The 2016 Auto Expo was, in some way, a sort of a damp squib. As the years have passed, manufacturers have used the Auto Expo to only reveal machines, with few details disclosed and tonnes of hype surrounding them. As a result, this has meant more reasons for manufacturers to engage with the same product, but lesser excitement surrounding it during the launch. In a way, the 2016 edition was the inflection point. Save for a couple of motorcycles like the Honda Navi, UM Motorcycles’ range and cars like the Jaguar XE, BMW X1 and 7 Series, Audi R8 to name but a few, the rest continued to follow the same pattern.
In short, there is serious scope for fatigue to set in if the same underlying theme continues. Nevertheless, there were few trends that caught everyone’s eye, like the seriously high number of hybrids on display, which is a sign that manufacturers can work around the diesel ban in Delhi, were it to get extended. SUV coupes from Mahindra and Tata Motors as well as gearless two-wheel wonders like the Navi prove that manufacturers are willing to think out of the box. Over the next 16 pages, you will get a glimpse into the most important and relevant machines at the 2016 Auto Expo, and we hope the 2018 edition tries to make an attempt to become more relevant to the masses.
Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
What is it? A sub-4 metre SUV
What’s new? Almost everything! The Vitara Brezza is designed and developed in India, using the knowledge India’s largest selling car-maker has gathered over the years. Even though the Vitara Brezza is sub 4-metre, everything on the car is trying to make this compact SUV look bigger – bold grille, large headlamps with bull-horn LEDs, large bumpers and cladding all around.
What’s under the hood? Power comes from the familiar 1.3-litre DDiS 200 engine, which features in the recently launched S-Cross, delivering 89 bhp of power and 20.4kgm of torque.
Launch date? March/April 2016
Competition check: Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV 3OO
Expected price? Rs 6 to 10 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS
What is it? Baleno with a new engine
What’s new? Shown as a concept, the Baleno RS is supposed to be (or so we hope) a hotter version of the current Baleno. Based on a new lightweight chassis, developed specifically for the Baleno RS, the car gets a new lip spoiler, RS logo stitched on the seats in yellow and a body kit.
What’s under the hood? The new meat is here, when it comes to the Baleno RS. A brand new 3-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine which will produce 112 bhp and 17.5 kgm of torque.
Launch date? September/October 2016
Competition check : VW Polo TSI, Fiat Abarth Punto
Expected price? Rs 6 to 9 lakh
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
What is it? A compact SUV concept
What’s new? Based on the iM-4 Concept, which was shown at Geneva Motor Show last year, Maruti Suzuki brought the Ignis to India for the first time. This compact SUV also does its bit in looking the part. Squared headlamps with day time running lights, beefed up wheel arches and a large bumper with fog lamps give it the SUV-ish look. Maruti Suzuki plans to load this one up with features, including two-tone interior and a hill descent control.
What’s under the hood? We expect the Ignis to be powered by the 1.2-litre K-series and the 1.3-litre DDiS family
Launch date? September/October 2016
Competition check : Hyundai i20 Active, VW Cross Polo
Expected price? Rs 7 to 10 lakh
