What They Have Got !

Hyundai

 

Hyundai showcased its MPV concept, the Hexa Space (code-named HND-7), at the Expo. This 4.3-metre car is built on a 2750mm wheelbase and propulsion comes from a 1200cc turbocharged Kappa petrol motor. Hyundai also revealed the latest-gen Sonata executive saloon at the Expo. It is powered by a 198bhp, 2.4-litre petrol engine with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The Korean carmaker also showcased its new Elantra, which will take on the likes of the Honda Civic, Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta, as well as the funky Veloster 2+2 coupe.

 

 

Jaguar Land Rover

 

Tata-owned JLR displayed a slew of its cars and concepts at the expo. Production cars included the face-lifted XF, the XJ and Jaguar’s most powerful production car yet, the wild 542bhp XKR-S. However, the pair of Jaguar concept cars, the C-X75 and the C-X16, was what made heads turn at the stall. Land Rover showed two DC-100 concept SUVs, one of which came with a stunning white roof that contrasted with the bright red lower half of the car, while the other had no roof at all.

 

 

Mahindra

 

The Auto Expo served as the launchpad for the Ssangyong brand in India. Taking centre-stand on the expansive Mahindra stand, the Ssangyong display included the soon-to-be-launched Rexton SUV, the stylish XIV-1 Concept, Actyon Sports dual-cab pick-up and a full-electric version of the Korando. Brand Mahindra had the two Reva electric cars on display, an electric Verito and of course, one of this year’s big stars, the XUV500.

 

 

Maruti

 

Maruti unveiled the XA Alpha compact SUV concept at the Auto Expo. A car that could be built on the new Swift platform, the Alpha looks every bit the compact SUV and with overall length at 4000mm, it is eligible for the lower rate of excise duty for small cars. Maruti will be offering the mini-SUV with its range of K-Series petrol engines and the 1.3-litre DDIS diesel engine. The eagerly anticipated Innova fighter, the Ertiga, is also on display. This seven-seater is also the launchpad for Maruti’s latest K-series petrol engine, the 1.4-litre K14.

 

 

Mercedes-Benz

 

Mercedes-Benz displayed a combination of concept, road and racing cars at the Auto Expo. Among the production models on display were the SLS AMG roadster supercar, the new, third-generation M-class and a customised S600 Pullman Guard armoured limousine. The star of the show however was the concept A-class - a hatchback that previews Merc’s forthcoming design direction for its family of MFA transverse-engined front-wheel drive cars. However, the first car off this platform to be launched in India will be the all-new B-class mini-MPV.

 

 

Nissan

 

Nissan unveiled the seven-seater Evalia MPV at the Auto Expo. Built on Nissan’s B-platform, this is the car we previously knew as the NV200. Powering the Evalia will be the 1.5-litre dCi turbo-diesel engine from the Sunny diesel. Production will start in the second half of 2012. Nissan is also showcasing its pioneering electric car, the Leaf and its powerful supercar the GT-R at the Auto Expo.

  

Renault

 

Renault unveiled the Duster midsize crossover at the Expo. It shares its platform with the Logan, so as you can imagine it’s not an all-out off-roader and will in fact be sold only with two-wheel drive in India. Renault has also launched its Micra-based hatch, the Pulse, at the Auto Expo.

 

 

Royal Enfield

 

Royal Enfield has launched its eagerly anticipated Thunderbird 500 at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi. The company is targeting touring enthusiasts with this cruiser. The bike gets distinctive ‘black’ styling and it is powered by a 500cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE) that makes 27.2bhp. Apart from the bikes on display, the Enfield stall includes biker apparel and riding accessories as well.

 

 

Skoda

 

Although no new models or variants were launched, the Fabia Monte Carlo and the RS 2000 concept did garner a lot of attention. The Monte Carlo Fabia is a tribute to 100 years of the Monte Carlo rally and 110 years of Skoda in motorsport. The company’s recent success in the S2000 rally series prompted Skoda to make a celebratory concept car, the RS 2000. Also on display at the Skoda stand are the company’s new Rapid saloon and Laura RS.

  by autocar