The much awaited Auto Expo 2018 got off to a good start at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, despite 18 auto manufacturers not participating this time. The show has been accredited by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA).
Day 1 of the Auto Expo witnessed a host of launches and unveils from manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki India, Honda Cars India, Hyundai, Tata Motors and more.
The most exciting moments from the first day includes the like the Concept Future S from Maruti, the new-gen Amaze from Honda, the i20 from Hyundai, and the H5X and 45X concepts from Tata Motors among others.
In the two-wheeler segment, Yamaha has launched the new-gen R15 3.0 and Kawasaki has launched its new Ninja H2 SX sports tourer motorcycle, to name a few.
Here are the major events from Day 1 which you shouldn't miss:
Kia Motors
Kia SP Concept SUV | Sanjay Ahlawat
The most awaited brand Kia, the sister brand of Hyundai, officially made its India entry today with their SP Concept SUV designed by Peter Schreyer.
On display were also 16 of their global models... all in white!
Kia Motors, the world's 8th largest carmaker, said its Andhra Pradesh plant will go operational in mid-2019 and it is planning to launch its car offerings in 2019.
It sure has been a long wait for all those who have been desirous of buying a Kia but like their philosophy which was explained today... “Der aaye, Durust aaye”.
The company also said an India exclusive compact EV is on its way in near future.
Renault
Renault displayed the Trezor, which just took everyone’s breathe away. That was perhaps the most spectacular car this year at the Auto Expo but will it ever come into production... your guess is as good as mine.
Renault also had the cutesy Zoe on display. Zoe is the company's their Zero Emission Vehicle, hugely popular in both Europe as well as Korea. It was displayed in a fashion where onlookers could see how it was built and constructed on the inside. (Read sliced into half to see the interiors as well as the workings of the vehicle). It is not for nothing that Renault are the world leaders when it comes to EVs!
Honda
Honda unveils the new Amaze (L) and the new Civic (R) | Sanjay Ahlawat
The new Amaze built on an all new platform was unveiled today. The Amaze now borrows its design cues from the City and it in fact looks like a mini-City. Honda has however, loaded the new car with features, including a new 7 inch Digipad touchscreen infotainment system.
Honda brought in the brand new Civic which looks stunning, in fact it is bound to be a big draw at the Expo, especially for people who love design. The Honda Civic comes with sporty design language with stylish LED headlamps, bold character lines, sporty alloy wheels, and LED taillamps among other standard and optional features; all of which reminds you of the Accord.
The new CRV was also displayed at the expo. The new Honda CR-V will get a new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine with 120 Ps power and a peak torque of 300 Nm.
The company said it is committed to create a carbon free society and besides the above mentioned cars, it had on display Clarity - the fuel cell car as well as some very futuristic looking Evs.
Toyota
Toyota launches Yaris sedan during the auto expo | PTI
Toyota launches the beautiful Yaris which is not only following Toyota's new design philosophy and moving away from what Toyota has often been accused of – making rather ‘boring’ and ‘staid’ vehicles.
Not only does it come with a beautiful exterior but even its interiors are not bad either and for all those who want to know if the Yaris’ seating comfort is generous, we’re happy to report, Toyota does its R&D really well and yes, it offers exceptionally good seats.
The Yaris will take on the Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City.
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki Future S cocept on display at the Auto Expo | Sanjay Ahlawat
Maruti Suzuki kicked proceedings off at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo by showcasing the brand new Concept Future S. Maruti Suzuki R&D Head, C.V. Raman called it, “the next level of design evolution.” What sets this vehicle apart is that it is uniquely styled and what you see on it has never been attempted before on a vehicle of this size.
Maruti Suzuki is in sync with the young and dynamic India and the company have listened to their customers and is now changing driving experiences for Indians.
MINI
BMW-owned MINI launched the new MINI Countryman in India. The new MINI Countryman will be Made-in-India, will be based on a completely new design language and hence has been re-engineered from the ground up. The car will be produced at the BMW's Chennai plant.
BMW
A host of BMW vehicles were on display. The company showcased the new X3 and the electric vehicles i3 and i8, all of which are expected to be launched later this year in India.
BMW launched its new-gen M5 at Rs 1.43 crore. The new M5 gets an all new M specific all wheel drive with multiple configurations for the driver and an engine capable of producing 600 bhp and a peak torque of 750 Nm. The new M5 claims to clock 100kmph in just 3.4 seconds.
The new BMW 6 Series GT has been launched in India at Rs. 58.90 Lakh, with Sachin Tendulkar unveiling the new car. The new BMW 6 Series GT gets a powerful and efficient, 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that can go from 0-100 kmph in 6.3-seconds. The diesel variant will be launched later in 2018.
Sachin Tendulkar launches the all new BMW 6 Series GT at the Auto Expo | Sanjay Ahlawat
Indian companies, Tata Motors revealed some jaw dropping concepts as did Mahindra and these companies are really taking product experience to the next level for their buyers. Every design aspect, every tweak, every design input is clearly geared towards enhancing and enriching buyers' car owning experience. Both will have numerous models coming up in the coming years.
(With inputs from Web Desk)
