Auto Expo 2018 show report

Despite the absence of several high-profile names for various reasons, the Auto Expo 2018 had plenty going for it. As expected, there were several new concept cars that debuted at the Expo, along with many production-ready cars as well. Here's a quick round-up:

SUVs

The craze for SUVs shows no signs of fading and carmakers are bringing in many more of them this year. Headlining the list, is the Tata H5X concept, a striking new SUV based on a Land Rover platform that'll be available in five- and seven-seat versions when it goes on sale later this year. Maruti Suzuki, apart from the e-Survivor concept, has a baby SUV on display, the Concept Future S, which will slot in below the Vitara Brezza when it goes into production early next year. The only new carmaker at the show, Kia Motors, too, debuted the made-for-India SP Concept, a Creta rival that'll go on sale in 2019. Honda displayed the India-bound CR-V, which, for the very first time, will come with a diesel engine. Mahindra had a rebadged G4 Rexton and the Stinger convertible SUV concept at its stand, while Hyundai brought in the Kona SUV, the EV version of which is being evaluated for India. BMW showcased the new X3, which is due in a few months' time. Mini put the new Countryman crossover on display, as Mercedes-Benz strutted its all-electric Concept EQ SUV, alongside the E-class All-Terrain.

Sedans

There were plenty of important new sedans unveiled at the Expo, starting with the new Honda Amaze, which made its global debut, and the new Civic, which is due later this financial year. Toyota trained its guns at the Honda City with its new offering, the Yaris, which will be launched in the coming months. Kia Motors had the delicious Stinger GT on display, while Tata Motors revealed the sporty, 110hp JTP Tigor. BMW launched the 6-series Gran Turismo, a rival to the Mercedes E-class LWB, while Mercedes-Benz launched a brace of new Maybachs: the S 560 and the range-topping S 650.

Hatchbacks

There was enough action in the hatchback space, too. Tata wowed the audience with the gorgeous 45X hatchback concept, as well as the sporty JTP Tiago. Maruti launched the all-new Swift, Hyundai introduced the i20 facelift, while Kia showcased its Ceed hatchback.

EVs and hybrids

This is the space that saw the most activity. Nearly every carmaker had an electric offering of some sort. BMW had the i3s hatch and the stunning i8 Roadster, Honda showcased its Sports EV concept while Hyundai brought in the electric and hybrid versions of the Ioniq. Tata debuted the Racemo EV, along with all-electric versions of the Tiago and Tigor, as Mahindra showcased the eKUV100. Renault brought along the crazy 460hp Zoe e-Sport concept, while Kia displaying several EVs and hybrids, with the Soul EV crossover being one of them.

Motorcycles and scooters

Every two-wheeler manufacturer had a big launch or unveil this year. Yamaha launched the much-awaited R15 V3.0 along with the updated R3. Honda introduced the 160cc X-Blade alongside the Activa 5G. There were a bunch of new 125cc scooters: Suzuki debuted the Burgman Street, as Hero came out with 125cc versions of the Duet and Maestro Edge. The Piaggio Group was out in full force, launching the Aprilia SR 125 and debuting the new Storm scooter, to go with the hot new RS and Tuono 150s. BMW Motorrad announced the launch of the new F 750 GS and F 850 GS, while announcing plans to bring the G 310 R and G 310 GS to India this year. Also on display were the Hero XPulse 200, Suzuki GSX-S750, Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, UM Renegade Duty and Thor. These aside, there was also the Emflux One electric sportbike.