Auto expo 2012: Buckle up, it's the year of the SUVs

New Delhi: Mean machines are here, yet again. In the backdrop of a slowdown of car sales and fuel prices going North, the auto makers are set to showcase the new cars and bikes in Auto Expo 2012.

“Unlike previous editions of the Auto Expo, the automobile market is dull in India. As such, the exhibition is expected to create excitement in the market and lure the customers,” said Tutu Dhawan, auto expert, about the fair scheduled between 5 and 12 January in Pragati Maidan, Delhi.

The line- up of vehicles shows that the SUV market will get crowded this year. There will be Q3, the smallest SUV from Audi and Range Rover Evoque in the expensive category.

Among small affordable SUVs, the exhibition will display Renault Duster - Renault’s first in the segment,Mahindra Mini Xylo, Safari Storm and the new avatar of Toyota Fortuner.

That is six SUVs in total.

“This year, the manufacturers will explore the SUV sector because there is a lot of scope and solid demand in this category which has so far been ruled by Safari and Scorpio,” said Sirish Chandra, editor, Overdrive.

In the luxury segment, BMW will showcase BMW Mini. The smallest car of the German auto-maker, that will cost around Rs 20 lakh.

Mercedes concept car A-class and the range of small cars are bound to hog the limelight at the fair.

Volkswagen will launch its modified Touareg-the 50-lakh-plus car.

“I am eagerly waiting for Mini. This is a small sports car high on style,’ said Murad Ali Baig, auto expert.

Maruti loyalists will get to see an all new Maruti 800, said to be the car maker’s answer to Tata Nano.

Maruti will also unveil Ertiga, the company’s first MPV and the new version of Swift Dzire.

Tata is coming up with Nano Diesel 2012. “The 2012 model is really peppy. It has an excellent AC and is spacious. These days, people do not want a ghareeb (poor) car. They want a cute car,” said Dhawan.

In the Expo, you might also get to see RE 60, Bajaj’s entry level carrier which has created lot of buzz in the auto sector.

Hyundai has made a solid market in the small car segment with Santro. In 2012, the company will focus on the luxury segment. Hyundai has lined up Sonata and premium sedan Elantra.

Ford will launch Fiesta Hatchback 2012.

Reva NXR electric car, designed by Dilip Chhabria, is expected to grab quite a few eyeballs.

“A car is no more a utility item. It is a status symbol.People want something better and bigger as a class statement. If someone can afford a Maritu 800, he will try going for an Alto to show that he has grown up,” said Dhawan.

Participants from 24 countries are expected to launch over 60 vehicles in the 11th edition of the biennial fair in Delhi. Out of these, eight will be global launches.