2016 Auto Expo: All that happened
Phew! The madness at the Auto Expo 2016 has just ended. It was a complete mayhem, I tell you, if others already haven't. There was so much to see, so many people to meet, shake hands-exchange cards and last but not the least, so much to write-proof-tweet.
If you missed the expo this year, you definitely were living under a rock. However, worry not. We have the best automotive coverage from the expo listed out right below in the Launched at Expo, Unveiled at Expo and Inside Track from the Expo.
Launched at Expo: This list isn't going to be comprehensive I tell you. While before the expo, many speculated including us, that so and so product will be launched, the manufacturers pulled one on us by announcing prices for just eight cars and seven motorcycles. If you were planning to buy a new car/motorcycle, you just might have to wait a little longer. Looking out for something fresh to buy from the Auto Expo , here is our list.
Audi R8 V10 Plus: The updated Audi R8 super car in its latest avatar was launched at the expo. This new car shares its tech with the R8 LMS car and is claimed to be 50 per cent lighter yet stiffer than the outgoing version. Claimed 0-100kmph time is 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 330kmph. If its a consolation, for the Rs 2.47 crore asking price, Audi also throws in a free Sportscar Experience training session for owners.
Read more about it here
BMW X1: The all-new front-wheel drive BMW X1 is now available in showrooms but with only a diesel motor under the hood. The diesel car is locally assembled at the company's Chennai plant and the petrol trims will be launched at a later date. Deliveries will start from April 2016 though.
Read more about it here
BMW 7 Series: Like the X1, this is also an all-new generation of the 7 Series in India. The base, if I can call it that, Design Pure Excellence commands an asking price of Rs 1.1crore while the M Sport is priced at Rs 1.5crore. There are both petrol as well as diesel engines available, with only the latter being assembled in Chennai.
Read more about it here
Jaguar XE: Jaguar's baby sedan for the India, the XE finally made its first appearance, at the expo and prices were also announced. Built on an aluminium monocoque, the XE is available as of now with 200 and 240PS turbo petrol engines. The diesel engines will follow at a later date. Prices for the Jaguar XE start from Rs 39.90 lakh.
Read more about it here
Fiat Punto Pure: Old wine in old bottle. This sums up the Fiat Punto Pure. Positioned below the Evo variant, the Pure has the same body as well as mechanicals of the previous-gen car. The interiors though are similar to the one we have seen in the Fiat Punto Evo. Prices start from Rs 4.49 lakh.
Read about it here
Unveiled at Expo
Now we move onto the to-be-launched cars. These were in production-ready form and will hit the showrooms in a couple of months or sometime in this year. These comprised of a majority of the cars at the expo, more than 40 vehicles.
Audi A4: The all-new Audi A4 made its debut in India at the expo. It has grown in size. But wasn't that obvious given than everything right from the Merc C-Class to the 3 Series have all grown in size. This one though goes on sale only towards the end of 2016.
Read more about it here
Chevrolet Beat Essentia: Well everyone is doing it, so why not Chevrolet? The Beat Essentia is basically a Beat sedan but in sub-4m format. The car looks handsome and is expected to borrow engines from the Sail. It will be launched in 2017.
Read more about it here
Chevrolet Spin: The Spin is an MPV which is expected to replace the slow selling Enjoy in India. It has better interiors than the Enjoy and is expected to take the fight to the Mahindra Xylo. Expect the same engines as in the Enjoy when it goes on sale later this year.
Fiat Linea 125S: This isn't a facelift. In fact this is the current-gen Linea but with an uprated motor and few fancy elements thrown in. Let's get straight to the juicy bit. The 1.4-litre turbopetrol now makes 11PS more than before. Expect the car to go on sale by mid-2016.
Read more about it here
Fiat Avventura Urban Cross: Technically this is the Avventura with better fitting clothes. It gets projector headlamps with follow me home function, LED tail lights, new 17-inch alloys and a touchscreen infotainment system.
Read more about it here
Ford Mustang: The Ford Mustang was unveiled in India a couple of days before the expo. It will be in showrooms with a hefty price tag sometime later this year.
Read more about it here
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross: An all-new D-Max V-Cross debuted at the expo. New engine, more features and a lifestyle variant. And it goes on sale by first week of June. Sales for the commercial vehicle start at the same time as well.
Read more about it here
Honda BR-V: Honda's all-new SUV is based on the Brio's platform and is a seven-seater. It will come with a choice of petrol and diesel motors and will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster. Sales are expected to start around April-June 2016 .
Read more about it here
Honda Accord Hybrid: The next-gen Honda Accord Hybrid is expected to be in showrooms by mid-2016. It will be a worthy rival to the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Volkswagen Passat GTE.
Read more about it here
Hyundai Tucson: Another vehicle making a comeback is the Hyundai Tucson. It is a bigger vehicle than the one that we remember. It is likely to use a 178PS 2.0-litre diesel motor mated to an automatic gearbox. Sales start between August-October 2016.
Read more about it here
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross: The second-gen Isuzu D-Max now gets a lifestyle trim and a V-Cross moniker. It will be priced around Rs 15 lakh with sales starting in a couple of months.
Read more about it here
Jaguar F-Pace: The F-Pace is the first SUV from Jaguar. It has turbo petrol and diesel engines and will be launched in India sometime this year.
Jeep: The American marque made its official debut at the expo. They had three models on display -the Grand Cherokee, Cherokee SRT and the Wrangler Unlimited. All the models are expected to be on sale by mid-2016.
Read more about it here
Mahindra e Verito: Mahindra's all-electric sedan is ready to be in showrooms by March 2016. The 72V 3-phase AC induction motor makes 41PS/91Nm and has a range of 110km.
Read more about it here
Maruti: India's largest automobile had three models on display including the Baleno Boosterjet RS, Ignis compact SUV as well as the Vitara Brezza. Except for the Vitara Brezza, all the models will go on sale by the festive season of 2016. The Vitara Brezza goes on sale in a couple of months.
Read more about the Maruti Ignis, Vitara Brezza and Baleno RS
Mercedes: With quite a successful year left behind, India's premier luxury car manufacturer had lots to display at the expo including the Maybach S600 Guard, GLC and S-Cabriolet. All these models are expected to make their way to the showrooms sometime this year,
Read more about the S-Cabriolet
Nissan: We knew the Godzilla was coming to the expo and it did. But Nissan didn't launch it as expected and instead said that it will be coming to our shores at a later date (read September). The new X-Trail was also on display with its hybrid tech and it is also likely to go on sale during the festive season.
Read more about the Nissan GT-R here and the X-Trail here
Renault: The French automaker had many products which were production-ready. These included the Kwid AMT as well as the Duster AMT. The Duster facelift with AMT will go on sale in March 2016 while the Kwid with the same transmission will be in showrooms by the festive season.
Read more about the Duster facelift here and the Kwid AMT here
Tata Motors: The Tata Motors stall was jam packed with products. This included lots of concepts and production-ready cars. The Hexa is the one closest to launch with Tata saying that it will be in showrooms around March 2016. The Zica hatchback will also be launched somewhere around that time. Its sedan form, the Kite 5 is expected around the festive season.
Read more about it here
Toyota: The star attraction here was the Innova Crysta. There were aunties, uncles, their kids and grandchildren all flocking to see the car. This one goes on sale in a couple of months. The Prius will also follow the Innova Crysta into showrooms shortly thereafter.
Read more about it here
Volkswagen: All products that VW showcased at the expo will go on sale by the next fiscal. The first vehicle to go on sale though will be the Ameo followed by the Polo GTI, Passat B8 and GTE. The Tiguan SUV will be the last though.
Read more about it here
Inside track from the expo
The Ameo is likely to have a different face than the one we saw at the expo. To know more, click here
Renault says that the Lodgy hasn't been selling to their expectations and hence taxi sales have started for the same. Also, the Kwid's production capacity has been ramped up to cater to the growing demand and you can check that story here
Toyota was to launch the Prius at the expo but are waiting to hear from the Budget 2016. Volkswagen is also looking at the Budget 2016 to decide on which Passat model to launch first.
The e Verito was supposed to be in showrooms way ahead of its 2016 launch. However, the battery tech was working out to be too expensive. Now after the FAME scheme, the electric Verito may now be priced at a reasonable Rs 10 lakh starting price.
Nissan was to launch the GT-R late last year. However, they deferred the launch to this year.
Hyundai will bring in the all-new Elantra to India this year. However, the car wasn't at display at the expo though. The facelift that was launched last year is still bringing in the moolah for the Korean car maker.
The E-Class wasn't displayed at the expo because it isn't coming to our shores this year.
Motorcycles
Launched at Expo
Like the cars, there weren't too many motorcycles which were launched at the expo. Most of the manufacturers preferred unveiling their offerings.
Honda Navi: This designed and developed in India motorcycle starts at Rs 39,900. It has three different trims to choose from, depending on the customisation levels. Read more about it here.
Aprilia SR150 The SR 150 made its global debut at the Auto Expo. This sports themed scooter will use a retuned version of the Vespa's 150cc motor that could make over 12PS. It will be manufactured in the Piaggio facility in Baramati and will be launched in India by August 2016.
Read about it here
MotoGuzzi V9 The V9 was showcased in two variants the Bobber and Roamer.
Yamaha MT-09- Yamaha surprised everyone by launching the MT-09 at Rs 10.2 lakh. Its 847cc, triple cylinder engine produces 115PS@10,000rpm and 88Nm@8,500rpm. The Yamaha MT-09 is a CBU, unlike the CKD Kawasaki Z800 and Triumph Street Triple which makes it a tad more expensive than both competitors. Read about it here .
Yamaha Ray ZR- Yamaha launched a sportier version of the Ray and christened it the Ray ZR. It has sharp and aggressive lines and Yamaha will also offer a version with a front disc brake. Prices range from Rs 49,000 to Rs 53,000 (ex-Delhi). Read about it here
UM- The American manufacturer in association with Indian partner Lohia Auto launched three new motorcycles from the Renegade series, the Sport S, Commando and Classic Sport. Starting at Rs 1.49 lakh and going upto 1.69-lakh, the motorcycles use the same 279cc engine that develops 25PS at 8,500rpm. Torque figures are 21.8Nm at 7,000rpm. Read more about it here
Triumph- The British manufacturer launched the highly awaited Street Twin at Rs 6.9 lakh and the Bonneville T120 at Rs 8.7 lakh. The current Bonnevilles have been bringing in the numbers for Triumph in India and it hopes that the new range will keep the trend alive. Read the launch report for the Street Twin here and the T120 here.
Indian- The American manufacturer launched the Roadmaster at Rs 36.70 lakh (ex-Delhi). Based on the Chieftain, the Roadmaster gets a huge fairing, panniers and a top box. It also has arm rests for the pillion. Read about it here
Unveiled at the Auto Expo
Benelli Tornado 302 The Tornado 302 is essentially a fully faired motorcycle that runs a retuned version of the TNT 300's 300 cc engine. The Tornado 302's engine produces 35PS and 26Nm, and is mated to the same 6-speed transmission used in the TNT 300. This motorcycle will be Benelli's first fully-faired motorcycle in India when it's launched.
Benelli TRK502 The TRK502 makes its way to India after its 2015 EICMA unveil. It runs a fuel injected 500cc, parallel twin engine that produces 47PS and 45Nm. Post launch in India, it will take on the Kawasaki Versys 650, Triumph Tiger 800 XC.
Benelli BX250 This motorrad bike will create a new segment when it is launched in India. It is powered by a 250cc single-cylinder motor that produces 25PS and 21Nm. The BX250 comes with a 6-speed transmission and even features long travel suspension.
Benelli TNT Naked 135 The TNT Naked 135, also makes its way to the Indian sub-continent after its 2015 EICMA debut. It runs a 135cc motor which produces 12.6PS and 10.8Nm. It also features 12-inch wheels and a twin-pipe exhaust. However, it isn't clear if this motorcycle will ever make it to India.
Benelli TNT 600i and 600GT with ABS Benelli also showcased the versions of the TNT 600i and 600GT that have been fitted with ABS. These motorcycles are expected to be launched in India shortly.
Read about Benelli at the 2016 Auto Expo here
BMW G 310 R BMW Motorrad silently unveiled the G 310 R at the 2016 Auto Expo. This is the first motorcycle to come out of the BMW-TVS venture, and it certainly got quite a bit of attention from the masses at the expo. This motorcycle will be manufactured by TVS in Hosur with quality control ensured by BMW. It is expected to launch in India by the end of this year.
BMW S1000XR This is BMW's sport touring model which uses the same engine and chassis as the S1000R sport naked, but with minor modifications to better suit its purpose. It features a lower mounted exhaust to permit luggage placement and also features a host of electronics. We expect it to be priced in the Rs 25-35 lakh range with optional add-ons, when it is launched in India.
BMW R 1200 GS The 2016 version of the R 1200 GS isn't all new, but still does the job very well. It uses a part liquid-cooled 1170cc engine that makes 125PS, and is known for its calm poise on the highway. However, when the new model is launched, expect it to cost over Rs 35 lakh.
Suzuki Access 125- Suzuki took the wraps off the all new Access 125 and the scooter sure looks several notches above the current model. The chassis and bodywork is all new. The Access gets an all new engine too that benefits from Suzuki's Eco Performance technology. It produces 8.7PS and 10.2Nm It also gets another variant with disc brake and alloy wheels. Watch it here.
Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi/ Gixxer update- Suzuki also unveiled a fuel injected version of the Gixxer SF. It also introduced the Gixxer with new colour schemes and more importantly a 230mm rear disc brake. Read about it here
TVS
Akula- TVS' showstopper at the 2016 Auto Expo had everyone gawking at it. Though in concept form and very much based on the G 310 R, the Akula features full carbon fibre fairing and body panels. USD forks, radial calipers, force fed airbox and a quick shift 6-speed transmission will be some of the highlights. Read about it here-
X21- This all new race concept from TVS is both bold and aggressive. Powered by a 212.4cc, fuel injected engine that's tuned for the race track, it gets two oil-coolers to keep heat in check. Read about the bike here.
Yamaha
Nmax- This 125cc maxi scooter was on display and we suspect it was purely to gauge customer reactions. Its engine gets a four valve head and Yamaha's Blue Core technology which helps it develop 15.5PS. Yamaha may launch it India, if deemed feasible. Read about it here.
Triumph-
Thruxton / R is the most premium of all Bonnevilles and the Triumph will launch the cafe racer styled bike in India later. It gets the high power iteration of the 1200cc parallel twin engine. Ohlins suspension upfront and the rear add to the higher sticker price of the Thruxton and Thruxton R. Read about it here.
Honda
CX-02 Concept- The Japanese manufacturer showcased the second generation of the CX-01 that was showcased at the last Auto Expo. The styling is sharp and edgy but overall the bike seems like its nearly production ready. Read all about it here
Africa Twin- The CRF1000L Africa Twin is an important motorcycle for Honda and the Japanese manufacturer was busy gauging customer response before its imminent launch in the country. It faces competition from a slew of motorcycles, the most noteable of which is the Triumph Tiger. Read all about the Africa Twin here.
Neowing Concept- The concept three-wheeler from Honda is powered by a hybrid four cylinder engine and the company says that the Neowing is designed to corner and feel like a regular motorcycle.
Mahindra Two Wheelers
Mojo- The Mojo with three new colour options include two tone orange/white, orange and matte red. It also introduced a new line of accessories for the Mojo. Read all about it here.
Peugeot scooters-
Mahindra has recently acquired Peugeot and displayed three scooters to gauge customer reaction. The line up included the retro themed Django, the aggressively styled Speedfight and the three wheeled Metropolis. Read all about these scooters here.
Hero MotoCorp
The Indian motorcycle major displayed a range of concepts, some which were due to enter production soon while some are still a few years from the production line. The Splendor i-Smart 110 gets a new 110cc engine and new styling and will hit the showroom soon. The Xtreme 200S is the new performance oriented motorcycle with an 18PS, air-cooled 200cc engine. It also features ABS and mono suspension. Hero also showcased the XF3R concept that denotes the design direction of future Hero motorcycles. The Hero Duet e was also showcased. It has a 5Kw electric motor. Read about all of it here
Vespa- The Italian company displayed a wide range of scooters like the Settantino, Armani 946, Fly, Medley and Liberty.
Inside track from the expo
Hero MotoCorp confirmed that the Hastur was just a concept and the XF3R is an all-new concept that they thought about at the last moment. The XF3R though is a design study and might not also go into production.
Honda displayed the Unicorn 150 at the expo and are planning to get it into the showrooms soon. Deliveries for Honda's first motorcycle in India will start from August 2016.
To read more stories from our coverage of the Auto Expo 2016, click here
With inputs from Rishabh Bhaskar and Rahul Richard
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1984cc
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190
320
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5204cc
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610
530
7.63 Kmpl
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6592cc
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265
850
-NA-
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1995cc
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190
400
-NA-
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936cc
Manual
57.1
142.5
-NA-
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1248cc
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93
209
20 Kmpl
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1368cc
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90
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175
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115
242
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156
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12.95 Kmpl
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14.95 Kmpl
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637
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147
207
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154
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150
360
-NA-
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250
21.66 Kmpl
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177
350
17.42 Kmpl
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1984cc
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190
320
12.65 Kmpl
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500cc
6-Speed
47.50
46.00
25.64 Kmpl
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600cc
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250cc
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-NA-
-Speed
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-NA-
-NA-
