The Auto Expo is where global launches and maddening crowds converge – putting the spotlight on the Indian automotive market. The 11th edition of the Auto Expo saw Ford display an all-new global model, the Ecosport – with the unveiling done by none other than Alan Mulally, President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company. The expo also saw the likes of Jaguar Land Rover skip the Detroit Motor Show to be present in their ‘second home market’ – where their senior management unveiled some stunning concepts in the form of the Jaguar CX-16, CX-75 and Land Rover DC100. The action was as intense on two wheels as well, with the launch of the Triumph range of bikes from the UK – and starting at a very enticing price tag of Rs.5.5 lakhs with the Bonneville. And while active industry participation has given the expo its global proportions, it’s let down by a grossly inadequate venue in the form of the ITPO (Indian Trade Promotion Organization). That apart, let’s look at some of the most significant launches at the Auto Expo:

Ford EcoSport
Based on the Blue Oval’s all-new B-car architecture, the EcoSport is about the same size as the Fiesta but its design is much more exciting – in keeping with Ford’s global Kinetic design language. The EcoSport will get a 1-litre, 3-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol EcoBoost engine. And while 1-litre and 3 cylinders don’t sound too impressive, the key lies in the EcoBoost nomenclature. This is Ford’s advanced engine technology that’s won it many accolades in the West, and the EcoSport brings this technology to India for the first time. The power generated by this engine, by way of direct injection and turbocharging, can be compared to that of a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine – in that it generates 120bhp and 170Nm of torque, while maximizing fuel economy. With cutting edge style and technology, this product stole the show at the Expo, and looks to become a serious hit in the Indian market given the lack of choices in the small-SUV segment. The launch of the EcoSport is expected in the second half of the year, with an expected price range of Rs.7-9 Lakhs.

Nissan GT-R
The GT-R is one of the revered super cars in the world, and expectedly had the crowds salivating for it at the Expo. And with the number-one sporting legend in the country owning one, the welcome that this supercar received was a warm one. Its 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V6 develops 530bhp, and each engine is handcrafted by its own master-technician. Plus, Space Shuttle-worthy electronics keep this car on its toes, and reduce the margin for error while indulging in true madness on the track. Unfortunately, it was merely a showcase – as Nissan currently has no plans of launching the GT-R in India.

Toyota Fortuner

Toyota showcased the mildly face-lifted Fortuner, and the changes ensure that it’s in-tune with the company’s design DNA. The SUV will now also be available in a 4x2 variant with manual as well as automatic transmissions. The pricing for this 3.0-litre diesel will start from Rs.19.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) and will surely make the going tougher for the other SUV’s in this segment, as it is already the market leader.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
With the SLS coupe already making waves in the India market, despite being priced at over Rs.2 crores, it was all-but-natural to expect the SLS roadster to be made available soon. And Mercedes didn’t hesitate for a moment, launching the car at the Auto Expo. The car, with its aggressive and imposing looks, was a tremendous crowd puller – with the convertible aspect of the car only enhancing its appeal. And it’s no performance slouch either, being powered by a 6.2-litre V8 producing 571bhp and taking the SLS to a top speed of 317km/h. Expect to see a select few of these prowling our roads soon.

Mercedes-Benz DTM Race Car
Mercedes also chose to showcase the latest generation of their DTM car, which is raced by its racing team in the German Touring Car series – widely regarded as the most technologically advanced and competitive tin-top racing series in the world. Based on the C-Class Coupe, the DTM race car is equipped with a state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque with a steel roll cage. The shifting of gears is done through steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, and advanced aerodynamics virtually stick the car to the racetrack. With the launch of the new car, it’s expected that 2012 will be an exciting season for DTM racing with an intense three-way fight being between compatriots Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW. The chrome finished car on display by Mercedes was certainly eye catching.

Tata Pixel
Tata showcased the Pixel – a city car concept for Europe – at the Auto Expo and, well, it was the cutest car of the lot displayed at the show. Based on the Nano platform, this 4-seater brings together Tata’s future technologies for the practicality of city driving. This roomy small car will soon make it way into the European market, and will also be the first to get a 1.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine. But, as expected, it’ll be a long time before we see it in India – but, we can always hope!

Tata Safari Storme
Codenamed the Merlin, the Safari Storme was the result of a Tata project that went on for 6 years. The Safari Storme is based on Tata’s new X2 platform, and is the newest entrant in an ever-expanding SUV segment in India. A 2.2-litre refined DICOR engine beats at the heart of Tata’s newest offering. What remains to be seen, however, is how well this facelift works for Tata, and if its marginally contemporary looks hit a chord with the consumer – especially with the likes of super-hits like the Mahindra XUV500 on the market.

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s fluidic design has finally been applied to the Indian Sonata, and we’re very glad to report that it’s completely transformed the look of the car – right from the waterfall front grille to the sharp creases on its side. The Sonata will get a 2.4-litre GDI engine that generates 200bhp, and will be packed with features like paddle shifters, cruise control, ABS with EBD, ESP, and a rear-view camera. Moreover, it gets one of the most comfortable rear leather seats of any luxury car on the market. With all this combined into one very stylish package, the market introduction of this model from the Korean manufacturer has been long awaited – but it remains to be seen if the Indian car buyer will be willing to accept a Hyundai in the competitive D-segment.

Hyundai Elantra
Featuring the Fluidic design language now used on all new Hyundai designs, the car was stealthily tucked away in one corner of the vast Hyundai stand at the Auto Expo, and there wasn’t even any mention of it in any of the company presentations. Poised to compete in the C+ segment, with the likes of the Cruze and the Laura, the Elantra promises to offer high-quality materials and cutting edge technology to go with the good looks of its modern design. And while there’s no official word on when the car could be launched in India, we expect it to be brought to market before the end of the year.

Ssangyong
After the acquisition of Ssangyong in 2010, it was the first time that Mahindra introduced the Korean carmaker to the Indian market by showcasing a range of products that one could expect the company to launch in India in the near future. Showcased were the Rexton, which will be the company’s first offering to India, along with a range of concept vehicles. The Rexton will be a CBU when it’s launched in the next 6 months. The more modern, and compact, Korando C will be next on the horizon, and is sure to be better accepted by Indian consumers since the market for compact SUV’s is growing rapidly.

Mahindra Reva NXR
Since we’re living in an era of ever rising fuel costs and air pollution, electric vehicles seem to be the only short term solution to sustainable mobility. And Mahindra-owned electric car marker, REVA, unveiled the Reva NXR – indicating that the Indian manufacturer is willing to go that extra mile to ensure greener pastures for all. Driven by an electric motor, powered by lithium-ion batteries, the NXR can reach a top speed of 104km/h. With an expected range of 160 kilometers on a single charge, this two-door electric vehicle provides a glimpse into Mahindra’s future plans for mobility.

Jaguar C-X75
If Hybrid Supercars of the future are all going to look as stunning as the Jaguar C-X75 showcased at the Auto Expo, then we think that the future for performance cars is going to be as exciting as ever. This plug-in hybrid produces a mammoth 778bhp through four electric motors – with one driving each of the four wheels. The batteries are recharged by two diesel-fed micro turbines, which extends the range of this car to 900 kilometers from a single tank of fuel, while still being capable of doing 0-100km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed of over 320km/h. The C-X75 is expected to be on sale in 2013 at an estimated price of (hold your breath) over Rs.10 crores.

Jaguar C-X16
The Jaguar C-X16 concept car is a perfect blend of modern design and technology. The sporty exterior is complimented by a supercharged 3-litre V6 engine that produces 380bhp, with electric motors fitted that provide an additional 95bhp and 235Nm of torque at your disposal at the push of a ‘Boost’ button – just like the KERS system used in Formula 1 cars. A dash from 0-100km/h takes just 4.4 seconds, and the cherry on the cake is that the C-X16 is a hybrid – thereby providing good fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. Whoever said performance and fuel efficiency don’t go hand-in-hand? And while Jaguar won’t confirm it, we expect the CX-16 concept to make it to production sooner rather than later.

Land Rover DC100
The time is nearing when the legendary, and iconic, Land Rover Defender would have to be retired, and a new generation of vehicles introduced. With plans to cease production in 2015, the hunt for the ideal replacement might have just ended, as the DC100 looks like it perfectly fits the iconic badge and image. Though futuristic in its appearance and technology, it’ll retain the 71 year-old-legacy of ruggedness and off-roading capabilities while thoroughly modernizing the oldest car in the Land Rover portfolio.

Range Rover Evoque
A bold and sophisticated, yet small, Range Rover is what everyone wanted, and the Evoque symbolizes that and much more. This 4WD ‘baby Range’ is available in a 5-door, 2.2-litre diesel and a 3-door, 2-litre petrol variant. Regardless of the variant, the Evoque is all about making a style statement on the road – with the possibility of going off-road as well. Launched in India recently, this Rs.50 lakh SUV is already making a name for itself, and the sales figures are proof of the growing popularity of the Evoque.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Claimed by Maruti to be the first compact 3-row MPV, the Ertiga promises to be an exciting proposition for Indian consumers – especially for those with large families. Powered by a brand new 1.4-litre K-series petrol engine, and the familiar 1.3-litre diesel engine, the Ertiga promises to provide affordable, yet stylish, transport. However, how the Ertiga does in a market that has traditionally never accepted MPV’s is a question that can only be answered when the Ertiga is launched later this year.

Volkswagen Beetle
Not to be outdone by the arrival of the Mini, Volkswagen took an important step to make things even more interesting in the lifestyle vehicle segment. The company unveiled the all-new Beetle at the Auto Expo and gave us a glimpse of what they have in store. Available in two petrol engine options, namely the 1.2-litre and the 1.4-litre TSI, the new Beetle promises a lot more than its predecessor. Apart from the engines, it’s also got an all-new 7-speed gearbox that promises improved performance and quicker shift times. With the competition heating up, it’s all about the price for Volkswagen now. In short, it’s game on!

BMW M5
The latest generation of the leading performance saloon in the world, the M5 was the show-stopper for BMW at the Auto Expo. And BMW aren’t merely teasing show-goers with this model, as it’ll be available in the market as a CBU later this year. Now into its 5th generation, the M5 boasts of a 4.4-litre V8 engine, with M-TwinPower turbo technology that pours out a massive 560bhp. A dash from 0-100 km/h takes 4.4 seconds, which puts it right up there with the best supercars in the world as far as performance is concerned. Naturally, the pricing for this eye-popping performance is expected to be in the 1 crore range.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept
BMW’s plans to keep up with the rapidly growing world of technology seems to be working well, and is amply demonstrated in their concepts. The Vision ConnectedDrive concept is unique and very futuristic, which exemplifies this approach perfectly. The basic premise behind the concept is simply making technology do what it’s meant to – keeping the world at your fingertips. With elements like online applications, call centre services, driver assistance, and integrated mobile devices available to the driver at the touch of a button, the Vision is all about making a car as intelligent as it can be by providing all the functions that one could possible want while out on the road – be it simply navigating the right route to buying tickets for the latest movie release, the Connected Drive is capable of all that and much more. Oh, and it looks good too!

Mini Cooper S
For those who watched the Italian Job and thought of how they would love to buy a Mini Cooper, well, the time has come as Mini has finally arrived in India. The Mini Cooper S is, of course, the one with the power, the sporty looks, and great handling – making it the most desirable car in the lineup. It comes equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger, which enables it to churn out 181bhp and power the car from 0-100km/h in a mere 7.2 seconds. Other versions of the Mini available in India include the Mini Cooper, Mini Convertible, and the Mini Countryman, which are priced from Rs.24.9 Lacs (ex-showroom) upwards. But, alas, no manual transmission is available in this iconic little car that’s a blast to drive!

Chevrolet Captiva & Stingray Concept
Chevrolet, at this year’s Auto Expo, launched the new Captiva. With the current product facing stiff competition from the Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet decided to launch a face-lifted version – featuring its new, in-your-face design language, as well as improvements to the interior. Exact details of the car have still not been revealed, but it’s expected to be powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine when it hits the market later this year. Also showcased at the Chevrolet stall was the Corvette Stingray concept, which was one of the stars of the second Transformers movie. Based on the legendary Stingray Corvette, the concept is a modern interpretation of the same, and is rumored to form the styling basis of the new Chevrolet Corvette expected in the West in the near future.

Audi Q3 & S6

Audi announced the launch of its much-awaited small SUV, the Q3, with tremendous fanfare courtesy of Katrina Kaif unveiling the car to the media and public on day one of the Expo. Expected to be launched later in the year, the Q3 will provide stiff competition to the BMW X1, which has been posting tremendous sales figures.The Q3, with pricing that’s expected to be affordable and an attractive design, will most likely become the largest selling model from the Audi product range in India.

Audi chose not to reveal the prices and other specifications at the Expo, so all details will only be available when the car goes on sale in the next few months. Also showcased alongside this compact luxury SUV was Audi’s sporty model of the A6 saloon, the S6. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, the S6 boasts of a power output of 414bhp, powering the car from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The S6, with its prime attraction being sports car performance, will remain a niche product and is expected to appeal to a very small segment of the buying public in India.

Peugeot announce India plans
The French carmaker, Peugeot, was present in India for the first time at the 2012 Auto Expo, and on the first day unveiled its plans for India. The company will start in the D-segment with the very stylish Peugeot 508 at the end of next year, which will initially be brought in as a CBU, before CKD assembly begins at their Greenfield plant in Gujarat.

The construction of this factory is already underway, and will create a manufacturing base by 2014, which will allow Peugeot to be present in a larger number of segments in future. The company also showcased their diesel superiority through their Le Mans racing car, the 908, which is a diesel-powered endurance racer that has won 12 out of its last 14 races.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird
RE fans were in for a real treat, as the motorcycle company, which is loved by millions across the country, finally answered the wishes of touring enthusiasts by launching a 500cc version of the famous Thunderbird. The new bigger, and meaner, looking bike also gets a larger fuel tank and revised handle bars, rear-view mirrors, and Xenon lights – giving it a more modern and rough look. The expected launch date of the bike will be somewhere in the middle of 2012, at which time the price and full specifications will also be announced.

Ducati
This legendary, and exotic, Italian bike maker created a flutter in the hearts and minds of Indian biking enthusiasts with the launch of the Monster 795 at a price of just Rs.5.99 lakhs – making an entry into the Ducati family a very achievable dream for many Indian consumers. Powered by an 800cc engine producing 86bhp, the Monster, with its attractive price, has the potential to make the Ducati brand far more popular India than it’s been so far.

Triumph
Legendary British motorcycle manufacturer, Triumph, made a splash at the Auto Expo, as they unveiled their full line up for the Indian market. The company is bringing in all its globally successful products, including the Tiger and the Speed Triple. In total, the company has launched seven models starting at a price range of Rs.5 lakhs going up to Rs.22 lakhs.

The Bonneville is the least costly at just Rs.5.5 lakhs, and is powered by an 865cc engine. The Tiger is powered by an 800cc engine, and is a dual-purpose motorbike. Meanwhile, the meanest bike of the lot is the Rocket III, which boasts a 2300cc engine, and will cost Rs.22 lakhs. Other models include the Street Triple, Speed Triple, Daytona, and the Thunderbird Storm.

Harley-Davidson
Continuing its success story in the Indian market, Harley Davidson took the opportunity to announce two important events that will benefit consumers. First up, the Street Bob and Super Glide Custom range of bikes are now being assembled in India, which means that the prices have been slashed by a massive Rs.4 lakhs – thereby making the bikes far more attractive for Indian customers. Secondly, Harley Davidson announced the launch of their accessories catalogue – through which customers can modify their bikes with genuine parts to reflect their individual tastes. Showcased at the stall were five stunning customized bikes that featured several changes from the original bikes – such as upgraded handlebars, seats, fuel tanks, etc.

Ashok Leyland Dost
Ashok Leyland launched its first volley in the fast growing small LCV segment with the launch of its DOST, which is produced in association with Nissan. Powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine, producing 55bhp and 150Nm of torque, the Dost has a payload capability of 1.25 tons. Ashok Leyland will also offer the Dost in multiple ready-to-use vehicle configurations, like refrigerated vans, an Ambulance, etc. Pricing for the Dost ranges from Rs.3.79 Lakhs to Rs.4.37 lakhs, ex-showroom.