Auto Expo 2014: Day 2 Report & Updates

The second day of the Auto Expo had more visitors but less launches, nonetheless we saw some more interesting vehicles being unveiled.

MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA

The day started off with Mahindra showing off their custom vehicles from their Mahindra Adventure Division. Cars like the Thar, Bolero and XUV500 can be modified to suit an individual customer's needs, and the custom cars we saw looked pretty awesome. Mahindra also launched their new Mahindra Centuro entry level motorcycle with disc brakes, but the highlight of the Mahindra 2 Wheelers launch was the unveiling of the Mojo motorcycle.

When we first saw the Mojo at the last Auto Expo we were very unimpressed, but thankfully the company has listened to concerns and showed off a new design for the 300cc motorcycle. The Mojo looks much better now and comes with a better front fairing and a sleeker fuel tank to make it look more aggressive. Overall, we were happy with the new design language.

In line with their drive to develop electric technology, Mahindra followed up by revealing the Formula E car that they will race in the FIA Formula E Championship (as well as an electric hybrid XUV 500) with showing off their 'Halo' electric sports car concept. The car maker also showed off new quick charging units for the e2o electric compact car.

Chetan Maini was on hand at the launch of both electric propulsion products along with Pawan Goenka while Indian motorsport figures Karun Chandhok and Gaurav Gill watched along with the media.

Electric technology has slowly started to make its way to the general automotive sphere, with even luxury car-maker BMW revealing the stunning i8 electric-hybrid sports car at the Auto Expo that it says will be launched in India later this year.

MARUTI SUZUKI

Next up for the day was the Maruti Suzuki unveiling of their all new compact hatch called the Celerio. The launch was probably the most anticipated at the Auto Expo, given the crowd in attendance at the car-makers high-energy, albeit noisy, stall.

The Celerio comes with a unique Auto Gearbox and provides a claimed fuel economy of 23.1 km/l. There is also the option of a manual transmission, and the base variant would cost you Rs 3.9 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, while the base Auto Gear Shift would set you back Rs 4.29 ex-showroom Delhi. The Celerio manual comes in 4 trim versions - LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi (Optional), while the auto comes only in LXi and VXi trims.

TOYOTA

Japanese car maker Toyota showed off their newest offering for the Indian market vehicle called the Etios Cross. The Etios Cross is the car maker's attempt to conceptualize a small car as a crossover. What Toyota has done is simply add more muscle to the existing Etios hatchback by beefing up the bumpers and lower side walls with a thick plastic casing. The car will be offered with a 1.2 litre and 1.5 litre petrol engine, as well as a 1.4 litre diesel engine.

On the previous day, even Fiat India got into the crossover act by revealing the Aventura compact SUV that seemed to be doing its best EcoSport impression.

DSK HYOSUNG

Korean bike manufacturer Hyosung - called DSK Hyosung in India - also had a new product launch at the Auto Expo. Their latest edition to their product portfolio in India is the 250cc Aquila compact cruiser styled motorcycle. Although the bike looks quite good, it only has around 26bhp and has been priced rather high at Rs 2.69 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

TRIUMPH

The most awaited lunch of the day was none other than the legendary British bike maker Triumph. The bike maker currently has bikes in 5 different categories, and have now added another product to their supersport bike segment. The Daytona 675 R will now get a lower spec bike in the form of the Dayton 675. The engine produces 125bhp and has been priced at Rs 10.2 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, which is more than a lakh cheaper than the Daytona 650 R.

TERRA MOTORS

Another Japanese bike maker - but lesser known - Terra Motors also had their electric motorcycle and scooters on display. Indian custom bike maker, Vardechi also showcased some very interesting bikes. Vardechi had announced its partnership with Italian bike maker Moto Morini last year in Milan, and now they showed us their latest creations. The Scrambler and Gran Passo were developed jointly by both companies and feature Morini’s 1187cc V-twin engine that puts out 118bhp of power. Prices will be announced later this year.