The single biggest event of the India automotive industry is just away and the 2016 edition of the Auto Expo is being touted as the biggest one yet. Almost all of the biggest names in India will be in attendance at the venue showcasing their current line-up as well as future products. According to our estimates around 30-40 new products will be showcased at the event which are expected to come to India sometime next year.
Volume sellers like Maruti,Hyundai,Tata,Mahindra,Toyota and Honda will showcase some very important products while luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, JAGUARand BMW will make their presence felt with new offering lined up for launch in 2016. Here, in this post, we have compiled a list of all the upcoming new cars at Auto Expo 2016 that are expected to make an appearance.
AUDI’S THREE MODELS TO EXHIBIT AT AUTO EXPO 2016
The German-based luxury carmaker, Audi has officially confirmed that it will showcase its new three products including the Audi R8, Audi A8 L Security and Audi Prologue Concept at the upcoming motor show in the country, 2016 Auto Expo. Along with these, the industry expected that the company may unveil the new sedan Audi A4 but, there is no positive interest from Audi as it does not disclosed any information on that. Its parent company, Volkswagen will also showcase Polo GTI, Ameo (compact Sedan), 2016 VW Passat and VW Tiguan. The 2016 Auto Expo will host a lot of list of new models and concepts from the global and domestic auto manufacturers, Audi is one of them decided to show its three new models.
Maruti Suzuki Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Maruti’s compact SUV has been under development for quite some time now with the first concept showcased as long back as the 2012 Auto Expo. Four years and two Auto Expos later, the EcoSport-rival is all set to make its debut on February-3, 2016. Known only by its codename, the YBA will be christened the Vitara Brezza, thereby marking the comeback of the “Vitara” moniker. Suzuki recently previewed the Ignis ‘Micro-SUV’ at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Ignis is essentially the production version of the iM-4 concept that was on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015. Although the car is intended as a ‘Kei’ car for the Japanese market, Suzuki, keeping in mind the popularity of SUVs, could bring it to India as well. Even if it is not launched in India, an appearance at the 2016 Auto Expo is highly likely. Among the most interesting new Maruti cars at Auto Expo 2016 will be the Baleno RS. The Baleno RS is essentially a more performance-oriented version of the new Maruti Baleno hatchback and boasts of performance tweaks and a body kit to infuse some sportiness with this upper-B segment hatchback.
Hyundai Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Hyundai will not be showcasing any major products, but will have some interesting products on display. One of which will be the i20 N Sport. It is essentially a sportier, more powerful version of the stock i20 which comes with a 1.4 litre motor producing 114 PS of power and a peak torque of 160 Nm.
Also on display will be the facelifted version of the Santa Fe SUV which is expected to be launched in India next year. The facelift has already been unveiled globally and features minor cosmetic and interior updates. Our guess is that the facelift will be launched in India soon after the Auto Expo.Hyundai India is expected to showcase the latest generation Tuscon that is sold internationally. The Korean car maker is planning to bring back the SUV to India by the end of 2016 to take on the Honda CR-V.The latest generation of the Elantra sedan, which was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show will make its India debut at the Auto Expo in Feb. Hyundai is expected to launch the Elantra sometime in the second half of 2016 at a starting price of INR 15 lacs.
Honda Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Perhaps on of the biggest attractions at Honda‘s stall will be the BR-V small SUV. Developed specifically for markets like ours, the BR-V is based on the same platform as the Brio and features design cues from the Vision XS-1 concept and the Honda Mobilio.
Honda will bring the Accord sedan to India next year and is expected to showcase the same at the Auto Expo. Ever since its withdrawal from the market speculation has been rife that the sedan will make a comebackarmed with a diesel engine option. However, that might not be the case as Honda is expected to bring in the petrol and petrol-hybrid variants.
Tata Cars at Auto Expo 2016
The ageing Indica family will finally get a replacement by the end of 2015 in the form of an all new Zica hatchback. Like the Indica, the Zica will also spawn multiple body styles including a compact sedan, which would replace the Indigo CS. While, the hatch has already been unveiled, the sedan is likely to make its first appearance at the event. An AMT variant of the Zica could also be unveiled at the Auto Expo.
The Aria crossover turned out to be a market dud, but Tata is hoping to turn things around with the Hexa. The Hexa is essentially a thoroughly reworked version of the Aria featuring a heavily revised exterior and new interiors.
Mahindra Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Mahindra will showcase its new ‘Micro-SUV’ at the 2016 Auto Expo. However, it has already been launched here. This SUV will be called the KUV100 and will compete with large hatchbacks in the 4-6 lacs category. The S101 features a 3+3 seating arrangement which will give it an edge over its rivals.
Mahindra’s first stab at the compact SUV segment did not work out too well for them probably because of the Quanto‘s questionable, Xylo derived exterior. However, now the manufacturer is working on acomprehensive facelift of the product which should debut at the Auto Expo next year. It’ll be interesting to see how Mahindra positions the Quanto in the market considering the fact that they already have theTUV300 compact SUV on sale.
Toyota Cars at Auto Expo 2016
The production spec Innova will be unveiled internationally before the end of 2015 and will be showcased to the Indian audience at the Auto Expo. The next gen model will be launched some time next year at a significantly higher price point than the current model. Also, according to industry chatter the current Innova might be sold alongside the new one albeit with a comprehensive makeover.
Although Toyota does not plan on bringing the all new Fortuner to Indian showers at least until the end of 2016, the latest iteration of the popular SUV could be on display at the Auto Expo. The Fortuner has been clocking in segment leading numbers consistently and has, so far, survived threats from cheaper, more feature-rich rivals which is why the Japanese car maker is in no hurry to bring the new model to India.
Renault Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Following the tremendous success of the Kwid hatchback, Renault is expected to bring an AMT equipped version of the same next year. The Kwid AMT should make an appearance at the Auto Expo equipped with a 5-speed AMT sourced from Magneti Marelli. The AMT is expected to be mated to a bigger 1.0 litre engine.
The French car maker may have concentrated all its resources into pushing the sales of the Kwid in India, but they haven’t forgotten their trusted comrade, the Duster. The small SUV is all set for a makeover with spy shots of the facelift already doing the rounds. Apart from a cosmetic nip and tuck, the facelifted Duster will also come with an optional AMT gearbox.
Volkswagen Cars at Auto Expo 2016
The German Auto Giant is readying a sub-4 meter version of the Polo/Vento as they look to cash in on the highly lucrative compact sedan segment in India. Expect the car to be visually similar to the Polo, at least from the front, with design inputs from the Vento for the rear. The upcoming compact sedan has been christened the Ameo and will be unveiled at the Auto Expo
Sharing the stage with other VW projects will be the latest generation of the Passat executive sedan. The car was discontinued some time back due to poor sales, but is now expected to make a comeback in 2016 albeit with an increase in size and price.VW has also confirmed that they will launch the next generation Tiguan SUV in India in 2016. Our market is likely to get the 7 seater version of the crossover which is expected to make an appearance at the Auto Expo in Delhi. The SUV will take on the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V
Volkswagen has taken its own sweet time in bringing the latest form of the iconic Beetle to India. The car has already gone on sale at a price of INR 28.73 lacs (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The previous generation model used to be sold in India, but it was withdrawn following the international launch of the new one.
Chevrolet Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Following the launch of the Trailblazer, GM India will now bring the Spin MPV to our markets to compete with the Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and Renault Lodgy. Chevrolet’s previous forays into the MPV segment (Tavera and Enjoy) did not strike a chord with personal car buyers and were relegated to finding a place on Indian roads as taxis.
While the new generation Cruze is still some time away from us, General Motors India will be bringing in a minor facelift of the current car at the fast approaching Auto Expo 2016. Safely expect this car to carry some really minor styling tweaks and additional features. It maybe noted that the Cruze has already lost a lot of ground to fresher cars like the latest generations of Corolla, Octavia and Elantra, and the upcoming facelift will be an attempt to re-vitalize the sales performance of the ageing sedan.
While the next generation Chevrolet Beat that was unveiled last year won’t make it to India, a highly modified version of the current Beat is expected to go on sale here in near future. Seen below is a teaser image of the Beat concept, and as can be made out, the upcoming design study features several styling cues from the international-spec model.
Nissan Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Nissan hasn’t been enjoying a very good run in India in recent times and although it does not have any major model launches in the pipeline, the Japanese manufacturer is prepping up a couple of products for the market. One such product is the X-Trail SUV, which will make a comeback to India in its latest avatar.
The Patrol is another SUV that has been under consideration for a while now and we expect it to make an appearance at the Auto Expo next year. Nissan hasn’t been very vocal about its plans regarding new product launches so we can’t say with absolute certainty when the Patrol will be launched.Nissan’s iconic sportscar is expected to be launched in 2016 and will, in all probability, make an appearance at the Auto Expo. The Nissan GT-R will be brought into India via the CBU route and will retail for around INR 1.5-2 Cr.
Datsun Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Datsun showcased the Redi-GO in its concept form at the previous Auto Expo and this time around the production ready version is expected to make an appearance. The Redi-GO is a small hatchback intended for markets like India and will rival the likes of the Maruti Alto and Renault Kwid.
Datsun recently showcased the Go Cross concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Based on the GO+ MPV, this concept will make it to production in 2016 and is expected to make an appearance at the Auto Expo next year. The production spec GO Cross will be a toned-down version of the concept, but we expect it to retain quite a few of the design details seen here.
Fiat Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Fiat desperately needs to revive its fortunes in India somehow and the recently unveiled Egea sedan could play a big role in that process. The Linea will soon get a replacement and the most likely candidate for the job is the Egea. A hatchback based on the sedan is also under development which could turn out to be the replacement for the Punto.
Rumours of an Abarth powered Linea have started doing the rounds with some sources claiming that a ‘Fiat Linea Powered by Abarth’ model could be headed to the Auto Expo in February. It is expected to be powered by the same 1.4 litre Turbo petrol that does duty on the Punto Abarth and Avventura Abarth producing upwards of 140 bhp.
Ford Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Ford has either already launched all the new major products in India (Figo, Figo Aspire and Endeavour). For the Auto Expo this year, the American auto giant will showcase the Ford Mustang which will subsequently be launched in India.
Mercedes-Benz Cars at Auto Expo 2016
On display at Mercedes‘ stall will be the new GLC SUV which slots in between he GLA and GLE. In India, it will rival the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Volvo XC60. The GLC is essentially the latest generation GLK, the new name being in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current nomenclature.
Mercedes-Benz will also showcase its X6 rival at the Auto Expo, the GLE Coupe. Based on the GLE, the coupe is a cross between an SUV and a sports car, a segment that was created by the BMW X6 when it was launched. The German manufacturer is also developing a similar version of the GLC, but that is unlikely to make it to India next year. The GLE 450 AMG Coupe has been launched in India at a starting price of INR 86.40 lacs.
Mercedes’ portfolio will be dominated by SUVs with the soon-be-unveiled GLS luxury SUV expected to make an appearance alongside other products as well. Much like the GLE, the GLS is merely an updated version of the current GL-Class with a new face and a new name as part of the new nomenclature adopted by the manufacturer.
BMW Cars at Auto Expo 2016
The next generation of the BMW‘s flagship sedan, the 7-Series, debuted internationally in 2015 and is expected to be launched in India in the first half of 2016. The current 7 has not been able to deal well with stiff competition from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Bringing in the new one as soon as possible will keep BMW from losing too much ground to its rivals.
Sharing the stage with the new 7-Series will be the 3-Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), BMW’s version of a mid-life facelift. The update features a new front and a rear end with new headlamp and tail lamp detailing.
The latest generation X1 has been spied testing on Indian roads in recent times and our guess is that it will make its India debut at the Auto Expo next year. The current version of the crossover has started showing its age in relation to new rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The sooner BMW brings the new model the better.
Jaguar Cars at Auto Expo 2016
The XE sedan will make its India debut next year at the Auto Expo. Once launched, it will become Jaguar‘s cheapest offering in India and will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and the Volvo S60. Expect the sedan to be priced in the INR30-40 lac region.
A thoroughly updated version of the XF sedan will also be making its India debut next year. the design of the new XF is in line with Jaguar’s current design language as seen on the F-Type and XE
Also on display will the recently unveiled luxury SUV from Jaguar, the F-Pace. Slated for a launch in India next year, the F-Pace is aimed at other luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, BMW X5 and the Volvo XC90. Expect the SUV to be launched in India by the end of 2016.
Jeep Cars at Auto Expo 2016
Fiat has confirmed the entry of the iconic Jeep brand into India with at the 2016 Auto Expo. Initially, only two products will be on offer, one of which will be the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is a serious SUV which is meant for some real off-roading. It has a 2.8-litre, 4 cylinder diesel motor which has a maximum power output of 197 BHP and a peak torque figure of 460 Nm.
The second product in Jeep’s line-up for India, at least initially, will be the Grand Cherokee. This full sized urban SUV will rival the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. The current gen Grand Cherokee is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine as its heart. It belts out a maximum power of 247 BHP @ 4000 RPM and a mammoth torque of 570 Nm @ 2000 RPM.
Audi Cars at Auto Expo 2016
The 2016 Audi A4 will be making an appearance at the Auto Expo which will be followed by a launch soon afterwards. The sedan features styling based on Audi’s latest design language also seen on the new Q7, R8and TT. Pricing is expected to hover around the INR 38 lac mark.
Audi’s famed supercar, the R8, will debut in its latest avatar at the Auto Expo and sure to be a crowd puller. Launched internationally, the 2016 Audi R8 is yet to be launched in India. The latest iteration gets styling changes in accordance with Audi’s new design language, but it has managed to retain the same silhouette as the outgoing model giving it an unmistakably R8-like appearance.
Although the Q7 was still a very strong seller, the SUV had started showing its age and needed a replacement which has now been launched int he form of the 2016 Audi Q7. We reported earlier that the Q7 will be launched at the 2016 Auto Expo. However, the SUV has now gone on sale at a starting price of around INR 72 lacs.
Indian Car Manufacturers Not Attending Auto Expo 2016
Skoda‘s executive sedan has been confirmed for launch in India next year in January. The current Superb is easily the preferred choice in its segment among customers and Skoda will be looking to further consolidate its place at the top with the launch of the new generation Superb.
Perhaps one of the most interesting products on display at the Auto Expo next will be the S60 Cross Country which is a cross version of the S60 sedan. Such versions of hatchbacks are popular across the world and in India, but Volvo has taken it a step further by giving a sedan the Cross treatment.
