The 2016 edition of the Auto Expo is almost here and it promises a dozen of expected car launches along with a peek into futuristic technologies. Kick-starting on February 5, the motor show will have up its sleeves some of the anticipated debuts of international successes, next-gen transportation solutions, and also focus upon the future of automobiles.
Here's what to expect from the 5-day automotive extravaganza that kick starts for the general public on February 5:
1. Major launches
About 80 new vehicles are expected to debut at the Auto Expo 2016, Some of the hottest launches include the budget hatchback Tata Zica, Maruti's sub-four metre SUV Vitara Brezza, Jaguar's first SUV F-Pace, and the all-new Audi R8.
Tata Zica is set to be showcased at the auto exhibition. However, even prior to its debut, the car’s name has spelled trouble for Tata Motors. Zica- originally a merger of ‘zippy’ and ‘car’ – many argue, is synonymous with the deadly virus ‘Zika’ that has recently surfaced in many parts of the world. There is no word if the car’s name will be changed prior to its official debut. Among the many highlights of this budget car are the two engine option and spacious interiors. The entry-level hatchback is expected to be priced from around Rs 3.5 lakh.
Prior to its official unveiling, images of Maruti Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza were leaked. The sub-four metre SUV is expected to take on the likes of Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300. The compact SUV will have the driver side airbag as standards across all variants. It will further be available in six trim options. In terms of looks, the Maruti Vitara Brezza takes on the appearance of the Grand Vitara with a floating roof theme and sports 16-inch alloy wheels on the ZDi+ trim.
From Jaguar’s stables, the Auto Expo 2016 will witness the debut of the British carmaker’s first ever SUV. Offered in a range of engines, the Jaguar F-Pace has been developed solely by a congregation within JLR called the ‘F-Section’ and it is the 3rd car based on Jaguar’s new Lightweight Aluminium Architecture following the XF and the XE.
Audi’s all-new R8 is also set to make its India debut at the Auto Expo 2016. In terms of design, the new car stays true to the older car, but takes it a step further in terms of features. It gets an entirely new front end light and grille combination and a tail section that is just as new. Inside, the car will get the Audi Virtual Cockpit with Audi Connect and MMI.
2. Concepts and eco-friendly automobiles
With a strong push for more environmental-friendly vehicles, it is expected that automakers would put forth ideas and prototypes that might not hit the roads soon but yet give a sneak peek of the auto future in India. Among others, Mahindra is expected to unveil the Reva e20 Sports electric car. Based on the Mahindra Reva Halo, this could be an all-new two-seater EV that claims to cover around 200km when fully charged and reach the a top speed of 160kmph. It can reach 0-100kmph in under 8 seconds and comes powered by modern battery technology.
Meanwhile, Nissan will showcase its Eporo robot cars which move together like a school of fish, in turn, showcasing autonomous driving and connected technologies. The automobile exhibition will further witness the Renault Eolab concept which is basically a large plug-in hybrid hatchback that Renault claims could deliver close to a 100kmpl fuel efficiency. It weighs just under 1000kilos and had adjustable ride height.
Concept cars on display will also include Mercedes’ FIA World Championship-winning F1 W06 hybrid car, Hyundai’s outrageous Le Mans race car style Vision Gran Turismo, Ford GT supercar, Mahindra XUV Aero coupe-crossover concept and the Datsun GO-cross Concept.
3. Premium bikes
Other than passenger and commercial vehicles, the Auto Expo 2016 will also be high on two-wheeler beauties. From TVS’ stables, visitors are likely to get a glimpse of the Apache RTR200, while DSK Benelli is likely to showcase its Tornado 302 sports bike.
The DSK Benelli Tornado 302 will use same components as the TNT 300 but with significant tuning of the chassis and engine. The sports bike is likely to make a mid-year debut.
American company UM Motorcycles is all geared up to make their official debut in the Indian market with the 279cc Renegade Sport S.
Other bikes making their debut at the automobile exhibition include the Benelli TRK 502, new Bobber and Roamer machines from Guzzi as well as the new Aprilia RSV.
4. Brands to miss
Many regular exhibitors are expected to give the exhibition a miss this year as they drive their focus from the rental charges (costing anywhere between 5-15 crore) to product development and marketing. In the two-wheeler section, Bajaj, Royal Enfield and Harley-Davidson will skip this event.
Although no official details are out, it is likely that Harley-Davidson will be skipping the event due to the lack of a new product this year. A Skoda India spokesperson also confirmed that they “are unlikely to participate in the forthcoming Auto Expo as per the marketing plan for 2016.”
5. Venue
The Auto Expo 2016 promises to be an even bigger affair with improved facilities in comparison to those that were in place during the 2014 edition. This is the second successive time that the Auto Expo is being held at Greater Noida with its original home Pragati Maidan proving to be inadequate to host the show, which has grown over the years. The indoor exhibition space has been increased to 73,000 sq. metres which include six large halls with an additional carpet area of 37240 sq.metres. There were eight halls in the previous edition, however, those only added up to 27,648 sq. metres.
Around 5.6 lakh people visited the last edition of the show and this year, the organizers expect to gather 7 lakh automobile enthusiasts. It will be focused on electric and hybrid vehicles with a theme of mobility for all. In order to make the show accessible for the general public, there would be shuttle bus service from Botanical Garden metro station to the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, the venue of the motor show . Coinciding with the Auto Expo, ACMA will host the components show at the Capital's Pragati Maidan from February 4-7, in which around 1,500 exhibitors are expected to participate.
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