AUTO EXPO 2020

The Auto Expo is Asia’s most prominent and the world’s second-largest automobile exhibition held once in every two years. Most automobile manufacturers showcase their products, new launches and concepts at this exposition. This used to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi till the year 2012. The event gathers so much of visitors that the organisers had to change the venue to a larger space at Greater Noida to accommodate all the exhibitors and visitors. Being an automobile enthusiast, I followed my ritual of attending the event last week.

The Chinese duo, Great Wall Motors (GWM) and MG (Morris Garages) Motors were the show stealers this time. Unlike other carmakers, MG Motors showcased upcoming launches and not just the products that are currently in the market. GWM set a great first impression with the Haval brand and the cars they had on display. The F7 and F7X SUVs were major head turners. The MG Hector+ and MG ZS EV (Electric Vehicle) garnered a lot of attention too. Looking at the MG Hector’s success in India and GWM’s impressive product lineup, their future in the Indian market looks promising.

 GWM Haval F7

MG Hector+

MG Vintage Car (Name Unknown)

MG ZS

eMG6 Plug-in Hybrid

Tata Motors was impressive as always with two new concept cars, the HBX and the Sierra. After Tata pulled the plug on its most-loved SUV, the Safari, the hype over the Sierra was immense- so much that it overshadowed the all-new Tata Gravitas, which is set to be launched later this year. The Sierra concept was my favourite of all the concept cars showcased this year. That massive side glass area is sure to remind you of the good-old Tata Sierra.  Tata Motors also revealed the prices for the BS6 compliant Harrier with an automatic transmission. With the BS6 diesel engine, the Harrier gets a significant power upgrade, producing 170BHP as opposed to 140BHP in the BS4 version. This BS6 motor will be powering the Tata Gravitas as well.

Tata Gravitas

Tata Sierra Concept

Tata HBX Concept

The only cars from Hyundai which pulled the crowd this year were the new generation Creta and the i30 N Fastback. The Creta’s design came across as highly polarising and overdone. However, love it or hate it, you simply cannot ignore it. Hyundai also showcased the new Tuscon and Elantra. 

Hyundai Creta

Unlike in 2018, Kia Motors did not have much to display this year apart from the recently launched Carnival MPV, the Sonet compact SUV concept, the XCeed and Stonic crossovers and a sporty looking Seltos X-Line concept. They also showcased the Soul EV and the e-Niro.

Kia Seltos X-Line Concept

Kia Carnival

As always, the showstopper from Mahindra was a concept. This year, it was the Funster concept- an open-top EV powered by a 313 BHP electric motor capable enough to jolt this car from 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds. Considering that Mahindra’s concepts seldom make it to the production stage, it’s better not to keep many hopes from this one as well. Mahindra also showcased the e-XUV300 concept and revealed the prices for the e-KUV100, set to be India’s most affordable EV.

Mahindra Funster Concept

Maruti Suzuki showcased the Futuro-E concept, an all-electric
SUV set to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Maruti unveiled the Vitara Brezza facelift with just a BS6 compliant 1.5-litre petrol engine, as Maruti will stop manufacturing diesel vehicles beginning March 2020.  The Ignis got a much-needed facelift with some design tweaks. The Petrol S-Cross did not get any attention. We finally got a glimpse of the Suzuki Jimny, the company’s much-awaited, affordable and capable off-roader.

Suzuki Futuro-E concept

Suzuki Jimny

Maruti Vitara Brezza facelift

Renault showcased two electric vehicles- the K-ZE (Kwid Electric) and the Zoe. The Duster with the all-new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine was definitely the icing on the cake. Producing 156 BHP of power and 250 Nm of torque, the Duster Turbo petrol could be an enthusiast's delight and will compete against the Kia Seltos 1.4l Turbo Petrol. 

Renault Duster 1.3l Turbo Petrol

(Image Source: Autocar India)

The Vision IN concept by Skoda was one of the best concepts at the Expo. It will be a largely localised mid-size SUV rivalling the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. For Skoda fans, the Octavia RS is back on sale. Volkswagen showcased three SUVs, the close to production mid-size Taigun concept, the T-Roc along and the I.D Crozz concept, set to be Volkswagen’s first electric SUV in India.

Skoda Vision IN Concept

Volkswagen T-Roc

Volkswagen Taigun

Mercedes-Benz was the only luxury carmaker to participate this year. They showcased the all-new A-Class sedan, the AMG GT 4 door coupe and the V-Class Marco Polo MPV amongst its other market offerings. 

 

Mercedes A-Class Sedan

Mercedes AMG GT 4 Door Coupe

Force Motors being the underdog, as usual, sprang a surprise by displaying a modified version of their off-roader, the Gurkha. This stood out, being the most unusual machine on display. It was a good expo material, but unlikely to make it to Indian roads.

Force Gurkha

I think it is fair to say that the hype for the Auto Expo has drastically dropped down since the past four years. The participation this year has been very low, with major carmakers like Honda, Toyota, Ford and major luxury carmakers missing the Expo probably due to low business sentiment in the market. The same goes with the two-wheeler manufacturers with Suzuki and Piaggio being the only exceptions. I still remember the 2016 Auto Expo, when we barely managed to visit all the halls in a day’s time. After having attended the Auto Expo in 2006, 2008, 2016 and 2018 in the past, I can say without a doubt that the 2020 Auto Expo was a low key affair for people who follow automobiles. For everyone else, especially young children, it was a day filled with fun, selfies, Facebook and Instagram updates with the gleaming cars.

I hope that the automobile industry bounces back to normalcy soon for the next Auto Expo- 2022, which I eagerly await.