Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2016

The 2016 Delhi Auto Expo has come to a close, and what a show it has been this year. There’s plenty to talk about, but for an easier understanding, we have brought you the coverage of the auto show in four different sections – Highlights, Launches, Concepts and Racing. Like always, Maruti Suzuki kick started the proceedings as it revealed the hotly anticipated Vitara Brezza on day 1 of the expo. Considering Indian masses’ affinity towards compact-SUVs and Maruti Suzuki, you can hardly bet against it. If there’s anything that the new Maruti has to be worried about though, it’s the Hyundai Carlino concept – which is also a sub-4 metre compact SUV that will be launched in the future.

A day prior to the Expo, Tata Motors announced that it will change the name of the soon-to-be-launched Zica hatchback, thanks to its unfortunate association with the Zika virus. That of course paled to insignificance the next day when Tata unveiled three new products – Hexa, Nexon and Kite 5. The Mahindra XUV Aero concept can be rightly termed as the showstopper of the auto expo. The XUV Aero coupe is Mahindra’s attempt at making a crossover-coupe, and we have to say, we can’t wait it to materialise - it looks stunning.

On the other end of the spectrum, Nissan has finally confirmed that it will bring the GT-R in India but, only around September 2016. Right after Nissan announced that, Audi stole its thunder by launching the second-gen R8 in the country – no waiting, you can buy one now. Audi also showcased the next-gen A4 that will be with us sometime later this year. When it comes to the market though, it will have tough time fighting against the Jaguar XE sedan - which was also launched at the expo. BMW, too, was present at the expo and it launched the all-new tech-laden 7 Series. Sharing the launch stage with the new limousine was the new X1 – a product that BMW is betting high on so as to change its fortunes in India. Mercedes-Benz also showcased the new GLC-Class which will go on sale this year.

There were only a handful of motorcycle launches, but bikers can rest assure of good times ahead. BMW unveiled the G310 R at the expo, but the real star at the show was the TVS Akula310 concept. Honda surprised everyone with their Navi crossover bike, and almost everyone could be heard singing praises about it. We can’t wait to ride one! Triumph launched the new Bonneville series, while UM Motorcycles made its debut with three new cruisers. Aprilia is also planning to enter the scooter market with Aprilia SR 150. Read more about it in the following pages.