Indian auto market could not compete with the hype created by big brands and new names in 2013 but as the year is almost at an end, people have widened their eyes again because the Auto Expo 2014 will be commencing shortly. The country's greatest and most followed auto mobile extravaganza will witness its 12th edition to be held in Delhi-NCR. Heading for a venue change, the auto exhibition will be organised at Indian Expo Mart located in Greater Noida region instead of Pragati maidan. A convenient location for Delhi Metro commuters, the auto fair is sure to see an assemblage of a magnitude of audience.
Speculations are rife that both Indian and international brands are set to rule the auto fair with the unveiling of their new and reformed designs. Almost 20 new cars and around 12 facelifts of the existing models are to be featured in the Auto Expo beginning in February 2014. With a range of Sports Utility Vehicle (SUVs), Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), sedans and hatchbacks in both diesel and petrol variants, the mega event is already creating zest among media and public. And topping the buzz is the launch of new international brands and outgoing luxury models in a transformed avatar.
To start with, Maruti Suzuki India Limited is all set to embark on its new range by transforming A-star into an improved version, named A-wind concept car. Anticipated to be launched in India by 2014, the new A-star will be powered by a 996 cc 3-cylinder engine, blended with a CVT transmission. Following it will be the crossover version of SX4, called SX4-S cross, codenamed Y9T and this CUV is expected to hit the roads in the later part of 2014. The A-wind and SX4-S cross are believed to intensify the market of Maruti Suzuki in India. Also the SX4 sedan will be replaced with a new YL1 model, the news of which is already tempting buyers. Along with, its flagship model Swift will also see a facelift in its design.
The second largest car manufacturer of India, Hyundai aims high by planning to introduce a compact sedan which will be based on the grand i10, the eagerly awaited i30 and a compact SUV that might just be rivalling with the likes of Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and Ford EcoSport. Facelifts of Verna Fluidic and i20 are also expected from South Korean manufacturer to be introduced in the country.
The Japanese auto manufacturer Honda will be the highlight of exhibition with the range of newly developed diesel version of City. Also, the company will be introducing the new version of its Jazz hatchback. The all new Jazz will be fitted with the old 1.2-litre petrol engine and the Earth Dream diesel engine technology with a capacity of 1.5-litres. Honda will also be marking the debut of Mobilio, which happens to be a compact SUV based on the Brio platform with a price tag of over Rs. 9 lakh and expected to be rivalling with Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Audience will also see the advent of a Figo based sedan car from Ford which will have the same engines of 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre capacity, however with different tuning to develop more power. Toyota is coming up with its recently iterated version of Corolla with upgraded interiors and exteriors. The Italian stallion Fiat will be premiering with the sedan model of Viaggio and the upgraded hatchback Punto model, called Abarth Punto, featuring a 1.4-litre T-Jet engine and producing a power output of around 110 bhp. Nissan's low range brand Datsun will be entering the Indian Market for the first time with its model named Go. Considering the ongoing hatchbacks of Indian auto market, it will be facing a stiff competition from the likes of Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R, Ritz and Hyundai i10.
From the international market, it seems that the German manufacturers are set to make their mark by showcasing the Mercedes-Benz CLA, GLA and newly configured S-Class. BMW is also coming with its new 3 series GT, powered by a 2-litre diesel engine, fetching 184 bhp and the 2-litre petrol mill developing a mammoth 306 bhp. Audi will be following the queue of the German luxury vehicles with an all new premium compact sedan A3. The big name of Jaguar will be featuring in the auto fair with its F-Type Coupe and a sports crossover C-X17. The all new Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery is also sure to get attention at the mega event. All in all, the Auto Expo 2014 is expected to turn out a grand success event and will surely provide a good selection of vehicles for domestic auto aficionados.
