Auto Expo 2018 Report

Many big auto manufacturers were absent at the Auto Expo 2018, however the show had a lot going for it. We saw many new four-wheelers and two-wheelers in concept and production-ready form. Here’s a short summary:

SUVs

The SUV demand in India is only on a rise, and manufacturers brought a lot more this year. The most popular of all this year was the Tata H5X concept. It is a new SUV based on a Land Rover platform and to be available in either five or seven seat versions. Maruti, had to two concepts on display, the e-Survivor and the Concept Future S. The Future S is expected to sit below the Vitara Brezza in the company’s line-up and go into production in the beginning of 2019. Another big debut was the Kia SP concept, a made-for-india compact sedan to rival Hyundai’s Creta. Honda showcased the upcoming diesel powered CR-V. BMW displayed the X3 and Mercedes showed its all-electric concept EQ SUV.

Sedans

This year’s Auto Expo also saw the unveiling of a few new sedans. Biggest one being the new Honda Amaze, which made its international debut at the Expo. Honda also showcased the new Civic which is due this financial year. Toyota also revealed its new Honda City rivalling Yaris sedan. Kia had its performance sedan, the Stinger GT at its stand. At the Tata stand was a performance oriented version of the Tigor. German car maker, Mercedes launched two new Maybach models – the S 560 and the top-spec S 650.

Hatchbacks

The hatchback segment also saw action with Tata’s amazing 45X hatchback concept. The Indian car maker also managed to vow the crowd with the sporty Tiago hatchback as well. Maruti launched its fully-new Swift. Hyundai brought the facelifted i20 and Kia displayed its Ceed hatchback.

Electric vehicles

The electric vehicle and hybrid segment got a lot of action. Almost every manufacturer present had some type of offering at the Auto Expo. BMW showcased its i3s hatchback, i8 Roadster. Japanese carmaker, Honda showed its Sports EV concept and Hyundai showcased fully electric and hybrid variants of the Ioniq. Renault’s electric vehicle was the Zoe e-sport concept making 460hp. Kia also brought many electric vehicles and hybirds.

Motorcycles and scooters

The motorcycle and scooter segment saw a lot of new entrants this year. Yamaha launched the VVA-equipped R15 V3.0 and the new BS-IV R3. Honda’s latest was the 160cc X-Blade and the Activa 5G. There were also few new scooters like Hero’s new Duet and Maestro, Suzuki’s Burgman Street and Piaggio’s Aprilia SR 125. BMW released two new middle-weight adventure motorcycles – F 750 GS and F 850 GS. The manufacturer also said it will launch both, the G 310 R and G 310 GS this year in India.

Also being showcased were the Hero XPulse 200, UM Renegade Duty, Thor, Suzuki GSX-S750 and Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX.