Raining of New Launches at Auto expo 2018

The 2018 Auto Expo marks the 14th edition of India’s largest motor show. Sure, fewer manufacturers participated this time around but the ones at the Auto Expo did put their best wheels forward. Far-out concepts, global unveils, important launches and even Motorsport displays, Auto Expo 2018 had it all.
Here’s a quick run-through of the important exhibits at each manufacturer’s stand.

BMW

BMW’s display at Auto Expo 2018 is also its largest at the Indian motor show yet. Show goers were treated to the sight of the gorgeous new i8 Roadster and also got a chance to see the all-electric i3S in the metal (or should that be carbon fibre?). But the models of real interest were the Mercedes E-class-rivaling BMW 6-series GT that was launched at Rs 58.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and the all-new BMW X3 that comes in May 2018. There was a lot for petrolheads too, with the India launch of the new M5 as well as updated versions of the M3 and M4. Oh, and there’s a new petrol X6 that made its India debut too.



HONDA

Japanese auto major Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) on Wednesday unveiled three new products, including a next generation version of its entry-level sedan, the all new Amaze at the Auto Expo 2018. This is the world premiere of the 2nd Generation Honda Amaze and the car will hit the market during the fiscal year 2018-2019.

Kia

The Korean carmaker made its India debut at the Auto Expo 2018 and did so in grand style with the display of the Kia SP Concept SUV. The handsome SP Concept previews the design of Kia’s first SUV for India that will come our way in 2019. In brief, the production version of the SUV will compete with the Hyundai Creta, among other rivals. Also on display was the hot Kia Stinger GT that was one among 12 other models from Kia’s international line-up at the motor show. Of the models of big interest were the Ceed hatchback, the Soul EV crossover, the Cerato sedan, the Sportage SUV and the Sorento SUV.  Toyota

Toyota’s stand at the Auto Expo 2018  was centred around the Yaris sedan, its new mid-sizer for India. The Yaris has its interesting styling bits and will be big on features too. Keen pricing would help the Yaris take the fight to the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Ciaz. The full-size Land Cruiser and the Land Cruiser Prado were also on display at the Toyota exhibit.    

Tata Motors

If we had to pick one manufacturer that made the biggest impression at Auto Expo 2018, it would be Tata Motors. The carmaker took the wraps off the H5X SUV concept and the sleek 45X hatchback concept, both of which give you an idea of what the Tatas of the near future will look like. We liked what we saw. Much closer to launch, however, were the Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP that promise accessible performance, while the much-talked-about Tiago EV and Tigor EValso got their first public showing at the Auto Expo 2018. Tata’s quirky sportscar concept, the Racemo, made its India debut as well, albeit in a fully electric avatar. Also showcased was the Nexon AMT that goes on sale soon, and the Nexon Aero that previews the soon-to-be-introduced personalisation options for the compact SUV. 

 

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