The much-anticipated 2014 Indian Auto Expo has recently been concluded, which features some exciting new car launches, concepts and few existing vehicles in an all-new avatars. We brings you a brief overview of what carmakers brought at the Expo, which will soon going to rule the Indian roads.
Luxury cars- The three German luxury carmakers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz revealed a series of new vehicles and upgraded existing vehicles at the Auto Expo. While Audi has unveiled the much-awaited A3 sedan, Mercedes-Benz showcased its CLA45 AMG.
BMW finally introduced its i-brand in the country by presenting the i8 petrol-electric hybrid sportscar. Moreover, the GLA crossover is the another big attraction from Mercedes-Benz India, which is likely to hit the Indian shores by the end of this year or by early 2015. The Bavarian carmaker has launched the new generation X5 and 3 Series GT, while the MINI has officially introduced the John Cooper Works brand in India.
Along with A3 sedan, the Ingolstadt based luxury carmaker has revealed the A3 Cabriolet. Moreover, the company has also displayed the stunning RS7, R8 V10, and the 700bhp Quattro Concept.
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Jaguar Land Rover had unveiled the stunning F-Type coupe and Project 7 sportscar concept. Additionally, it also showcased its first ever sports crossover C-X17 SUV concept. And, the company also displayed the Range Rover LWB and 2014 Evoque with a nine-speed gearbox.
Now let's talk about cars to target mass segment-
Honda- Japanese carmaker Honda has unveiled its much-anticipated new generation Jazz hatchback and Mobilio MPV at the Expo. Moreover, the company also showcased the Accord hybrid and its all-new Vision XS-1 crossover concept. For the first time, the new Honda Jazz will be made available in both petrol and diesel guise. The company recently phased out the Accord sedan, however the company is in a mood to launch the ninth-generation Accord.
Maruti- Celerio hatchback is undoubtedly the biggest launch of this year, and it happened at Auto Expo'14. India's largest carmaker has launched the Celerio hatchback at Rs. 3.90 lakh, while unveiled the SX4 S-Cross concept SUV and Ciaz sedan concept. It is quite early to comment whether the SX4 S-Cross will make its way to India, but the Ciaz is likely to be introduced in the market and it will replace the SX4 sedan. The company has also unveiled its entire lineup with some upgrades.
Hyundai- The South Korean automaker launched the 3rd generation Santa Fe SUV in the Indian car market for Rs. 26.30 lakh. Moreover, the company has also unveiled its highly anticipated Grand i10 based compact sedan, Xcent. This compact sedan will compete against the likes of Maruti Swift Dzire and Honda Amaze, and is likely to be launched by the March/April this year.
Ford- American automaker Ford unveiled its all-new Figo concept- compact sedan, which is likely to be launched by 2014-15. Moreover, the company has also revealed the 2014 Fiesta sedan in an all-new avatar. Ford India has also launched the 2014 Figo, which now gets two new exterior shades- Mars Red and Paprika Red. Inside the cabin, the car features a new function in Driver Information System, it now indicates Average Fuel economy along with distance to empty.
Fiat- In order to regain its lost market share, the Italian carmaker unveiled a series of new vehicles at the Auto Expo. First of all, the company introduced the 2014 Linea facelift, which is expected to be launched by the mid-2014. It also revealed the much-awaited Avventura compact SUV concept, which is based on the Punto hatchback. Fiat also introduced its performance brand Abarth; unveiled its Abarth 500.
Nissan and Datsun- Japanese carmaker revived its low cost brand Datsun, which unveiled three cars at the Expo. The Datsun stall presented the Go hatchback, Go+ MPV and a new Redi-Go concept. The Go hatchback production has already been started, while the deliveries will commence from March'14. On the other hand, Nissan India revealed the new Sunny sedan, updated Evalia MPV and GT500 GT-R at the show.
Tata Motors- India's leading carmaker showcased its three new cars- Bolt hatchback, Zest compact sedan and the concept Nexon SUV. The Bolt hatch and Zest will be launched by the mid-2014, while the compact SUV is likely to hit the Indian shores by the end of 2014. Moreover, the company has also displayed the customized version of Safari Storme, Sumo Grande and Nano.
Mahindra & Mahindra- This time, M&M mainly showcased the eco-friendly and electric cars at Auto Expo'14. The company showcased the XUV500 hybrid, Verito Electric and Halo electric sportscar concept. Moreover, the Quanto with autoSHIFT gearbox and Formula E Car were also on display at the event.
General Motors- At the 2014 Auto Expo, GM India launched the Chevrolet Beat facelift at Rs. 4.06 lakh. The company has also unveiled a compact SUV concept- Adra. To attract visitors, GM has also showcased the Camaro and Corvette Stingray C7 at the event.
Renault- French automaker Renault unveiled the futuristic KWID Concept, Fluence and Koleos facelift at the Auto Show. The company has also revealed the Megane RS and Duster Adventure Edition at the event. The Fluence and Koleos facelift, and Duster Adventure Edition have already been launched in the market, while it is quite early to comment when the production version of KWID concept will come to India.
Skoda- The Czech car manufacturer, Skoda unveiled the facelift version of its flagship vehicles, Superb sedan and Yeti SUV. While the Superb sedan has already hit the market, the Yeti facelift is likely to be introduced by the festive season.
Ssangyong- Mahindra Ssangyong presented its futuristic Liv-1 SUV concept at the Delhi Motor Show. It also unveiled the 2.0L Rexton and its large Rodius MPV.
Volkswagen- In order to mark its presence in the growing compact SUV segment, Volkswagen India unveiled the Taigun compact SUV concept at the show. The vehicle looks close to its production version, and we expect it to be launched by the early 2015. Moreover, the company has also unveiled its WRC winning car, which is powered by a 1.6-litre engine producing 310bhp.
Source : CarDekho - A look back at 2014 Indian Auto Expo