The main events at the 11th Auto Expo are finally done. It has been two days of many many hours on our feet. We are happy to finally sit down and start analysing the big launches and unveilings that have happened over the last two days. For those in Delhi and planning to head to Pragati Maidan, it is our guide on what look out for and plan your outing accordingly. We have organised the brands alphabetically and mentioned the halls where the stalls are. For the rest, each of the links below will give you details, images and videos so that you (almost) feel like you were here.
Audi (Hall 10) threw down the gauntlet to BMW’s X1 with the Q3 compact SUV, calling stars Katrina Kaif and Lisa Ray to launch it. There is other eye-candy on display as well, in the form of the R8 GT spyder and the Q7 V12 TDI.
Bajaj (Hall 18)also joined the bandwagon, unveiling the RE60 that slots in below the Nano, taking the title of the world’s cheapest car.
BMW (Hall 9)launched the MINI brand and the products cost even more than the VW Beetle and Fiat 500, but we don’t doubt they have the market.
Chevrolet‘s (Lake Hangar)best-selling Tavera has been upgraded to BS4 norms and the Captiva facelift is now here as well.
Dilip Chhabria‘s (near Lal Chowk) ‘affordable’ supercar Avanti also made an appearance at the expo. It has the looks for sure – and a killer price tag of Rs 30 lakh.
If you’ve got the moolah, you can have the new Monster 795 at a great price as well. It’s Italian, it’s aDucati (Hall 7), and it’s on sale now!
The excitement reached fever pitch at Ford‘s (Lake Hangar)conference where they unveiled a concept for the first time in the world. The EcoSport concept was shown off to all at a function on the fourth.
Hero Motors (Hall 18) (Maestro, Ignitor and Passion X Pro) and Fiat Auto (2012 Linea and Punto) were two manufacturers who chose to launch their products the day before the Expo started but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a stall here.
Another car which has sparked off a storm of interest is the new Hyundai (Hall 18) Sonata. It’s new, sharp and offers cutting-edge tech.
Honda‘s two-wheeler (Hall 18) division surprised many with its unveiling seven upgraded or new vehicles, including a 110cc commuter in the Dream Yuga that promises to play the numbers game, and the exciting CBR150R. Has big red finally got its wheels in motion?
The Expo itself began with the industry leader Maruti Suzuki‘s (Hall 14) reply to the Ford EcoSport: theXA Alpha. That concept didn’t garner as much attention as the Ertiga MPV, which looks like it will take the fight to the Toyota Innova.
For the enthusiasts, the Mercedes (Hall 14) SLS AMG convertible made an appearance. Of more importance to the general public was the A-Class concept, which could spawn a new segment in the marketplace in the future.
Peugeot is back! (Hall 12A) This time they’re going it alone, and they’re going the premium way.
Renault (Hall 18) was just about the only manufacturer to have an actual launch of a completely new model – which means a price was announced as well. The Pulse was one of the few cars that left us wanting to drive it home.
Tata‘s (Hall 11) long-awaited new Safari Storme was finally displayed, and it has taken a leap ahead with features like shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive and creature comforts.
Toyota (Lake Hangar) launched an upgraded Innova. And Fortuner – with two more drivetrain options. And Land Cruiser, Prius and Camry.
In another function, Toyota launched their one-make racing series, with the Etios siblings – the Toyota Etios Motor Racing.
Of most importance to motorcycle enthusiasts in India is the launch of Triumph motorcycles, (Hall 8 ) that begin at a startling Rs 5.5 lakh for the Bonneville and Street Triple. Start saving!
Vespa is back (Hall 18) with their iconic scooters, and if the public reaction is anything to go by, they’re going to do well.
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