A fleet of new and revamped sedans by different car manufacturers were seen at this year’s Delhi Auto Expo. The exhibition, in its 11th year, was held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Manufacturers like Hyundai, Peugeot, BMW, Skoda, Toyota and Fiat revealed the latest in the sedan segment.
Hyundai revealed two models, the latest Sonata and Elantra at the exhibition. The new Sonata is a premium model which has a ‘fluidic design’ that gives the illusion that the car is constantly in motion. It is sleek with an aerodynamic body and has many unique features. It comes incorporated with a 2.4-litre GDI engine that generates a power output of 198 hp and a torque of 250 Nm. The Sonata, available with a petrol engine only, will provide the option of manual and automatic transmission. It will most likely compete with models like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat and Nissan Teana. In order to provide decent fuel economy, the manufacturers have also equipped the car with direct injection and VTVT (Variable Timing Valve Train).
The Elantra of Hyundai also has the fluidic make and is stylish and sporty. It comes with options of 1.8-litre Dual VTVT engine and a 1.6-litre CRDI engine. There is also a choice between automatic and manual gearboxes.
Peugeot, a French automobile manufacturer, has entered the Indian automobile market with its competent 508 premium sedan. The company will manufacture the car according to its demand and will eventually start assembling it in India. It has contemporary looks and is built to offer optimum performance. It is expected to give excellent fuel efficiency along with lesser CO2 emissions. Its highlighting features include electric parking brakes, hands-free access and 156 bhp turbo engine, 4-zone air-conditioning and many more.
The luxury car maker BMW introduced the fifth-generation M5 premium sedan at the expo. It carries a price tag of Rs. 96 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi) and is fitted with a twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 that produces 552 bhp of power. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmpl in about 4.4 seconds. Some of the car’s features include seven-speed transmission, dual-clutch unit with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and a brand new Active M differential with electronically-controlled, multi-plate, limited-slip differential.
Skoda, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, displayed its newest sedan Rapid. This model of Skoda has been especially built for the Indian customers. It will provide buyers with a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The price of the car is expected to fall in the range of Rs. 6.75 lacs to Rs. 9.19 lacs. It will compete with Toyota Etios, Ford Fiesta Classic, Maruti Dzire, Nissan Sunny and Tata Indigo Manza in the Indian car market. The overall dimensions of the car are 4.39 m in length, 1.70 m in width and 1.47 m in height.
The sedan revealed by Fiat was a fresh Linea with a new ‘Oceanic Blue’ exterior colour. In order to provide more room in the car, the height of the latest Linea has been increased by 185 mm. Fiat has provided the options of petrol as well as diesel. It comes with either a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine or a 1.4-litre FIRE petrol engine.
