The Auto Expo 2018 will be held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from February 9 to 14, 2018.
With the 14th edition of Auto Expo approaching near, we have compiled a list of all the confirmed and rumoured launches that India’s biggest automotive event will showcase.
Maruti Suzuki
India’s largest carmaker will finally update the Swift – one of the country’s most sought after cars. It has been more than a year since the latest generation Suzuki Swift was revealed globally. However, its Indian launch was delayed due to Maruti prioritising the new Dzire’s launch instead. But Swift fans will not have to wait much longer as the all-new model is confirmed to launch at the 2018 Auto Expo.
Also rumoured to launch is the Ciaz facelift. Maruti’s C+ segment sedan has been on sale since 2014, and a refreshed version is long-overdue. Suzuki has already showcased a refreshed version of the Ciaz in China, however, it is not yet known whether the India-bound Ciaz facelift will be the same.
Hyundai
It is very likely that Hyundai will launch the mid-cycle refresh for the i20. The premium hatchback in its facelifted iteration will incorporate Hyundai's new single-frame ‘cascade’ grille up front, while the rear design and the interiors will sport minor updates. Mechanically, the i20 will retain its current trio of engines.
A bigger surprise might come in the form of a new hatchback concept. This hatchback is being developed to fill up the void left by Santro in Hyundai’s lineup. The Korean company is rumoured to showcase the new car in concept form at this year’s Auto Expo – its launched being scheduled for late 2018.
BMW/ BMW Motorrad
BMW has a slew of exciting launches for the 2018 Auto Expo. First in the line is the i3 hatchback. While it has been on sale globally for quite some time, India will finally get this EV in 2018 in its facelifted avatar. We also expect the sportier i3s to launch alongside the i3.
On the opposite end of the spectrum will be the fierce new M5. This sixth-generation BMW’s flagship super saloon pumps around 600 horses and gets all-wheel-drive for better traction. Expect it to cost upwards of Rs. 2 crores in India. Also on cards is the launch of the new 6 Series GT, which, with its wagon-coupe design, is a complete departure from the 6 Series of the past.
BMW Motorrad is expected to launch the F750 GS and F850 GS adventure tourers at the Auto Expo. These two motorcycles were globally revealed not too long ago at the EICMA 2017. Also the highly anticipated G 310 R and G 310 GS will be showcased at the expo, however, their launch will take place sometime later this year.
Mahindra
Mahindra’s upcoming Innova rival will be revealed in all its glory at the Auto Expo. It is expected to be the most polished Mahindra as yet with high levels of fit and finish and a contemporary cabin design. It is also expected to feature ample space for 7/8 passengers. Powering the U321 (codename) will be a familiar 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine from the XUV. Also on cards is a new 1.6-litre diesel engine and a petrol automatic.
Also rumoured to be launched is the XUV500 facelift. The second facelift of the XUV will sport cosmetic tweaks inside and out along with a returned diesel engine for additional power and torque.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes has confirmed that the facelifted avatar of its flagship S-Class will be launched at the upcoming Auto Expo. The facelifted S-Class features revised designs inside and out, added comfort, safety equipment and even new engines. There is also a furious AMG version, but its launch isn’t confirmed.
Furthermore, Merc is preparing to challenge the Volvo V90 Cross Country with its E-Class All-Terrain. Just like the Volvo, the E All-Terrain is a jacked-up wagon with some off-roading prowess. The car will be showcased at the Auto Expo, and a launch is planned later in 2018. Also showcased will be the Concept EQ – a preview of the German carmaker’s upcoming fully-electric EQ sub-brand.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki wil most certainly launch its new Ninja 400 in India, which will replace its popular Ninja 300. The Kawasaki Ninja 400 sports a new 400cc engine with more power and torque, while the design of the bike is also brand new with certain elements inspired from the flagship Ninja H2.
Talking of the H2, the Japanese company is also expected to introduce the Ninja H2 SX in India. The SX is the fastest sports tourer in the world currently, and will surely delight its fans in India when launched. However, do no expect it to come cheap. Expected pricing for the H2 SX is north of Rs. 30 lakh. Finally, we can also expect the retro-modern Z900 RS to make its India debut at the expo.
Honda (Cars)
While not much has been made official by Honda, there's a possibility that the Jazz facelift may launch at the expo coinciding with its main rival, the i20 facelift. Minor cosmetic tweaks aside, the Jazz facelift will remain identical to the current model.
Also, since Honda aims to launch six new models in India by 2020, we can expect the Japanese company to showcase some of its India-bound vehicles including the all-new Civic and CR-V.
Kia
Hyundai's sister brand, Kia, confirmed its entry into the Indian market recently. While Kia's official launch is supposed to happen sometime in 2019, the Korean company will showcase some of its India-bound models at the Auto Expo. Therefore, we can expect to see Kia models like the Stinger, Picanto, Sportage and a small SUV concept at the upcoming motor show.
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