From Maruti Swift to Hyundai Santro to Tata H5: The biggest launches of Auto Expo 2018

This year’s Auto Expo will see India’s top car makers making their presence felt with a range of cars and SUVs. Of these, five will be the biggest launches of India’s largest auto show. Come with us as we take you through a quick preview of what to expect.

Maruti Swift

The Swift, which was unveiled a few days ago, will be launched at the Auto Expo, where the crucial price announcement will happen. The 3rd generation hatchback comes with a big range of changes; From lower weight to peppier engines and automatic transmissions on both petrol and diesel versions. The new Swift is expected to be priced marginally more than the outgoing model. It’ll still sit well under the Baleno in terms of positioning, and compete with the Hyundai Grand i10. Expect prices to start from close to Rs. 5 lakhs.

Hyundai Santro

The AH2 code-named Hyundai hatchback is expected to be shown at the 2018 Auto Expo, ahead of its official launch during Diwali 2018. The car is likely to bring back the Santro badge, and will be priced between Rs. 3-4 lakhs. It’ll replace the i10, and will be taller and wider than the former. Both manual and AMT options will be offered, with the AMT being a first for Hyundai. 3 cylinder petrol and petrol-CNG options are also likely. The car will take on the likes of the Maruti Alto and the Renault Kwid.

Mahindra S201

Mahindra will soon start selling the S201 code-named, Ssangyong Tivoli-based compact SUV in India. The S201 will be offered with two lengths, the shorter one packing in 5 seats while the longer one will offer 7 seats. The shorter version of the SUV is expected to be Mahindra’s big splash at the Auto Expo. It’s likely to pack in class leading engines – a 140 Bhp turbo petrol and a 125 Bhp turbo diesel. It’ll be monocoque bodied, with a front wheel drive layout as standard. Rivals of the S201 5 seater include the Maruti Brezza and the Ford EcoSport. Prices are likely to start from under 7 lakhs.

Honda Civic

After more than 3 years, the Civic is coming back to India. In its 10th generation, the sedan will be re-launched in India next year but will first be showcased at the Auto Expo as a clear indicator of Honda’s intent. For the first time ever, Honda will sell the Civic with a 1.6 liter all-aluminium turbo diesel engine with 120 Bhp-300 Nm on tap. This engine will be paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The Civic is also expected to get a 1.8 liter petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options. Prices could start from over Rs. 15 lakhs. The new Civic will rival the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Skoda Octavia.

Tata H5

The H5 code-named SUV from Tata Motors will be one of the hottest reveals at the Auto Expo. Based on the Land Rover LS550 platform, the new H5 SUV will be offered with 5 seat and 7 seat layouts, just like the Mahindra S201. However, the H5 will be longer than 4 meters, rubbing shoulders with the Hyundai Creta. It’s expected to carry a price similar to that of Creta as well. A 2 liter Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine with 140 Bhp is likely to power the H5, which will showcase Tata Motors latest Impact 2.0 design philosophy.