While not as large as previous editions, Auto Expo 2023 still had plenty in store – from new launches to global unveilings and future concepts. And even though carmakers like Mahindra, Honda, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar Land Rover and many more decided to skip this edition, the carmakers who were in attendance had a strong showing. Here’s what each car manufacturer had on display at Auto Expo 2023.
BYD
Chinese EV maker Build Your Dreams’ star attraction at Auto Expo 2023 was the Seal electric sedan, which is set to launch in India by the fourth quarter of 2023. The Seal gets single-motor and dual-motor powertrain options and it comes with two battery packs – a 61.4kWh unit (550km claimed range) and an 82.5kWh unit (700km claimed range). Also on display at the BYD stall was a new limited edition of the Atto 3 electric SUV. Finished in a Forest Green colour, only 1,200 units of the Atto 3 limited edition will be on offer at Rs 34.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai
Korean giant Hyundai launched its Ioniq 5 electric crossover at Auto Expo 2023. The EV is priced at Rs 44.95 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom) for the first 500 customers, which makes it Rs 16 lakh cheaper than the closely related Kia EV6. However, it’s worth noting that while the Kia is a CBU, the Hyundai comes to India via the CKD route. Alongside, Hyundai also showcased the Ioniq 6 electric sedan, which stands out with its striking, aero-efficient design and the Nexo fuel-cell electric vehicle.
Kia Motors
At Auto Expo 2023, Kia Motors previewed its flagship electric SUV with the EV9 concept, which is expected to go into production towards the end of 2023. Based on the E-GMP platform, the SUV gets a 77.4kWh battery pack, but official range and output figures are yet to be revealed. Also at the stall was the new KA4 MPV, also known as the Carnival in India. This new-gen MPV has been on sale in international markets for a while and is expected to be launched in India in due course. Additionally, Kia displayed two purpose-built Carens MPVs for emergency services.
Lexus
Lexus had a strong showing at Auto Expo 2023, showcasing a wide variety of vehicles. In terms of SUVs, the Japanese carmaker brought down the new-gen RX, bookings for which are now open ahead of a March launch, and the flagship LX, which is priced at Rs 2.82 crore (ex-showroom). Lexus also displayed the LM MPV, which is slated to launch in India soon, and the LC 500h coupe. Rounding off the Lexus stall were the LF-Z and LF-30 EV concepts. Both get all-wheel-drive systems, but where the former has a dual-motor set-up, the latter features four in-wheel motors.
Maruti Suzuki
One of the biggest talking points at Maruti’s Auto Expo 2023 stall was the new eVX electric SUV concept. It previews the brand’s first born-electric SUV that will go on sale in 2025. Other big attractions were the much-awaited Jimny 5-door and the Baleno-based Fronx compact SUV, both of which are slated to launch this year. Also at the Maruti stall was the upcoming Brezza CNG, a flex-fuel version of the Wagon R and matte black editions of the Brezza and Grand Vitara SUVs.
MG Motor
SAIC-owned MG Motor brought a whole host of electrified vehicles from its global portfolio to Auto Expo 2023. Battery electric vehicles on display at the MG stall were the MG4 hatchback, the MG5 estate, the Mifa 9 MPV and the Marvel R SUV. MG also showcased a few hybrids in the form of the eHS SUV, the Roewe eRX5 SUV and the eMG6 sedan. The third type of electrified vehicle at the MG stall was the Euniq 7 hydrogen fuel-cell MPV. Rounding off, the manufacturer also launched the facelifted versions of its Hector and Hector Plus ICE SUVs.
Pravaig
Bengaluru-based start-up Pravaig showcased the Veer EV, which is aimed for use by the armed forces. The Veer uses a 408hp, dual-motor set-up that sends power to all four wheels, with a 90.9kWh battery which is said to give it a claimed range of over 500km. The EV also features a thermal imaging sensor, airlift hooks, a four-tonne winch and a mount for weapons or equipment, in keeping with its intended purpose.
Tata Motors
Tata Motors perhaps had the most impressive product line-up at Auto Expo 2023. Starting with the EVs, Tata showcased concept versions of the Harrier EV, Sierra EV and the Avinya. Also in attendance was the Curvv SUV coupe concept in a close-to-production, ICE guise. Of its current line-up, Tata showed CNG versions of the Punch and Altroz, sportier versions of the Tiago EV and Altroz and new Red Dark versions of the Harrier and Safari SUVs. The carmaker is set to launch nine new cars and SUVs by 2025.
Toyota
Much like sister brand Lexus, Toyota had a number of models on display at its Auto Expo 2023 stand. Taking centre stage was the new Land Cruiser LC 300, the first all-new Land Cruiser in nearly 14 years. Also on display were a number of alternate fuelled-vehicles like the hydrogen-powered Corolla Cross, the bZ4X battery electric SUV, the Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell EV and the flex-fuel-powered Corolla sedan. Toyota also showed a racier version of the Glanza hatchback, dubbed the Glanza Sport and a modified version of the Hilux pick-up.
