Preview: 2012 Auto Expo

The 2012 Auto Expo, touted to be the biggest Auto Expo yet, is just around the corner and things are in full swing with car brands still releasing tidbits of information to keep our interest until the doors open on January 7, 2012 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. This year, the venue will be host to around 50 new launches including cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. The lineup of brands is expected to be bigger than ever as well. MAG Cube gives you a lowdown on what cars & bikes to look out for at the global extravaganza.

The show will bring in quite a lot of renowned brands under one roof

Audi’s line-up for the Expo is nothing short of explosive, with models ranging from affordable mini-SUV;the Q3 to the tarmac-shattering R8 Spyder (pictured above) with a Lamborghini-sourced 5.2-litre V10 engine. Also on display will be Audi’s practical super-coupe, the RS5– direct rival to the BMW M3. Audi will also introduce its S-line range with the all-new S6; this hot version of the A6 comes with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 under the hood and 414hp to play with.

French Car makers Peugeot (in its second innings) & Citroën will showcase their upcoming models heading for our market. Peugeot’s first model to hit the streets will be the brilliant-looking 508 Saloon. Meanwhile, Renault’s big thing for the Expo will be the Indian debut of its mini-SUV, Duster; believed to be launched by July-end, this mini-SUV shares its underpinnings with the Logan (now Mahindra Verito) The Duster is no proper off-roader; lack of 4WD (only two-wheel-drive for our market) limits its potential. However, the Duster won’t carry a huge price-tag; Renault aims to price it in a reasonable Rs 7-9Lakh range.      

Renault Duster

Korean Giant Hyundai will unveil the new Elantra sedan to be sold here in India. The 3^rd-gen Elantra failed to strike the right chord with customers. Hyundai though, aims to change that with the new Elantra. Next on the agenda is the new Sonata, which will also be present at the Expo.

Maruti Suzuki on the other hand, will showcase its ‘tailor-made for India’ five-seater concept SUV.  Surprisingly, even the other big launch is not a hatchback. What it is is a brand new utility vehicle, Ertiga. The Ertiga is based on the same platform as the Maruti Ritz and uses bits from the new Swift as well. When launched at the Expo, we expect the Ertiga to cost anywhere between Rs 6-9lakh range.

Toyota's all-new Camry

Toyota is all-set to showcase its line-up of newly refreshed car range. Not too long ago, nearly every model wearing the Toyota badge received a makeover. And now, the Japanese car maker is ready to unveil the models which include the face-lifted Fortuner, Innova, Prius and the Land Cruiser range. An all-new Camry with refreshed looks and improved interiors will be showcased as well. Other big changes to the car can be found under the hood, a 2.5-litre VVT-ipetrol engine mated to either six-speed manual or an Auto ‘box does the job.  

Tata Motors promises a glittery lineup of all new sedans, SUVs and concepts from its Jaguar and Land Rover stable. Plus! There’s the all-new Safari to be unveiled. However, there is no information related to the launch of the much anticipated diesel Nano.

BMW-owned Mini will make its debut at the Expo

Then there is BMW’s Mini, which will make its India debut at the show. The epitome of retro cool, Mini will be here on our roads early next year. Another iconic British Marquee, Triumph (or Triumph Motorcycles) will mark its entry into the buzzing Indian Performance-bike market. The company will showcase over 7 models to be offered later in the year. 

Moreover on the floor is the launch of ‘all-American’ Harley Davidson’s line of customized options for its current range of big bikes, besides unveiling new models.
New entrants aside, the existing super premium and luxury carmakers that are sure to steal the show are Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini along with VW’s Bugatti and Porsche. All in all, New Delhi is the place to be this January. Oh yes, this show is about to get a whole lot bigger!

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