Auto Expo 2012 Preview

Part 2

BMW is all ready to stir crowds at this year's expo with its revolutionary Vision Connected Drive concept car. The concept study, in a two-seat roadster guise, presents the automobile as a fully integrated part of the networked world in both its design and technological innovations

 

The German giant will launch the M5 performance sedan in India as well. BMW India will also present the exclusive limited-edition BMW Individual 7-series Composition inspired by piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons, apart from the regular array of cars.

 

The Chevrolet stand will have a range of muscle cars. However what you should be interested in is the new Captiva. Packing in new looks and a new 2.2-litre diesel engine, the Captiva is all set to turn the SUV tables round. The other big reveal would be the Sail hatchback. The Sail will replace the aging Aveo UV-A and we xpect its market launch to follow soon after the expo. The new Sail comes frotm the Chinese partnership between GM and SAIC and we also expect a couple of its vans to be on display as well. This, more so because the vans have already got the Chevy design treatment.

Meanwhile the facelift version of the Spark hatchback too is expected to make its appearance at the expo this year. In fact it will be launched at the Auto Expo. The new Spark gets a redone front end with a large grille and headlamps and a new bumper as well.

Part 3

Fiat will launch upgraded versions of both the Linea and the Punto hatchback. The upgrades are mainly mechanical while changes to the exterior are minimal. For full details on the 2012 Linea and the 2012 Grande Punto read our review of these two cars on pages 68 and 70 respectively.

The brand will also get on stands a few special editions of the Linea and the Punto, just like it did last time. Unfortunately, new cars are not on the cards for this year.

Apart from that the brand will also announce the opening of the Fiat Cafe in New Delhi. The cafe will offer not just choice beverages but will also sell cars and merchandise.

 

Ford will reveal its aggressive face at the expo. The biggest reveal for Ford will be a new small SUV – the Ecosport. After the success of the Figo, the brand is now ready to show off a hatchback version of the Fiesta sedan too. The hatch will share most of the components from the sedan, including engines. With diesel and petrol options, the Fiesta hatch could very well storm the market like the Figo did, if priced right. Ford also will have a Figo Theatre allowing customers to sit inside the car and watch a film. Another theatre, in 3D, will showcase the technologies Ford takes advantage of in developing its cars.

 

AFTER creating waves with its latest Eon, Hyundai is expected to reveal the next generation Elantra and the new Sonata at the Auto Expo this year. The new Elantra boasts the company's new Fluidic design philosophy which we saw first on the Verna. It will be offered with both petrol and diesel engines and a host of features. If priced in the Rs 12-14 lakh rupee bracket the Elantra might just stir things up in that segment quite rudely. The same fluidic treatment has been given to the Sonata as well. With these two sedans getting ready for the Indian market, Hyundai is sure to capture a large chunk of the market in these two segments. Hyundai will also hold the global premiere of the Concept Compact MPV, the HND-7, and will also showcase the 3-door Veloster concept at the Auto Expo.

 

Mahindra is set to excite crowds with a host of new reveals and launches. First in the line is the electric version of the Verito sedan and the production version of the Reva NXR, complete with a Mahindra badge on the grille. We had seen the concept version of the same at the last Auto Expo, but now it is a Mahindra product, post its MAINI's takeover by M&M. But the biggest announcement from Mahindra is the launch of the Ssangyong brand in India. The two SUVs in offing will be the Rexton and the Korando. While the Rexton is a large SUV, the Korando is the more modern SUV and is based on a monocoque shell. It is the first monocoque to come out of the Ssangyong stables and is due for launch in India early 2012 with a pricetag around Rs 14 lakh.

Part 4

WITH so much excitement around the expo can the country's largest car manufacturer remain silent? Certainly not. So Maruti will launch its new MUV, the Ertiga. Readers will remember that at the last expo, Maruti had showcased the concept version of this very MUV, calling it the RIII. The Ertiga will come in both diesel and petrol variants with diesels being offered in the top ZDI variants as well

Maruti is also set to tease crowds with a concept version of a small SUV. We expect this to be based on the Jimny platform and will likely replace the Gypsy in India. Although it will promise affordable off-roadability and diesel power, the one you will see at the expo will be a concept and will only make it to production in the next couple of years.

The thrid biggest attraction at the Maruti Suzuki stand will be the famous Kei cars from Japan. These small cars pack in small petrol engines and are hotsellers in Japan. In India, the cynosure will be the Palette small car, which true to its kei traits packs in boxy looks and super efficient engines. However before you decide to move on, let us tell you hat Maruti is at the moment doing a market feasability study and the launch of these cars may not be too far off.

 

Mercedes -Benz plans to show off the A-class concept at the Auto Expo. The A-class packs in revolutionary features, including four seats and the 'Star filled sky' LED grille. However under the glitz and glamour lies the new Merc hatch, which will see light of day soon.

On the launch pad though will be the multi-crore rupee SLS AMG roadster. Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 petrol churning out an outrageous 563bhp, the SLS is sure to top drool ratings. But the claim to fame is not the engine but the roof, hich can be folded down at the flick of button. On the downside though this transformation has resulted in the SLS losing its signature 'Gullwing' doors.

Part 5

The much awaited launch of the Mini brand in India will happen at the expo. While Mini will share the pavillion with BMW, it will have its very on funky identity.

The next Mini to reach India will be the convertible. The cheeky little two door will come with an electric rag top. No doubt this will be a style statement par excellence. However we are not sure whether it will be entirely practical in the Indian context. But then one doesn't buy a MINI for practicality.

The biggest of the MINI s will be the Countryman SUV. It packs in a choice between petrol and diesel engines and boasts decent kit too. Turn to to find out how it drives as well.

Last but not the least, the Mini brand is entering India initially as a CBU operation and as a result MINI 's range of cars will attract heavy duties. Hence the Countryman is expected to cost in the region of Rs 35 lakh.

But do visit the stall and enjoy the Mini way of life and hope that BMW turns it into a CKD operation, which will make the cars more affordable.

 

The newest entrant, or rather should we say re-entrant, is French manufacturer Peugeot. After an abrupt exit quite a few years back, Peugeot is back in India in a big way. The company's new state-of-the-art facility is rising and the brand promises to stick to India for a long time now.

The French brand will showcase the 508 sedan, which will be launched in India soon. The company also plans to manufacture the 208 hatchback here in India and that is sure a good sign as it shows the company's commitment to the Indian market.

The 508, which is expected to be the first of the Peugeot's to be launched, is built on a platform suited for emerging markets like India. The 208 will come later. In addition to all this, at the expo Peugeot will emphasise on brand awareness and will therefore have a stunning display on its stand.

 

Nissan has been in the market for a while now and has a host of models in India. This includes the 'V'-platformed Micra and Sunny sedan. It also offers the X-trail and the Teana luxury sedan. However at the expo, the brand will be present with two ultraexpensive models.

The one which we expect will be launched in India is the revolutionary GT-R sportscar. The GT-R has earned accolades around the world for its performance and technology at a fraction of the price when compared to other such cars available from other car makers.

However it is not just big mean cars which will adorn the Nissan stand. The Leaf EV is also there to balance out things. The Leaf uses an 80kW and 280Nm frontmounted synchronous electric motor driving the wheels. A lithium-ion battery pack delivers upto 90 kilowatts or 120bhp.

Part 6

The other big French brand at the Expo is Renault. The brand will display various iterations and special editions of the Pulse small car, just like we saw when the car was revealed before the Indian grand prix. The Fluence sedan too will be on display and we expect minor upgrades to the same as well. The Koleos SUV will also be there to enhance brand awareness.

But the centrestage will be occupied by the Duster. Based on the Logan platform, the Duster is a compact SUV from the Dacia brand, which is a part of the Renault Group.

The Duster will be sold in India with a Renault badge and will be offered with a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The diesel in question will be the super fuel efficient 1.5- litre DCI, which also serves the rest of Renault's cars.

The Duster however will be launched in a two-wheel-drive format and that is sure to restrict it from going into the business of serious off-roading, which its chunky looks promise. Nevertheless in this country of SUV lovers, that the Duster will be offered with an affordable pricetag of around Rs 7 to 9 lakh is definitely going to work in Renault's favour. The company will also announce its future plans and products for the Indian market.

 

Skoda has already launched the Rapid in India and we expect the same to take pride of place at the Skoda stand. But even bigger could be the place of the Fabia Scout.

The Fabia Scout comes with taller springs and more ground clearance than the hatchback. It also gets gravel and scratch-resistant cladding on the lower portion of the doors, wheel arches and rear bumper and a scuff plate at the rear to set it apart from the Fabia. We also hear that Skoda is getting the Monte Carlo edition of the Fabia to Delhi. This special car features a black body trim, black roof, door mirrors and radiator grille, smoked headlights and black 17in alloy wheels. Similar glitz and glamour has been added to the interiors of the car too. However there is no chance of something like this going into production.

Last but not the least, the 2wd Yetis will also get some much needed exposure.

 

Tata motors stole the show at the last expo, courtesy its Aria MUV. This year we expect Tata to show off the new Safari SUV. The new Safari, code named Merlin, is reported to have been built on an all new platform. It is not a mild facelift as was expected earlier. So, apart from its looks, the new Safari will also get a new inside and most importantly a retuned engine and suspension combo.

A whole host of new variants of the Winger and Ace platforms are also expected from Tata Motors. These aside, the pavillion will also share space with the legendary Land Rover brand and we expect the latter to get the recently unveiled concept DC100 to India.

Part 7

This year at the Auto Expo, Toyota is going to indulge more in launches than just showing off cars it intends to launch later.

First to come will be the new Innova, which has got a facelift and comes with redesigned headlamps and grille. The bumpers are new too. Inside, there are subtle changes to the dash and centre console. On top-of-the-line variants, the Innova will offer a touchscreen panel which doubles up as audio and works for Bluetooth functions as well.

The next launch from Toyota will be the hotselling Fortuner SUV. The Fortuner too gets changes in tune with the Innova. The headlamp and grille combo is new and so is the front bumper. Changes to the interiors have also been made. But the biggest change comes in form of two new variants. The new Fortuner will be available in 4x2 guise. Yes one can now buy a 2wd Fortuner and save some money at the same time. Moreover a 4-speed automatic transmission is also going to be on offer along with both the 4wd and 2wd variants.

It might sound odd, but we also hear that Toyota will launch yet another car with a facelift. The car in question here is the Camry. The new Camry will get the same treatment as its siblings, the Innova and the Fortuner. The Camry therefore gets a sleeker front end and new bumpers all around. But thanks to the plans of converting it into a CKD operation, the new Camry can become a more value for money product with a lower pricetag.

Volkswagen is coming to the Auto Expo with a host of delicacies. First let's get to the launches. The new Touareg is expected to go on sale in India and the launch is expected to happen at the expo. This will be followed by the launch of the new rejuvenated Beetle in India

Moving on to the show stars! The much talked about up! small car will be displayed at the Auto Expo. However don't get stunned on seeing the up! in three-door form as this is not the model which will go on sale in India. For India it will be the five-door version.

The next show stopper from Volkswagen will be the Beetle R concept. The Beetle R Concept features a body kit that widens the car by 30mm at the front and rear bumpers, with gloss-black touches and a large rear spoiler. A rear diffuser also houses the quad-exhaust. Wheels are the 20in Talladega alloys.

Powering the Beetle R concept will be a 2-litre petrol engine which churns out a hefty 270bhp. This is coupled to the smashing good looks is going to lure in quite a bit of crowd at the Volkswagen stand.