Top 6 must-see concepts at Auto Expo 2016

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Auto Expo is the platform for carmakers to showcase their future plans and models. Of course, most of them do not give out the vital details about the products, but the concepts are enough to give us an idea about the future model. The list below covers the top concept models from the Auto Expo, which would turn into production cars soon.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis: The Ignis made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, when we predicted that the car will be showcased in India soon. And as expected, here it is, with expected launch around this Diwali. The Ignis is based on the Baleno platform, which means it will be made in India and be exported to the global markets. Looking at the dimensions, it seems that the Mahindra KUV100 will have competition soon.

Tata Nexon: We have seen the Nexon before at a very nascent stage at the previous Auto Expo. This one, however, is very close to production and should reach showrooms in a year’s time. The Nexon is a compact SUV, one that will compete with the Ford EcoSport and the Maruti Vitara Brezza. It looks absolutely fabulous, though Tata will really need to work on the features and quality to be competitive in this segment. We know that it will have both petrol and diesel engine options, though more details will be available only closer to the launch.

Chevrolet Essentia: This compact sedan along with the Tata Kite sedan is indicating at a new trend in the compact sedan segment. Both are sub-four metre in length, however, these won’t compete with the Maruti Dzire, Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze. These would create a new segment with the price tags lower than the above mentioned cars. It looks nice as well, although Chevy will have to figure out a way of packing more space in the cabin. As of now the space at the rear is almost non-existent. 

Chevrolet Activ: General Motors had not one, but two concepts to show at the Expo. The second one is also based on the Beat hatchback. The Activ is basically a beefed up version of the hatchback, designed to be an entry-level crossover, like the Toyota Etios Cross. This one might not be launched anytime soon, although Chevy might use this as an inspiration for their future products. 

Hyundai HND-14 Carlino: When Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors are looking at compact SUVs, Hyundai cannot be too far behind. The HND-14 is exactly hinting at the same. Although, the concept is in its initial stages, it will form base for a compact SUV from Hyundai which will be positioned below the Creta. Rechristened as the Carlino, this one is at least couple of years away from reaching production stage.

Mahindra XUV Aero: One of the most eye catching cars at the Auto Expo 2016 is the Mahindra XUV Aero. This one is an XUV500-based coupe, much like the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE coupe, but the Indian carmaker might not be too serious about taking it to production. The designers were given full freedom with the Aero styling and they have made it count for sure. It has a single door on one side, while the other one opens like a cupboard, much like we see in Rolls-Royce.