It is a delight for every automobile lover to attend the 2018 version of Auto Expo. After Auto Expo 2016, which was received warmly by the people, the 2018 version was much anticipated by those who consider themselves a bit of an addict when it comes to automobiles. It would not be wrong to say that Auto Expo has solidified its place in the society and thus, it was much awaited this year too. For those of you who have never been to the Auto Expo, it is a motor show exhibition which was first held in India in the year 1986. The exhibition provides a great platform to various motor companies to present or launch their new concepts. Since its inception, Auto Expo is considered a credible show where people can come across new models of automobiles and collect enough information about them. Similar to previous years, Auto Expo 2018 witnessed different launches which gained attention.
It would not be surprising to say that Auto Expo India is in the top 7 motor shows/ exhibition around the world. Manufacturers from thirty different countries take part in it and showcase their potential to the people. These countries include China, Italy, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America, Sweden and many more. This year the motor show was to be held from 7th February to 14th February, in New Delhi. As mentioned earlier it was received with great warmth by the public, who in return witnessed varied range of concepts and new models which are to be launched by the companies. The names included BMW, Honda, Hero, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Renault, Suzuki Tata, TVS, Toyota and the list goes on. These names were able to gain attention from the people with their new models of automobiles. They also mentioned about the concepts they were working on.
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The new Kia Sorento SUV
As mentioned earlier, there were different new launches which numbered up to 24. Starting with one of them, KIA Sorento SUV was center of people’s attraction right from the beginning of the exhibition. KIA is one of the leading names in the world of automobiles. When KIA expressed the desire to enter the Indian market, people were expecting so much from it. KIA set up its manufacturing plant in Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh. The company has invested INR 7050 crore to compete against the likes of Maruti, Hyundai and other leading names. Starting their venture with KIA Sorento SUV, the company has marked their presence in the Indian market. It was one of the most awaited concepts in the Auto Expo 2018. As far as the design is concerned, Sorento has an urban charm which could attract many eyes. One of the features include LED headlamps with DRLs. The car also features LED fog lights and touch screen infotainment system, connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has cruise control button along with gesture open boots. The seats are electrically foldable and a 360 degrees camera is also installed. It is available in both petrol and diesel engine.
Brand new Maruti Suzuki Swift sees the daylight
Coming on to the next anticipated automobile in the Auto Expo 2018, the hatchback model which is one of the most popular cars in India, Maruti Suzuki Swift has launched its new model. As it is an already popular name in the market, Swift was one of the most awaited cars in the exhibition. The price of the car is to be set between INR 6 lacs to 9 lacs, depending upon the features. It is already mentioned that the hatchback model has been accepted by the people all around the country and the new model is targeted to spread the popularity to an entirely new level. Based on HERTECT platform, Swift gets a new design as well. The important point to note with this new design is that it has emphasized on the space provided to the passengers and thus worked on some growth in the dimensions. Another stylish change that has been brought in this new Swift is the single-frame grille bordered by bug like headlamps. This design gives it a new luxurious look. It also comes with both petrol and diesel engines, which gives people a variety of choice. You can also enjoy new infotainment system in the ZXi version.
The renaissance of Hyundai Santro
Moving on to another awaited car and perhaps the one we all wanted to see, Hyundai has come up with a new model of Santro, which embarked the journey in the Indian market in the late 90s. When it was launched initially, it was an immediate success which the company wants to continue with a new version. It can be regarded as a comeback for the model which has its root in the automobile market for quite a while now. Santro was discontinued by the company in 2014, after almost 16 years of successful run. However, it was mentioned in a report in 2016 that Santro would make a comeback which generated an excitement in automobile lovers. In Auto Expo 2018, the theory of comeback became evident as Hyundai launched a new model of Santro. Santro is set to replace i10 in the market. Hyundai has based the new model keeping the old one in mind. It has similarities to i10 as well but the base is the older version of the car. It would come with a manual gearbox along with 0.8 litre and 1.0 litre engine options. It is set to compete with Kwid, Tiago and Celerio in the market.
Hyundai does not resign itself to just one new launch and has come up with another new model of i20. Hyundai i20 is already a popular motor vehicle in the market and with its new launch it has gathered the attention from the people. Hyundai knows the success of i20 and thus keeping that in mind, it has launched a new version of the vehicle. Hyundai i20 had won the Indian Car of the Year award earlier. It was considered as the best hatchback car. This is the reason why Hyundai decided for a new launch with changes in design, while the engine remains the same. These changes include a honeycomb pattern of the grille with upgraded headlamps and LED DRLS. It is also expected that new integrated LED DRLs would be provided in the new model, even though the bumper is camouflaged. The new i20 has electrically operated OVRMs, inbuilt with LED turn signals. These features give it a much needed change. As mentioned earlier, the engine would be same as the previous versions. It would come in a petrol and diesel version. The transmission would include 5- speed manual and 6- speed manual torque convertor.
Tata H5 SUV with new IMPACT design
While everyone is competing against each other, Tata is not left behind in the race. In Auto Expo 2018, Tata came up with H5 SUV which was anticipated by many before the beginning of the exhibition. Many people were waiting the launch of this new SUV for a long time now. It was one of those cars to watch out for. It is one of the two SUVs that were launched by Tata Motors in Auto Expo 2018. The H5 SUV is based on IMPACT Design 2.0 which is a new platform for automobiles. The same platform has previously served in the manufacturing of Tiago, Tigor and Hexa SUV. Coming on to H5 SUV, the car is set to have a bigger configuration with 5 to 7 seaters available for choice. According to the sources, the car comes with 2.0 litre MultiJet diesel engine from FCA. The engine has been similar to the one used in the Jeep Compass. H5 shares the same L550 platform as Land Rover. Judging by the fact that Tata Motors is known for providing latest technology and equipment, H5 is considered to be the next big thing in the SUV market compared to other cars.
Also Read: Check all the news & updates on Auto Expo 2018 with IBB
The new Hatchback Tata X451
Another new launch by Tata motors in the Auto Expo 2018 was Tata X451 premium Hatchback. It is based on the same IMPACT design 2.0. It is set to compete with Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz. It was the second most anticipated car in the Auto Expo 2018 by Tata Motors. With this model, Tata targets the buyers of hatchback model who had limited options earlier. The all new Tata X451 is to be based on Advanced Modular Platform (AMP) which is itself a new platform to begin with. The company has worked on building a level of excitement for this new model and has managed to feedbacks in the Auto Expo 2018. From what it has appeared, the Tata X451 is built with elegance and the C-pillar is somewhat similar to Tata Indica, an older hatchback model of the same company. It comes with all new features and equipment as most of the Tata models now, along with an exciting infotainment feature as well. The stylish and luxurious design earned the praise of the viewers in the exhibition. About the engine, it is said that the model would be launched in both petrol and diesel.
Toyota with its brand new Vios Sedan
With all these cars being mentioned, one of the companies which also led the exhibition with a new model was Toyota. In every exhibition, Toyota is one of those names which look up to. Even this year, Toyota did not fail the viewers and came up with Toyota Vios Sedan. The sedan model was exemplary in design as well as charmed the viewers with its elegance and well-crafted look. With this model, Toyota has planned to compete with the likes of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento and Skoda Rapid. As it is obvious, these models have a reputed status in the world of automobiles. Toyota has paid attention to this fact and came up with a model which could compete with these big names. It is the 3rd generation model which is to be on the roads within next month. The model has already been launched in Thailand, with the name Toyota Yaris. The model is to be placed above Toyota Etios when it comes to portfolio. It has a V-shaped front along with 16-inched alloy wheels and projector headlamps. It also comes with LED taillights and large single-frame grille. When one takes a peek inside of the vehicle, various features await. Starting with keyless entry and push button start-stop, Vios has dazzled the exhibition with its aura. It also comes with touchscreen infotainment feature and auto climate control system. The car has rear AC vents as well when it comes to air conditioning. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features inbuilt in it. If we talk about the engine, it is 1.5 litre dual VVT-I engine with the option of petrol as well as diesel. It produces the power of about 105 BHP. When it comes to price, the car is featured around the price tag of INR 11 lacs.
The electrifying Renault Zoe EV
Moving on to another significant launch from the event, Renault surprised the viewers with an electrically operated car named Renault Zoe EV. The French company Renault had planned to launch its new vehicle in the Auto Expo 2018. The hatchback model was expected to buzz around the exhibition, as mentioned by the experts. It was decided about six months ago that the cars was to be launched in this exhibition. The car has already attained a successful run in the markets of Europe where people have accepted the model. With the same desire it was launched in India. The car has a 41 kWh battery along with the power charging system which enables it to be charged within 80 minutes of time at any power station. It is targeted to promote the concept of electric vehicles in the country which seems to be rare at the moment.
With all these cars launched, Auto Expo 2018 was one of the most successful motor vehicle exhibitions to be held around the globe. Many visitors applauded various models by different companies. Also, many companies presented their new concepts to the people who appreciated their efforts.
