Auto Expo 2016: What's hot on the wheels

The Delhi Auto Expo, which began on February 2, saw over 80 new models and the launch of 20 cars.

It’s that time of the year when petrolheads flock to the national capital to catch a glimpse of the new products and the future of automobile technology. The Delhi Auto Expo, which began on February 2, saw over 80 new models and the launch of 20 cars. Some of the major participants were Maruti Suzuki India, Mahindra and Mahindra, Hyundai Motor India, Honda Cars India, Tata Motors and Audi. New participants include Polaris, Jeep and Italian motorcycle maker Benelli.

The flavour of the season

As expected, the compact SUV segment saw the highest participation. Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors introduced their first compact SUVs, Vitara Brezza and Nexon. Hyundai continued to strengthen its SUV line-up with the launch of Tucson. In the MPV segment, the tried and tested Toyota Innova finally got a cosmetic makeover.

Hatchbacks and crossovers

The hatchback and crossover segments saw a couple of launches. Maruti Suzuki launched hatchback Zica and crossover Ignis. A ‘performance variant’ of the recently-launched Baleno was also on display. But the biggest head-turner was the 190-bhp Volkswagen Polo GTI.

German carmaker Volkswagen also launched its first sub-4 meter sedan, Ameo. Chevrolet unveiled its notchback Essentia and Tata gave us a glimpse of its Zica-based sedan, Kite 5. The event also marked the entry of American muscle car Mustang in the India market.

Indian manufacturers improvise, up the game

Every two-wheeler manufacturer had a motorcycle in the ‘performance’ segment. TVS showcased the race-ready track-tested Akula 310, Hero had the XF3R, giving us a glimpse into the design philosophy of its bikes above 250cc, and the Xtreme 200S. British brand Triumph launched a new range of its iconic Bonneville motorcycle. And Italian manufacturer Benelli, participating in the expo for the first time, launched four models.

Bajaj Auto, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), Royal Enfield and Harley Davidson did not participate in the event. Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj said it was too expensive to participate in the biennial show.