Delhi Auto Expo 2016 preview: Every new car on display
The Auto Expo 2016 will be the biggest show in its history; to be held from February 5-9; here are the details of every new car on show.
This year’s Auto Expo will be the biggest in its history, with SUVs and crossovers playing a prominent role as manufacturers display their upcoming cars to the Indian market.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Maruti Suzuki, Abarth, Jeep, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra, Tata and many more will be in attendance, putting their latest offerings on show to the thousands who visit the India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML) in Greater Noida, from February 5 - 9.
Autocar India will be bringing you the very latest from the show floor, and these are all the new cars you can look forward to seeing. Keep checking back for regular updates as manufacturers reveal more of their plans.
BMW
All-new 7-series
The new luxury flagship sedan has received a major update and comes packed with high-tech features in its classy interior, along with improved ride and sharper handling. The updates help make the new model a much more serious rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-class.
New BMW 7-series review
Next-gen X1
The outgoing generation of the X1 was accused of being more a jacked-up estate than a compact SUV, but BMW has completely reworked it for this generation to give it a distinct crossover look. The new car has a more spacious cabin than its predecessor and will be up against fellow premium rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3. It’s expected to get BMW’s 189bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive xDrive system.
New BMW X1 review
Updated 3-series
The compact executive gets minor cosmetic tweaks, which includes a new front bumper, and LED headlamps on some models. The 2.0-litre diesel engine from the current car is expected to be carried over for the Indian market.
Chevrolet
As well as displaying the new Spark, Chevrolet will also showcase the next-generation crossover-styled Beat as a concept car. The teaser image released shows the front of the car, which includes LED daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps, as well as a thick cladding on the front bumper and roof rails, which hints at the crossover styling. The next-generation Beat is set to be in showrooms in 2017.
Also, the American carmaker will display its new flagship car, the Trailblazer SUV, at the show. Also on display will be the updated Cruze and Beat. Both these models receive mild cosmetic tweaks and additional features through its line-up. Like last year, there are rumours of the Chevrolet Corvette on display too, but unlike the Mustang, there has been no news of an India launch for the Corvette.
Ford
Ford Mustang
The iconic Mustang will be available in right-hand drive for the first time when the sixth-generation model arrives in India. The full-blooded 437bhp, 5.0-litre V8 engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox is likely to be the only option available in the country, and prices could be around Rs 80 lakh. It’s lighter than its predecessor and comes with a bigger, better quality cabin, as well as 19-inch alloys, a 2.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and four driving modes.
Honda
Honda BR-V SUV
The BR-V marks Honda’s entry into the popular small SUV segment. It’s based on the same platform as the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio and will rival the Hyundai Creta as well as the new Maruti Vitara Brezza, which will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2016. The BR-V will come with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines and three rows of seats. Production is not expected to start before April 2017.
Honda BR-V review
New Accord
The Accord returns to the Indian market with a petrol engine and a more expensive petrol-hybrid powertrain. It will be sold as a CBU model and will be a direct rival to the Toyota Camry, but is likely to be priced above the Toyota.
New Honda Accord review
Jaguar
Jaguar F-Pace SUV
The manufacturer’s first ever SUV will be a key sales driver globally when it goes on sale this year. It could launch in India towards the second half of 2016, priced somewhere around Rs 60 lakh. Based on the same platform as the XE and XF, the exterior styling of the F-Pace draws on elements from the F-Type coupe but translates it into the SUV segment with a kerb weight of 298kg and, according toJaguar, class-leading ground clearance of 213mm.
Jaguar XE sedan
The all-new compact executive sedan becomes the entry-level car in the Jaguar range and will be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s plant in Pune. It gets an all-aluminium chassis and is expected to be competitively priced around Rs 38 lakh, with the launch set for February 3. The XE is rear-wheel drive and has been designed to be the lightest and stiffest Jaguar saloon yet, and it counts the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class among its rivals. Two variants of the 2.0-litre petrol engine will be available – 197bhp and 237bhp – and there will be a choice of six- and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Jaguar XE review
Next-gen Jaguar XF
The second-generation premium sedan is lighter, stiffer, roomier and more frugal than its predecessor. The infotainment system gets a big overhaul, too, with the introduction of the manufacturer’s InControl Touch Pro multimedia system operated through a large touchscreen.
New Jaguar XF review
Jeep
Jeep Grand Cherokee
This year will mark the entry of the Jeep brand to the Indian market, and the Grand Cherokee is one of three models it’s launching with. The big SUV will come in top-spec Summit trim with plenty of equipment, and it will be powered by a 237bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Jeep Grand Cherokee review
Grand Cherokee SRT
The off-road branch of Fiat Chrysler Automobile will also launch its high-performance SRT brand in India with a hot version of the Grand Cherokee. The SUV gets a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine with 475bhp and 64.2kgm of torque, and can complete the 0-100kph sprint in 5 seconds. It is expected to be priced around Rs 1.4 crore when it goes on sale, and will rival the BMW X5 M.
Wrangler
The long wheelbase four-door Wrangler Unlimited Overland Sahara is the third model to be offered in Jeep’s India line-up, and is likely to be priced around Rs 40 lakh when it launches. The 197bhp 2.8-litre diesel engine is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Jeep will open dealerships in Mumbai and Pune, but will eventually set up more in other cities.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited review
Maruti Suzuki
The Maruti Vitara Brezza SUV, the carmaker's first compact SUV, is set to be positioned below the S-Cross in its range. It borrows features of its styling – like its sloping roofline – from the bigger Vitara SUV, which is sold overseas. The Vitara Brezza will be under four metres long and is likely to be be powered by Maruti’s 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as the 1.3-litre diesel. The Vitara Brezza SUV will face competition from the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300 in the segment.
Baleno RS
The concept car will show a warm version of the premium hatchback, powered by the new 110bhp 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine with extra styling tweaks to give it a sporty look. The Boosterjet engine will be introduced in the standard Baleno, which was spotted testing with the engine recently.
Ignis concept
The small crossover was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo motor show and will make its debut in India at the Auto Expo as a thinly-veiled concept form. It features a large grille with LED headlamps and flared wheel arches, and a production model could be launched later this year, but there’s no official confirmation yet.
New Mercedes GLC SUV
The all-new GLC SUV closely resembles the C-class sedan from the outside and inside, where the GLC gets a luxurious cabin with rotary air vents and a touchscreen infotainment system. It will enter the Indian market with two variants of the 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine – the 168bhp 220d, and 201bhp GLC 250d.
Mercedes GLC250d review
S-Class Cabriolet
The drop-top version of Mercedes’ luxury flagship sedan is the same length as the car its based on and the roof can be extended or folded away in 20 seconds at speeds up to 60kph.
Nissan
Nissan X-Trail Hybrid SUV
The previous generation of X-Trail was discontinued in India in 2014 because of low demand, but Nissan is bringing back the SUV with sleeker styling and a plusher cabin and will price it around Rs 32-35 lakh. The SUV will be powered by Nissan’s 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a CVT gearbox. There’s a lot of interest in this segment, and the X-Trail faces competition from the cheaper Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V.
Renault
Updated Renault Duster SUV
The popular Duster is set to receive a facelift and new AMT gearbox option, and it’s already been spotted testing in India ahead of its debut at the Auto Expo 2016. The Easy-R AMT gearbox was chosen over the DCT gearbox available outside of India because it proved to be significantly cheaper for the buyer. Cosmetic tweaks are expected to include a reworked bumper and grille as well as modified headlamps. The launch is expected sometime around March or April.
SsangYong
SsangYong Tivoli crossover
The Mahindra-owned manufacturer could unveil the Tivoli crossover at the Auto Expo ahead of its India launch. Already on sale overseas, the Indian model will get Mahindra’s new engine family from the KUV100 compact SUV, with a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel, but the price is yet to be confirmed. This vehicle was recently seen in India on tests.
Tata
Nexon-based Osprey compact SUV
The compact SUV, known internally as Osprey, has been spotted testing and is based on the Nexon concept showcased at the Auto Expo in 2014. The production version is thought to draw heavily from the styling of the Nexon and will see the introduction of Tata’s 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine. The launch is not expected before the end of this year.
Tata Zica-based compact sedan
The Zica-based compact sedan will replace the Tata Indigo eCS and could be priced around Rs 4 lakh when it goes on sale this year. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and 1.0-litre diesel engine will be carried over from the Zica, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and other features from the hatchback version of the Zica such as Bluetooth, sat-nav, dual airbags and ABS are expected to be carried over. When launch, it will face competition from other compact sedans such as the Honda Amaze, Maruti DZire, Hyundai Xcent and Figo Aspire.
Toyota
All-new Innova
A hugely important car for Toyota, the second-generation Innova features thoroughly updated styling and an improved interior. The MPV, which has been a very successful model for Toyota in India, also gets an all-new 2.4-litre diesel engine
Volkswagen
Polo-based Compact sedan
The sedan has been developed specifically for the Indian market. It will share cosmetic and mechanical bits from the Polo and Vento and will be built at VW's plant in Pune and is likely to be priced above the Honda Amaze.
VW Tiguan SUV
The second-generation Tiguan is the first SUV to be based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, shared with the Skoda Octavia. It’s likely to be powered by a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine.
VW Passat GTE
The all-new Passat will reach India later this year and Volkswagen is showcasing the car as a plug-in hybrid version. It has a 50km electric-only range, and with its 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, a combined range of 1,001km.
Auto Expo 2016: An overview
Being jointly organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the latest edition of the Auto Expo will be held at the India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML) in Greater Noida from February 5-9, 2016.
We had reported in October than SIAM was preparing enclosed permanent structures at the venue to increase the total air-conditioned permanently covered floor space. The total floor space has been increased by 37,240 sq. metres (six new halls) over and above the already available eight halls, taking the total floor space to around 79,000 sq. metres.
The Auto Expo 2016 is expected to see an increase in visitors with SIAM calculating a 20 percent rise compared to the previous edition. The number of exhibitors for the event has also risen to over 65 exhibitors from last year's count of 55.
Participating brands
The major automotive brands to be present at the Auto Expo 2016 will include Ashok Leyland, Audi, BMW, Datsun, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda cars, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra and Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, Scania Commercial Vehicles, SML Isuzu, Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motors, VE Commercial vehicles, Volkswagen India and more. From the two- wheeler industry, the major brands to be present include Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, Mahindra Two-Wheelers, Piaggio Vehicles, Suzuki Motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company and more. There will also be new entrants such as Abarth, BMW Motorrad, Jeep, DSK Benelli, Indian Motorcycles and many more. However, Bajaj, Volvo and Harley-Davidson will not be participating in the expo this year.
The 2016 Auto Expo will also exhibit high-end bicycles, tyres and tubes, products from oil companies, Automotive Design and Technology, Engineering and IT for automobile companies, institutions, universities, auto insurance companies and media and auto portals/magazines.
In addition, there will be a pavilion dedicated to classic cars and areas for activities such as safety riding and driving simulators.
Accessibility
The venue will be accessible through six entry points with CISF handling the security. There will also be free shuttle services available from the nearest metro station, which is the Botanical Gardens, Noida city centre and Pragati Maidan with as many as 160 DTC busses being pressed into service. Furthermore, there will also be an smartphone app available to help navigate through the various exhibits at the venue.
Network connectivity
The venue will provide Wi-Fi and internet coverage along with telecom companies having being asked to provide special towers to avoid network congestion at the venue.
Tickets and timings
Ticket bookings for the expo are already open on the Auto Expo’s official website www.autoexpo-themotorshow.in and www.bookmyshow.com. The tickets are priced at Rs 300 for general public hours during weekdays (1pm - 6pm), and Rs 400 for weekends (10am - 7pm). For visiting during business hours on weekdays (10am - 1pm), tickets cost Rs 650. However, business hours ticket holders will also be able to enter the venue during public hours, until 6pm.
Free home delivery is offered on bookings of 3 to 10 tickets made before December 31, 2015. Otherwise, home delivery charges of Rs 75 per booking will be levied. Home delivery will not available for tickets booked online after January 25, 2016. Delivery starts from January 15, 2016, or the tickets can be collected from counters located at parking lots near the venue.
Hospitality
The Auto Expo will also have a food court which gets an extra 1,000 sq. metres over the one at the previous expo. The food court will hold 60 food stalls, 20 kiosks and multiple food trucks offering an assortment of cuisine from international brands and prominent local restaurants and outlets. Two restaurants run by the Taj and Radisson Hotels have also been arranged for at the venue.
Like in 2014, this year's Auto Components Show – one of the biggest exhibitions of automotive components, technology and services – will take place from February 4 -7, at Pragati Maidan.
Courtesy : Autocar