked like a classic muscle car. The exterior stayed mostly the same for 18 years. Its design was simple but it looked very powerful and different on the street.

The Hindustan Motors Contessa faced several competitors during its long run from 1984 to 2002. In the beginning, its main rival was the Premier 118NE. The Standard 2000 was another car that tried to compete in the same segment. This model was different because of its long body and large size. During the mid-1990s, the Indian car market changed quickly. Many new global brands arrived with modern technology. The Hindustan Motors Contessa had to fight for sales against the Daewoo Cielo, Opel Astra, and Ford Escort. These newer cars offered more features and better fuel economy. While the car had a lot of space, it felt old compared to the 3 or 4 new models from Japan and Europe. Eventually, these rivals took away its market share. This led to the end of the car in 2002 after 18 years of production.