2020 Hyundai Creta previewed in official sketches ahead of Expo debut

For years, the Hyundai Creta has enjoyed a largely unchallenged run in India’s midsize SUV market, but its cousin, the Kia Seltos, has turned up the heat in the segment. Now, it’s time for the all-new Hyundai Creta to make its presence felt, and the second generation of the hugely popular SUV has now been previewed in official sketches ahead of its debut at Auto Expo 2020.

As is evident in the sketches, the new Hyundai Creta is based on the second-gen ix25 revealed in China last year. It, by and large, looks the same, save for a different grille (more like the Hyundai Venue's) and a different design for the alloy wheels. Unsurprisingly, the new Creta retains the split head- and tail-light setups, as well as the squarish wheel arches of the ix25.

What will be shown on February 6, 2020 at the Auto Expo is only the exterior design of the 2020 Hyundai Creta, with the interior being blacked-out, similar to what the company did with the reveal of the Aura compact sedan. The new Creta's interior and more details about the second-gen SUV will be released closer to its market launch, which we can also confirm is slated for mid-March 2020.

On the inside, the new Hyundai Creta is expected to get the large panoramic sunroof and the 10.25-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system as seen on the ix25.

In terms of powertrains, the all-new Hyundai Creta will borrow its engines and gearboxes from the hugely popular Kia Seltos and could also get the Seltos GT Line's 1.4-litre turbo-petrol option.

Armed to the teeth with features, along with an attractive price tag (Rs 10-16 lakh, estimated, ex-showroom), the second-gen Hyundai Creta will have the goods to take the fight to its rivals.

What do you think of the India-spec Hyundai Creta's design? Let us know in the comments.

 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/37PMQNN
via IFTTT

First Ather Grid charge station set up in New Delhi

Ather Energy has set up its first fast-charging station, called Ather Grid, in New Delhi at Connaught Place. This is the company’s first fast-charging station outside of Bengaluru and Chennai, where it focused on selling the Ather S340 and S450 in the past two years. 

On January 28, the company had unveiled its latest offering – the Ather 450X – which comes with an improved battery as well as performance, and is slated to go on sale from Q2 of FY2021. Ather will introduce the product in eight more cities in the near future.

Simultaneous launch in four new cities

Ather Energy aims to enter Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad simultaneously in July. "As of now, four more markets are confirmed outside of Bengaluru and Chennai. We are ideally going to start deliveries in all these four markets together. We will have our experience centres along with our partners as well as our charging points set up in these cities," said Tarun Mehta, co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy.

Without disclosing any booking numbers, Mehta remarked, "The number is significant. We have more pre-orders come in for the 450X in the last few weeks, than we have had in the entire year for the 450."

While work is on to identify the right partners to establish its minimalist-themed experience centres, christened 'Ather Space', the company has tied up with EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Ltd) in New Delhi to begin setting up its charging stations (Ather Grid). 

The Ather Grid in Delhi, however, is the company's first-generation version. At the launch of the 450X, it had also announced a new and improved second-generation model of the fast-charging station that would offer up to 50 percent faster charging, at 1.5km of range per minute. The company might also be looking at targeting subsidies for setting up charging infrastructure, under the recently announced Delhi EV Policy.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2S1e8tK
via IFTTT

Wild Hogs: Harley-Davidson ride to IBW 2019

It was still dark outside when we left our hotel in Khopoli. Our jury round had us there the previous evening, but the fact that we had heaps of shooting to do along the way to Goa meant the 80-odd kilometres we’d covered from Mumbai would be of little significance. Luckily, we had four of the most culturally appropriate motorcycles to help reach Goa for the 2019 India Bike Week (IBW).

Harley-Davidson has been at the helm of motorcycling culture across the world and, in more recent times, over here too. Every year, thousands of motorcyclists from across the country gather at Goa to celebrate all things two wheels at the IBW. The convergence has been dubbed ‘The Great Migration’. This year, we decided to partake in the phenomenon – and what better way to do so than on a Harley. Now, the American manufacturer has over a dozen motorcycles on sale in India, but with only four of us to ride them, we decided to take just one from each family to get as wholesome an experience as we could.

The locals were amused by how a motorcycle could be this big, loud and shiny.

As the sun came up on our little endeavour, we’d made good progress. We were riding down to Goa on some of the widest and smoothest highways at this end of the country. Granted, it may not have been the most scenic option, but the bikes we were on were conceptualised to be in their element on roads like these. A Street Rod 750, an Iron 883 from the Sportster line, the Fat Bob from the Softail series and the giant (and perfectly named) Road King from the Touring family were our steeds of choice. Each remarkably different from the other but all four instantly identifiable as Harleys.

For instance, despite being the least powerful of the lot, the Street Rod 750 held its own – its relatively less weight and shorter wheelbase made it extremely fun. Over longer stints, the unusual riding ergos do get uncomfortable and this had us wanting to switch to one of the other Harleys. The Iron 883 did provide some relief, but that’s not what you’ll remember about the bike. You will, in fact, remember the engine. The Sportster family is the last in Harley’s line-up awaiting an overhaul and so it’s no surprise that it’s the most old-school one there. This is exactly what made it such a raw experience – a large air-cooled V-twin chugging away under you, accompanied by all its sounds and vibrations. Neither of these two, however, was able to match the sheer road presence of the other Harleys.

At the end of a long day of riding, a milestone like this is quite literally a sight for sore eyes.

The Fat Bob and Road King are powered by the same Milwaukee-Eight 107 that produces an upward of 145Nm of torque, which will whip your head back if you aren’t prepared. The Road King was also the motorcycle all of us wanted to be on. The wide, plush seat and slab-like footrests were extremely tempting, but once you’re on the bike you realise that the handlebar can put some strain on the shoulders. Another reason we all wanted a go on both was because of their sheer road presence. When the bikes aren’t attracting attention thundering down the highway, their proportions and styling kept them from drowning in the sea of thousands of bikes that were headed there.

As night fell, we kept riding. It was a 15hr journey by the end of it and the joys of shooting a video were solely to thank for it. As we finally pulled up to our hotel – ears still ringing from the obnoxiously loud in-line fours that’d repeatedly scream past us, only to stop to ease their agonised wrists and backs – I took a moment to reflect. We may not have been the fastest or the loudest, but the ride was analogue, visceral and, in its own way, rewarding. We’d arrived in style, all set for the next two days.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/36Onxu2
via IFTTT

Details of Ferrari's first EV revealed in patent sketches

Details of Ferrari’s first production-ready electric vehicle (EV), arriving by 2025, appear to have been revealed in a series of patents leaked online. Sketches and accompanying data that have surfaced on the web suggest that Maranello’s first electric car will be a low-riding GT that could rival the Porsche Taycan and upcoming Tesla Roadster.

A plan view shows the EV is likely to feature a two-seat or 2+2 layout, a long bonnet and short overhangs, much like the firm’s 812 Superfast flagship supercar.

Also shown are details of the model’s four-wheel-drive powertrain, showing that an electric motor will be mounted to each wheel, and will apparently be capable of operating independently – perhaps allowing the car to be able to rotate on the spot. Precise technical data and performance details remain unconfirmed.

A Ferrari spokesperson was unable to comment on the aforementioned patent applications.

Ferrari’s first electric car is likely to use technology taken from the new SF90, which pairs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a trio of electric motors for a combined 1,000hp output – making it Ferrari’s most powerful road car yet.

At the SF90’s launch last year, Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri called it “the first step in a direction that Ferrari will enter in unwavering focus and confidence.”

In August 2019, the firm’s chief technology officer, Michael Leiters, explained to our sister publication, Autocar UK, that keeping weight down and ensuring a high top speed were priorities for any Ferrari EV. “Right now, the technology is not mature enough”, he said. “Look at customer requirements: the most important thing is sound. Today, there is also a problem on range; which, for a sportscar, really is a problem – the range of an electric car is especially so if you accelerate or go with high speed.”

Closer to home, Ferrari is slated to launch the 720hp, twin-turbo V8 equipped F8 Tributo in India by March at a price of Rs 4.02 crore (expected, ex-showroom, India).

IMAGE SOURCE

Also see:

2017 Ferrari 812 Superfast review, test drive

Ferrari SF90 Stradale breaks cover

Ferrari unveils new Roma front-engined coupe

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2ub3F7b
via IFTTT

Review: Bajaj Chetak review, test ride

Nostalgia is such a powerful feeling, no? It can bring back fond memories of a time gone by and arouse that familiar, fuzzy feeling. All you need is a trigger. Case in point is the Bajaj Chetak, a name so iconic that it instantly reminds you of the time when  a huge number of these humble two-strokes buzzed down the road, leaving a thrummy exhaust note and a plume of smoke in the wake. It was the dependable workhorse that ruled the hearts of millions and struck an emotional chord that hardly any two-wheeler these days can manage. Fast forward to the present and it’s hard not to comprehend the reasons behind Bajaj Auto’s decision to resurrect the Chetak brand as it steps into the realm of electric scooters. It may be the marketing masterstroke of all time but a boardroom decision can only influence the fate of a product to some extent. Beyond that, it’s the product’s attributes, the Chetak electric's in this case, that could either make or break it. A short spin should give us a fair idea.

How does it look?

Forget the marketing spiel for the moment, because as steeped in the history the Chetak name may be, the new e-scooter's design is very chic and contemporary. This, by far, is one of the most gorgeous scooters to hit the Indian roads, besides a Vespa, and this factor alone will pique interest in it. There’s a natural flow to the design, an elegance to the way the lines curve around the primarily metal bodywork. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. Elements such as the LED DRL inside the headlamp (also LED), faux grille on the front apron and a single-piece rear section results in a design devoid of unsightly panel gaps. The tail-lamps with the integrated, dynamic turn indicators, à la Audi cars, look great as well. Bajaj’s decision to employ a trailing link suspension at the front and a single-side swingarm at the rear is also clever as it puts the alloy wheels on full display. The variant you see here is the ‘Premium’ version that gets you a disc brake at the front and metallic grey paint on the wheels and seats that looks...er...premium! For a little less money, there’s an Urbane variant that gets drum brakes at both ends and solid colours. What does remain consistent, in case of either variant, is the sense of quality. I feel Bajaj has really upped the ante with the Chetak’s build and you get a sense of that when you look at the way everything has been put together. The paint finish is immaculate too and is another area where the Chetak shines.  It's this sense of familiarity that the Chetak evokes which will make it easier for people switching from conventional scooters to adapt to. There is no question though that it looks a little too familiar, and while it was perfectly understandable that the original Chetak looked just like a Vespa (because it was!) it would have been nice to see the reborn Chetak take a design direction of its own. 

Nevertheless, features such as flush-style switchgear and a full-digital dash with Bluetooth connectivity round off the list, and on the whole, the Chetak appeals to the visual sense. But what we want to know is if it evokes the same kind of emotions when on the move?

Does it perform like a normal scooter?

Ok, don’t go searching for the same feeling you experienced aboard your dad’s/uncle’s noisy, old machine; this Chetak is all about the future form of mobility – electric. It obviously does not produce the mechanical sound that an engine and manual transmission generate, so some of that emotion is lost in the move to electricity. But contrary to what I had expected, the Chetak wasn’t as dead as a log!

The electric scooter is powered by a 3.8kW/4.1kW (continuous/peak power) motor that develops 16Nm of torque, which may not seem like a lot on paper but it's a completely different story in the real world. The scooter picks up pace quickly as you open the throttle, making it easy to keep up with city traffic. Two ride modes – Eco and Sport – alter the urgency with which the scooter surges ahead, but here's the interesting thing. The ICU or Integrated Charging Unit has a sensor that detects throttle position when the scooter is run in Eco mode. Every time the rider twists the grip past 85 percent, the system senses the additional demand for power and switches to Sport mode. This is great for making quick overtakes or while climbing a flyover, and it saves the pain of manually switching between modes. Bajaj has limited the top speed in the interest of keeping the range figure as high as reasonably possible, and we saw 69kph on the dash. While this wasn't an irritant on the roads we rode on today, a number of main roads in big cities like Mumbai and Delhi tend to host rather fast-moving traffic, so we wish the top speed was somewhere in between 75-80kph, in line with 125cc scooters here.

While the performance from the Chetak is decent, one mustn't expect it to be thrilling, especially in comparison to the Ather 450X. While the Ather is built for performance, the Chetak leans towards the practical side and should serve the role of a daily runabout quite well. That's what it's built for and it makes no bones about its orientation. This is also apparent when you look at the claimed battery range. 

The IP67-rated Bosch, lithium-ion pack is capable of powering the motor for 95km in Eco and 85km in Sport. These claimed figures, says Bajaj, is what should be possible to achieve in the real world. Nevertheless, it's quite a practical range for everyday use and we can't wait to put it through a thorough test when we get the scooter for at least a couple of days, instead of a couple of hours. 

Speaking of time, it takes 5 hours to charge the battery from 0-100 percent, while 80 percent becomes available after 3.5 hours of plugging in the Chetak. Bajaj will supply a home charger with the electric scooter (included in the price) and get a company technician to install it. The charging cable connects to a 5A socket under the seat, which can be kept shut while charging; that makes it convenient to leave the scooter unattended. At present, there's no provision for fast charging.

What’s the ride like?

The Chetak's suspension setup is like any other 110cc scooter, but the trailing link setup at the front does have its limitations. While the ride quality was pretty good over few undulations and speed breaker that we encountered in Pune city, the scooter thudded over large expansion gaps and sharp potholes. That aside, the suspension is quite pliant and the Chetak rides like any other petrol-powered, small-capacity scooter. It is also very planted around the bends, with a good grip from the MRFs shod on 12-inch wheels on both end.

What's in the name?

Quite a lot, actually. That Bajaj has christened its maiden electric scooter 'Chetak' is saying a lot about the faith it has invested in it. After all, the Chetak name has a huge reputation and a deep emotional connection with Indians. While our time with the scooter wasn't enough to make conclusive verdicts about the overall performance, the first impressions are mighty impressive. The first impression is that the Chetak will make the transition from petrol to electric mobility feel natural, and quite premium at that. The much bigger question of what it's like to live with can only be answered by a proper long-term test!

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2tggb4W
via IFTTT

Aston Martin to return to F1 as works team

British carmaker Aston Martin’s future plans have undergone an extensive revamp following a major investment from a consortium led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll. The move will see the firm return to F1 as a works team, with the Stroll-owned Racing Point F1 team all set to be rebranded as the Aston Martin F1 team from 2021. Additionally, Aston Martin has pledged to launch its Valkyrie hypercar this year, has committed to a revised mid-engined car strategy, and also revealed it will delay the launch of its electric vehicles, including the re-launch of the premium Lagonda brand, until after 2025.

As per the deal, the consortium led by Stroll, along with Yew Tree Overseas Limited has bought a 16.7 percent stake in the British carmaker for £182 million (around Rs 1,705 crore), and it also includes a £318 million (around Rs 2,978 crore) cash infusion through a new rights issue, giving Aston Martin a £500 million (approximately Rs 4,683 crore) boost. The consortium also includes JCB chairman Anthony Bamford, former Power Corp Canada boss Andrew Desmarais and Hong Kong fashion investor Star Chou.

What Stroll's investment means for Aston Martin

Stroll beat Chinese carmaker Geely, the owner of Lotus and Volvo, a part-owner of Smart and a significant shareholder in Daimler, to the deal. As part of the investment, Stroll will join the Aston Martin board in the role of Executive Chairman, with the consortium also gaining the right to appoint a second board member.

The £500 million investment will include £55.5 million (approximately Rs 520 crore), of short-term funding from Stroll to improve the immediate liquidity of the company, which will be refunded once the full share placing is finalised. The firm said the proceeds from the investment will be used to “improve liquidity and finance the ramp-up in production of the DBX and turnaround of the company’s performance.” 

In a statement confirming the deal, Aston Martin Lagonda said the move would “strengthen its balance sheet to necessarily and immediately improve liquidity and reduce leverage following the disappointing performance of the business through 2019”.

Aston Martin was floated in 2018 with a valuation of £4.5 billion (approximately Rs 42,148 crore), but based on today's share issue it is currently worth around £1billion (approx. Rs 9,366 crore).

Aston Martin’s F1 future

Aston Martin currently sponsors the Red Bull F1 team – and will continue to do so in 2020 – but has thereafter agreed on a 10-year deal under which Racing Point will become the official works Aston Martin squad. The deal includes a five-year sponsorship agreement starting in 2021. This move will see Aston Martin return to F1 as a works team for the first time in 60 years.

In 2018, Stroll’s consortium took control of the struggling Force India squad and the team later became Racing Point at the start of the 2019 season. Stroll’s own son, Lance Stroll, drives for the team alongside Sergio Perez.

What the Stroll deal means for Aston Martin’s future product plan

According to the Aston Martin release, the current technology partnership between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies “will continue until Aston Martin Valkyrie is delivered.” However, it is unclear if Red Bull's involvement in the mid-engined Valhalla project will continue unabated.

Due to Aston Martin’s recent struggles, the firm has also agreed to a ‘reset business plan’ to raise its performance, which includes both cash generation and changing its product plan.  The reset plan includes delaying investment in electric vehicles until beyond 2025, including delaying the re-launch of the Lagonda brand, which was initially scheduled for 2022.

 The Rapide E electric car project has been “paused pending a review”. There remains a commitment to deliver on its range of mid-engined cars currently being developed, starting with the Valhalla in 2022.

On immediate priority will be launching the DBX later this year, with the firm saying it has received 1,800 orders to date. It will then update the Vantage – and introduce a Roadster version – and start deliveries of the Valkyrie later this year. The firm will also seek to trim costs by £10 million per year (approximately Rs 93.66 crore).

The mid-engined Vanquish will now be revealed after the Valhalla in 2022, while the firm will also develop a “fuel-efficient, modular V6 engine with hybrid capabilities” that'll be introduced in the mid-2020s. The firm also says special models will continue to be a key part of its plan, with one ‘heritage special’ and two ‘contemporary specials’ delivered each year. 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/37GFmfY
via IFTTT

Sponsored feature: A colossus strides in

Say hello to a titan that is all set to make a grand entry into India at Auto Expo 2020. We are talking about Great Wall Motor Company (GWM), one of China’s largest automobile conglomerates, which is based in Baoding, around 150km south of Beijing. For those who have come in late, GWM owns three brands – Haval, GWM EV, and GWM Pickup – that manufacture SUVs, electric vehicles and pickups. Here are some statistics to help you get to know GWM better. It has over 70 subsidiaries, more than 70,000 employees, nine manufacturing and five KD plants. It ranks among China’s top 10 listed companies and has featured multiple times in the Forbes Asia Fabulous 50 list. This meteoric rise has happened in just 36 years. Let’s take a look, then, at GWM’s rapid journey.

The GWM story

Great Wall Motor Company began life in 1984, with the setting up of its first manufacturing plant. In the initial years, it manufactured light duty passenger cars and pickup vehicles. By 2002, it was manufacturing SUVs – and the first of these was the Safe, which became among the top three value-for-money SUVs in China. In 2003, GWM became the first private automaker from China to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and in 2011, it was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Its corporate philosophy revolves around a simple but effective motto: ‘Improving little by little, every day’. In 2014, it was ranked among global brand consultancy Interbrand’s ‘Most Valuable Chinese Brands.’ The automobiles made by GWM, which has over 10,000 research and development staffers, have consistently outperformed competition in China, and the company also features among the high performers when it comes to exports.

GWM has R&D centres in Japan, US, Germany, India, Austria and South Korea – each of which take directions from the main R&D centre in Baoding. In China, besides the nine manufacturing plants, GWM has five Knock-down kit (KD) plants. These form the basis for GWM’s ‘9+5’ global production system. It also has a full-process manufacturing plant in Russia. GWM has been expanding aggressively outside China since 1997 through the setting up of global manufacturing plants and regional marketing centres. Presently, GWM has a sales network in over 60 countries and five regional marketing centres in Russia, Australia, South Africa, South America, and the Middle East. In 2019, GWM reported a global sale of 1.06 million vehicles – and now, it’s looking at India. GWM chairman and founder Wei Jianjun said, “I believe our globalisation strategy has the potential to go beyond opening international markets – it will propel Haval to be a key player on the global auto stage.” Wei Jianjun believes that both, China and India share great development opportunities, which will drive pragmatic relations and provide an impetus to further promoting positive relations and a healthy business environment between the two nations. According to the GWM chairman, the manufacturer will fully cooperate with the Indian government’s development strategy, actively invest in India, and aim to become an excellent corporate citizen.

The India innings

GWM has started its India innings with a bang. In January this year, the company announced an agreement for buying General Motors’ Talegaon manufacturing plant, subject to requisite government and regulatory approvals. According to Liu Xiangshang, GWM global strategy vice-president, the move to acquire the Talegaon manufacturing plant aligns with the company’s plans to invest in India.

“The Indian market has great potential, rapid economic growth and a good investment environment. Entering the Indian market is an important step for Great Wall Motor’s global strategy,” said Liu. Towards the end of last month, GWM appointed Hardeep Singh Brar as director – marketing and sales, for its Indian subsidiary. Brar has held a variety of leadership roles in the automobile industry and is a highly respected industry veteran. This is GWM’s second appointment to the India Leadership Team after Kaushik Ganguly was appointed director – strategy and planning, a year ago, when he moved from Maruti Suzuki as head of product planning.

GWM will announce its entry into India with the grand introduction of its Haval brand of SUVs and the Great Wall EV. It will also showcase two concept cars at the 2020 Auto Expo, including the global unveil of its latest concept car – Concept H – and the India debut of Vision 2025.

What you should know

• Great Wall Motor was formed in 1984. It is the largest manufacturer of SUVs and pickups in China. It is headquartered in Baoding, around 150km south of Beijing.

• It is among the top three privately run automakers in China.

• In 2014, it was ranked among Interbrand’s ‘Most Valuable Chinese Brands’.

• GWM sold 1.06 million vehicles worldwide in 2019.

• GWM exports its vehicles to more than 60 countries.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/37WBk32
via IFTTT

Auto Expo 2020 preview

After a tough 2019, carmakers are looking to bounce back strongly, and the road to recovery begins at Auto Expo 2020. While a number of major two- and four-wheeler manufacturers have chosen to skip this edition, a couple of big names make their Expo comeback, with two carmakers also set to debut. A few days ahead of the show, we bring you a sneak preview of what you can expect to see at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from February 7-12, 2020.

Great Wall Motor

HALL 1

A prominent carmaker that will make its India debut at Auto Expo 2020 is Great Wall Motor. Based in Baoding Hebel, 150km south of Beijing, China’s Great Wall Motor is set to make its first showcase on Indian soil a big one. Having scouted our market for a few years now, Great Wall recently announced that it will take over General Motors’ plant in Talegaon, near Pune, for its India operations. This is set to help expedite its India plans, and Great Wall is expected to put its successful SUV brand Haval front and centre at the Expo. According to sources, the carmaker’s stand will display three Haval SUVs – the H4, H6 and H9. A teaser of a large SUV, called the Haval Concept H, was revealed just recently.

Haval H4

Set for a 2021 market launch in India, the H4 is larger than the Hyundai Creta, and has a side profile reminiscent of the Jeep Compass. Powering it is a 170hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s a smaller 1.3-litre petrol unit as well, and Great Wall could also look at adding a Fiat-sourced diesel for India.

Haval H6

The larger H6 – also Haval’s highest-selling model – is based on the same platform as the H4; but it’s notably longer and has a larger wheelbase, too. Just like the MG Hector, the H6, too, is loaded to the gills. Engine options will likely include a 2.0-litre petrol and diesel.

Haval H9

Rounding-off the SUV line-up will be the largest SUV from Haval – the 4.8m-long H9. A body-on-frame SUV weighing 2.2 tonnes, the H9 comes with plenty of hardcore off-road kit and is a natural rival to the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner.

ORA R1

What will also be on display at Great Wall Motor’s Expo stand will be the ORA R1 electric car. Part of Great Wall’s ‘ORA’ EV sub-brand (which stands for Open, Reliable and Alternative), the R1 is based on the company’s ME pure-electric platform. It follows the Honda e’s neo-retro city car template, and gets a 33kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 33kW electric motor. Range on a full charge is pegged at over 300km (NEDC cycle). What will be a major draw for the R1 is its affordability – in China, prices for the R1 start as low as CNY 59,800 (Rs 6.15 lakh).

Hyundai

HALL 3

Preparing to make a splash at Auto Expo 2020 is Hyundai. The Korean carmaker has lined up a key new model, plus a couple of updates, and two exciting hatchbacks for its stand. Of course, the most important unveil from Hyundai will be the second-gen Hyundai Creta, which will debut at the Expo on February 6. It be unveiled by Hyundai brand ambassador and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

2020 Creta

However, the carmaker will not announce prices for the new Creta at the show. What will be shown on February 6 is only the exterior design of the new Creta. The interior and other details are set to be revealed closer to its market launch, which we can also confirm is slated for mid-March 2020.

Based on the second-gen ix25 revealed in China last year, the next-gen Hyundai Creta is expected to get India-specific design changes. In terms of powertrains, the all-new Creta will borrow its engine and gearbox options from the hugely popular Kia Seltos and could also have the Seltos GT Line’s 1.4-litre turbo-petrol on offer.

Tucson Facelift

But before the Creta is showcased, Hyundai will launch the Tucson facelift on the first day of the Expo. Along with styling updates outside and in – which bring the SUV in line with Hyundai’s latest design language – the updated Tucson will also get BS6-compliant 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines with the existing 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options set to be carried over. Expect prices to range from Rs 20-30 lakh (ex-showroom).

Verna Facelift

What will also be on display at the Hyundai stand will be the Verna facelift, which will get revised styling, an updated infotainment and also come with BS6-compliant 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine options. Hyundai will also line up two exciting hatchbacks – the first of which will be a sportier, 100hp version of the Grand i10 Nios. Under the hood of this more powerful Nios will be the Venue’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, running at a lower, 100hp state of tune. A 5-speed manual gearbox will be available, and the interior will be all black, too. Rounding things off nicely at Hyundai’s Auto Expo stand will be the striking 275hp i30 N, possibly in fastback form, that will make its India debut.

i30 Fastback N

Also see:
 

Maruti Suzuki

HALL 9

Maruti Suzuki’s showstopper at Auto Expo 2020 will be an exciting new concept – the Futuro-e SUV-coupé. While the sketch doesn’t give much away, it gives us a fair idea of what the silhouette of the Maruti Futuro-e will be like. It is billed a design study, but it previews a future Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos rival from Maruti. While the Futuro-e will get a coupé-like sloping roofline, it will still have the SUV appeal with a high bonnet and a bold, wide face. The concept will usher in a new design language for the brand.

Futuro-e SUV-coupé

The company is likely to ready a petrol engine for the production-spec model – which will also be designed to accommodate an electric powertrain. Maruti Suzuki could look at bringing back its 1.5-litre diesel with the production version of the Futuro-e, as most midsize SUVs will continue to offer the option of a diesel engine, even in the BS6 era.

Jimny

Along with the Futuro-e, Maruti Suzuki will also showcase the eagerly-awaited new Jimny at Auto Expo 2020. It currently only exists in three-door form, and is powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine. While there is no confirmation still on whether the plucky little off-roader will go on sale in our market, enthusiasts in India will certainly be kicked about seeing it in the flesh for the first time.

Ignis Facelift

What Maruti Suzuki will also showcase at the Expo for the first time will be the much-awaited Vitara Brezza facelift. With the update, the Brezza will swap its 1.3-litre diesel engine for a BS6-compliant, 1.5-litre petrol engine. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is also expected to bring the Ignis facelift and the petrol version of the S-cross to the 2020 Auto Expo.

Mercedes-Benz

HALL 15

Mercedes-Benz will be the only luxury carmaker at this year’s Expo, and leading the charge for the German carmaker will be the A-class Limousine. Mercedes has clarified that it did confirm there would be a new-generation of its entry-level sedan coming this year, but that happens to be the new A-class sedan, and not the CLA. The reason for this decision is a pragmatic one – in the luxury car segment (which still is largely chauffeur-driven) a roomy back seat is a necessity, and that’s something the first-gen CLA – with its sharply raked roofline – did not have. And while the second-gen CLA is larger than its predecessor, headroom at the back is still tight – a problem that can be solved by the more spacious A-class sedan.

A-class Limousine

Another interesting titbit is the name – in India, it will be known as the Mercedes-Benz A-class Limousine. The use of the word ‘Limousine’ is meant to create a clear distinction in the minds of buyers, as the Indian audience tends to relate the A-class name with the hatchback.

GLA

Giving the A-class Limousine company at the Mercedes-Benz stand will be the all-new GLA. Now in its second generation, the GLA looks beefier; it’s more SUV-like in its appearance, and is significantly taller than its predecessor. The second-gen GLA and the A-class sedan are both based on the next-gen MFA platform, and will also share a number of parts when they arrive here as CKD units – from petrol and diesel engines, to interior elements such as the steering and the MBUX infotainment system. This will help ensure prices aren’t prohibitively high, as economies of scale will come into play.

AMG GT 4-door Coupe

Another important car at the Mercedes stand will be the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Not only will the rapid four-door make its India debut, but will also be launched in its most powerful 63 S guise, which packs a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that sends a colossal 639hp to all four wheels.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz will also showcase the all-electric EQC SUV (which will be launched
in India in April 2020) and the AMG A 35 sedan, among others.

Kia

HALL 7

Just like it did in 2018, Kia will have another expansive display at Auto Expo 2020. Headlining the show for Kia this time will be the Carnival MPV, its second model for our market, which will be launched on the first day of the show.

Carnival

But the Carnival is not the only model Kia has lined up for 2020 – the Korean carmaker will also launch its compact SUV in India in the second half of 2020. The compact SUV is likely to be launched (codename: QYI) closer to August 2020. In the build-up to the Expo, Kia revealed the first official sketches of the compact SUV, which make it clear that its design and styling will be completely different from the Hyundai Venue’s.

QYI Compact SUV

Details on the Kia QYI compact SUV are scarce at this point, but what we do know is that it will share its underpinnings with its cousin, the Venue. Engine and gearbox options for the Kia QYI are expected to mirror those of the Venue, so there will be petrol and diesel options to choose from, along with the option of a manual and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. When it is launched later in 2020, expect prices to be in the range of Rs 7–11.5 lakh. Kia will also have a selection of models from its international line-up, including the Soul EV, at its stand.

Soul EV

Haima Automobile 

HALL 12

Along with Great Wall Motors, another Chinese carmaker will make its India debut at the show – FAW Haima Automobile. Founded in 1988, Haima Automobile is based out of Haikou city in China.

Haima is in the process of conducting in-depth surveys of the Indian market. At this time, the brand is in discussions with central and state governments, as well as OEM component suppliers to scope out its India strategy. What’s interesting is that it has teamed up with Bird Group for its India operations. Up until a few years ago, most Haima models were based on ageing Mazda platforms, but the automaker is now developing its own range of SUVs, MPVs and EVs.

Haima 8S

One of the models expected at the Haima stand is the 8S midsize SUV, which (in terms of dimensions) slots-in between the Kia Seltos and MG Hector. Powered by a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, making 193hp and 293Nm of torque and mated to a 6-speed auto gearbox, its claimed 0-100kph time is under 8sec.

MG Motor

HALL 5

Participating in the Expo for the first time, MG Motor is focusing on making a statement with its product display at this year’s event. The company has announced that it will showcase a total of 14 models, and among the biggest of them will be the MG Maxus D90 SUV. Scheduled to launch in India by Diwali 2020, the D90 is MG’s full-size, three-row SUV that’ll rival the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and Mahindra Alturas G4. A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is available on the China-spec model, but MG’s parent company SAIC is working on a new 2.0-litre, twin-turbo diesel engine that will produce 218hp and 480Nm of peak torque – a unit that’ll be better suited to the muscular D90. Prices for the entry-level variant of the MG flagship SUV are expected to be between Rs 27-35 lakh.

Maxus D90

The standard ZS SUV will be another model of note. Just launched in India in its all-electric form, the standard ZS will be shown at the Expo with a 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine that develops 111hp. Also making its debut at the show will be MG’s new midsize sedan (based on the Baojun RC-6) for India, along with the E200 electric vehicle.

The E200 is small in size, but has a range of 210km on a full charge (NEDC cycle), a top speed of 100kph and a truly low starting price of RMB 49,800 (Rs 5.12 lakh) after subsidy in China. What will also be on display is MG’s Vision-i MPV, which is similar to the Roewe Vision-i concept that debuted at the 2019 Shanghai motor show. The Vision-i is designed to be a future-ready, internet-enabled EV that also has autonomous driving capabilities.

E200

SKODA

HALL 15

Returning to the Expo for the first time since 2014, Skoda is determined to capture maximum attention with its product line-up; and quite a line-up it is. Starting things off will be a concept that previews its much-awaited midsize SUV – the Vision IN.

Vision IN Concept

First exterior sketches provide a glimpse of the Skoda Vision IN’s face – it echoes the design of the Kamiq sold abroad, but has a bolder, more upright nose, with the trademark chrome-embellished Skoda grille flanked by split projector headlights, and the angular bumper featuring large air intakes and a three-slot skid plate. Also visible is the plastic cladding all around, prominent roof railsand large alloy wheels befitting a concept. At the back, too,the Skoda Vision IN has a lot in common with the Kamiq in terms of design; like its crystal-like LED tail-lights, but with an additional light strip that spans the car’s width, as well as athree-slot skid plate.

Skoda had previously revealed that the Vision IN SUV concept measures 4.26m in length – roughly the same length as the current-gen Hyundai Creta. It will be the first model based on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform. What we can also tell you is the production-spec Vision IN will have a 2,651mm-long wheelbase, and plenty of space for rear-seat passengers.

Engine options will likely include a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. There will be no diesel option on offer, but a CNG variant could be on the cards.

The production-spec Skoda Vision IN SUV’s India launch will take place sometime between April-June 2021. By the time it arrives, the Vision IN will go up against the next-gen Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, MG Hector, the new Mahindra XUV500 and Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming midsize SUV.

Skoda Octavia RS 245

For the enthusiasts, Skoda will have the Octavia RS at its Expo stand. The carmaker is bringing back the current-gen, Euro-spec Octavia RS, which sits lower and has lesser ground clearance. It features a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, which puts out 245hp and 370Nm of torque (15hp and 20Nm more than before). Paired with a 7-speed DSG, this engine gives the Octavia RS a quicker 0-100kph time of 6.6sec (previous car did it in 6.8sec), while the top speed remains the same at 250kph. Only 200 units of the RS will be brought to India, and prices are expected to be around Rs 36 lakh.

Skoda Karoq

Another important model at the Skoda stand will be the Karoq. Set to come to India in CBU form, the Karoq is expected to get a single 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine option coupled with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In our market, the Karoq will go up against the Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson facelift when it is launched sometime in April 2020.

Skoda Superb facelift

Other models of note at the Skoda showcase will be the Superb facelift (to be launched in May 2020), the petrol-engined Kodiaq, and the updated, BS6-compliant Rapid, which is set to get a 1.0-litre TSI engine.

Volkswagen

HALL 15

Just like Skoda, Volkswagen, too, is returning to the Expo after having skipped the 2018 edition. After a quiet few years, the German carmaker is also looking to make waves with its upcoming models, and will have an SUV-heavy line-up at Auto Expo 2020. But even among those, the most important showcase for VW at the Expo has to be that of its midsize SUV. Known as the ‘A0’, the SUV – which will be closer to production than its concept tag suggests – will preview Volkswagen’s rival to the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

A0 Concept

In terms of design, the A0 will have plenty in common with the T-Cross sold internationally, but it will sit on a modified-for-India (and more affordable) MQB platform, named MQB A0 IN. A sister model to the Skoda Vision IN, the A0 is expected to have 205mm of ground clearance and a 2,651mm-long wheelbase, a substantial 90-100mm longer than the Euro-spec T-Cross. As a result, it will have a more spacious cabin. On the outside, the A0 will also receive styling more in line with Indian tastes, and the only engine on offer is likely to be a 1.5-litre TSI engine. There will be no diesel engine on offer, but Volkswagen may introduce a CNG version sometime down the road. The production-spec A0 SUV is likely to be launched in India in the second half of 2021.

T-Roc

Another SUV many people will be looking forward to seeing is the Volkswagen T-Roc. Based on the same platform as the Golf hatchback, the T-Roc is a small, sporty SUV that sits below the Tiguan in VW’s international line-up. For India, the T-Roc is expected to get increased ground clearance, and is likely to feature a 150hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Prices are expected to be close to the Rs 23 lakh mark (ex-showroom) when it is launched in the coming months.

Tiguan Allspace

The third SUV that Volkswagen will display at the Expo is the Tiguan Allspace, which is basically a longer and larger version of the Tiguan SUV on sale in India. In terms of design and styling, it is clearly a Tiguan, but is a considerable 215mm longer than the standard car, with its 110mm longer wheelbase. As a result, the Tiguan Allspace has room to accommodate a third row of seats, which can also be put away to generate an additional 115 litres of boot space. Expect the Allspace to be priced at a premium over the standard Tiguan when it is launched later this year.

I.D. Crozz Concept

Rounding off the list of unveils for Volkswagen at the Expo will be the I.D. Crozz electric SUV concept, the production version of which Volkswagen intends to launch in India by 2021. It employs an 83kWh lithium-ion battery, which powers a 102hp/140Nm electric motor at the front and a 204hp/310Nm electric motor at the rear, resulting in a combined output of 306hp and 450Nm of torque. VW says the I.D. Crozz has a range of over 500km with a top speed limited to 180kph.

Renault

HALL 10

With its Auto Expo 2020 line-up, Renault wants to project itself as a future-ready carmaker; one that’s at the forefront of the electric car market and leading development of future technologies. To that effect, the carmaker will have four electric vehicles, which includes a fully autonomous concept car.

Kwid Electric

The most important of the three production-spec EVs has to be the all-electric version of the Kwid. Known as the City K-ZE in China, the Kwid electric employs a 26.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor with a peak output of 45hp and 125Nm of torque. At full charge, the all-electric Kwid has a range of 271km (NEDC cycle). Renault plans to assemble the car in India and launch it here in the time to come.

Zoe

The second EV on display will be the Zoe. Likely to be partly assembled in India, the Zoe gets a 52kWh battery and a 109hp electric motor. As for its range, Renault quotes a figure of close to 400km on a full charge (NEDC cycle). Expect prices for the Zoe to be in the Rs 14-16 lakh range (ex-showroom).

Twizy

Also set to be showcased this time around is the funky Twizy. It weighs just 474kg, and has an electric motor that produces up to 17hp and 57Nm of torque. On a full charge, Renault claims the Twizy will do close to 100km.

Symbioz Concept

Keeping the production EVs company at the Renault stand will be the Symbioz concept, which is not just all-electric but also has Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.

Tata Motors

HALL 14

Having garnered all the attention at the 2018 edition, Tata Motors is looking to replicate that once again this year. To that effect, the Indian carmaker will have a total of 12 passenger vehicles on display, including some global unveils. One of those will be the world debut of the production-spec H2X micro-SUV. The showroom version of the H2X concept – codenamed Hornbill – will slot in below the Nexon compact SUV. In terms of size, the Hornbill will roughly be the same length as the Maruti Suzuki Swift and nearly as tall as the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. The second model to be built on Tata’s new ALFA platform, the Hornbill will have no diesel engine option and will get a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine only.

H2X (Hornbill Micro-SUV)

Another SUV set to debut at the Expo is Tata’s new flagship SUV – the 7-seat Gravitas. It’s based on the same Land Rover D8-derived Omega platform as the Harrier, but the Gravitas is 63mm longer and 80mm taller. In addition to a third row of seats, it will also get the BS6-compliant, 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine producing around 170hp and 350Nm of torque. Transmission options for the Gravitas will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.

Gravitas

What Tata is also likely to showcase at the Expo is the BS6-compliant Harrier with an automatic gearbox and a panoramic sunroof, as well as a brand-new sedan previewing a rival to the Honda City.

Mahindra 

HALL 10

At the 2020 Expo, Mahindra will have a total of 18 vehicles on display, including SUVs, MPVs, commercial and electric vehicles. Part of the showcase will be a ‘futuristic concept EV’ named the Funster (with an electric motor for each of its four wheels), and three production-ready EVs.

eKUV100

Those three production EVs are likely to be the eKUV100, XUV300 EV and the Aspire-based electric sedan. The eKUV100 is expected to get a 40kW (54.4hp) electric motor. The battery will likely be a 15.9kWh unit, which can be juiced up in 5hr 45min with a regular AC charger, or in 55min with a DC fast-charger. At an aggressive price tag of under Rs 9 lakh, the eKUV100 will essentially become the most affordable mainstream EV in India. The all-electric XUV300, meanwhile, is expected to be powered by a 130hp electric motor that will draw juice from a 40kWh battery pack. It will likely have a range of 300km and come with DC fast-charging capabilities. It will go on to rival the recently introduced Tata Nexon EV.

Aspire-based Electric sedan

The Aspire-based electric sedan is expected to get a 60kW (81.5hp) motor, a 25kWh battery pack, a range of close to 200km, a top speed of 110kph and a price tag of under Rs 15 lakh.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/38WHd0t
via IFTTT