‘Explore the world of mobility’ – that is the theme of Auto Expo 2020. Keeping in tandem with the theme, all the major carmakers have showcased their products that run on cleaner fuel or an electric motor. Also, all the cars are BS 6 compliant.
Maruti Suzuki
Futuro-E
Maruti Suzuki has introduced an electric coupe SUV concept called Futuro-E. Stylistically and technologically advanced, Maruti hopes the Futuro-E to become a benchmark for the next generation.
Swift Hybrid
Maruti Suzuki unveiled a new Swift hybrid model. Under the hood is a 1.2 L DualJet petrol and an electric motor. It has a mileage of 32 kmpl according to Japanese test regulations.
Tata
Tata opens strongly at Auto Expo 2020 with their SUV lineup HBX, Gravitas and Sierra concept for the second consecutive year.
HBX
Previously known as H2X, the HBX is an entry-level SUV with a closer resemblance to a production model. It will position below Nixon in the line-up. Only the 2nd model under ALFA platform, the HBX will feature a 3-cylinder 1.2 L naturally aspirated engine churning out 86 hp.
Sierra
The new fully electric Sierra induced a breath of fresh air of nostalgia in the electric vehicle segment. The Sierra somehow managed to retain the tidbits which made the original Sierra iconic and yet look futuristic. Launch details and engine specifications are unavailable at the moment.
Mahindra
Mahindra is undergoing a major shift in the engineering and technology department. With a new line of engines and the R&D team focusing on electric vehicles, they are seriously in contention to be future leaders in innovation.
eKUV100
Touted to be India’s most affordable electric vehicle, the eKUV100 is to be launched soon. The only drawback is that it is available only to commercial buyers. It’s priced at 8.25 lakhs. The electric motor produces 54.4 hp and has a maximum range of 150 km.
eXUV300
Also on display at the Auto Expo 2020 was the electric compact SUV, the eXUV300. Built on the Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture, it will be launch in 2021.
Funster
Every now and then, car makers act like children and develop cars just to satisfy the inner child in them. One such car is the Mahindra Funster concept convertible. It features a 313 hp with high acceleration enabling the car to go from 0-100 in 5.2 seconds.
Mahindra mStallion engine
Along with their futuristic cars, one of the key highlights was the introduction of the mStalllion engine. It is their most powerful to date and features advanced technology.
Hyundai
Tucson
Hyundai Tucson is back with flair. The original was a huge disappointment to Hyundai but the new Tucson hopes to change the age-old perception. The new version sports a new grille, connected car technology, BS 6 compliant 2.0 l petrol engine and all-black interiors
MG
Has already said that India is a very important market for them and they plan to invest billions over the next decade. Their primary focus is on the booming electric vehicle and hybrid segment.
RC 6 sedan
The macho looking MG RC 6 is on display at the MG stand. To be launched in 2021, the boxy sedan will go against Honda Civic. It is powered by 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit. Prices will be on par with the Civic.
Marvel X
The latest offering from MG, the Marvel X is the 1st mass production model to pass level 3 autonomous driving capability. It is fully powered by an electric motor, self-driving and well connected. With this offering, MG shows that they’re going to aggressively tackle the booming electric vehicle segment.
Kia
Korean carmaker Kia is planning huge to make it big in India this decade. With a wide range of models, they hope to disrupt the current equilibrium in the market right now and the Sonet and Carnival are going to spearhead this intrusion.
Sonet
The compact SUV Sonet is Kia’s 3rd model for India. The Sonet is expected to rival Hyundai Venue. The model displayed is rumoured to be very close to production specifications.
Carnival
One of the most awaited MPVs at the Auto Expo 2020, the Kia Carnival is a serious competitor to the established king in this segment, the Innova Crysta. The Carnival is priced at 24.95 lakhs for the base variant and goes upto 34.95 lakhs for the Limousine variant.
Mercedes
In the past decade, Mercedes grew several manifolds in India in both sales and their India portfolio. They are planning to go into the new decade with the same momentum with a strong range of offerings.
Mercedes AMG-GT
One of the most exciting exhibits at the Auto Expo 2020 is the Mercedes AMG GT. The fastest AMG ever produced, the AMG GT can go from 0-100kph in just 3.2 sec. It is the fastest 4 door sedan in the world. Stealing the hearts of petrol heads all over the world, it comes with a hot 643 hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine. The prices will start at 2.4 crores (ex-showroom)
New-gen GLA
The new-generation BMW X1 rival arrives with a BS-6 compliant 190hp 2.0 turbo diesel. It is priced at around 43 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Renault
Triber AMT
The highlight of the Renault strand was the Triber AMT. Packing a decent 72 hp ,the Triber is equipped with a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol with 5-speed AMT gearbox. It’s all set to be launched in Q2 of 2020.
GWM
Great Wall Motors (GWM) is planning to invade the Indian car market with a number of SUVs.
Haval H7 will be the 1st model to be launched by GWM. Also unveiled was the Haval Concept H which is a futuristic mid-size SUV.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is going through a major rebranding and re-inventing phase in India. They want a larger share of the pie and are ready to enter previously untrodden territories including the very lucrative compact-SUV segment. The line of SUVs unveiled at Auto Expo 2020 are :
Taigun
The biggest highlight of the Volkswagen stand is the Taigun. Specifically made for India, the Taigun will launch in 2021 with a newly developed engine. The entry of taigun is expected to tip the scales in a highly competitive compact SUV segment. Price is expected to be between 10-15 lakhs.
T-Roc
Filling the gap between the confusingly named Taigun and Tiguan will be the plane named T-Roc. The T-Roc will be powered by a 1.5 L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine and have a power of 150 hp. The prices will start at 23 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Tiguan All-Space
The Tiguan 7-seater will replace the current 5 seaters. The engine will also be replaced with a much more powerful 190 hp 2.0 l turbo petrol. It will be priced in the 35-40 lakh bracket.
Also read: Volkswagen Motorsport India Lineup at Auto Expo 2020 Day 2
Skoda
A subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, Skoda will follow the path of the parent company in its product portfolio.
Skoda Vision IN
The first model that will feature the MQB AO platform in India will be the Skoda Vision IN. On display as a thinly veiled concept, the Vision IN will be launch in 2021 to compete against Kia Seltos and MG Hector.
Octavia RS
Deviating from the general trends of this Auto Expo 2020, Skoda decided to introduce a limited edition car that is neither a compact SUV nor an electric. The RS is a limited edition 4 door family sedan with 245 hp. The car intends to serve a niche category populated with speed crazy families. Not many of them exist so only 200 will be sold in India. It is priced at 35 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Rapid 1.0 L TSI
In contrast to the RS, the Skoda Rapid is for the average middle-class family without a death wish. Featuring the new 1.0 L turbo-petrol engine, the Rapid can produce a maximum power of 110 hp. It is BS-6 compliant so the prices will increase a bit.
These are the major highlights from the promising 1st day of the Auto Expo 2020. More new and exciting news can be expected in the coming days.
