Auto Expo 2020: Day 2 Highlights

The second day was less hectic but packed some big reveals

After the second day of the Auto Expo 2020, we’re more than halfway done with all the manufacturer events. While the day was not as packed as the first one, some big names unveiled some of their most anticipated models today. Here’s a quick look at today’s highlights:

Hyundai Creta 2020

The India-spec second-gen Hyundai Creta made its debut at the Auto Expo 2020. Surprisingly, it was an exterior reveal only, in a new black exterior paint option. It features an all-new front and rear end design with a new version of the Hyundai cascading grille which looks significantly different from the China-spec model that was showcased a while ago. However, the overall proportions remain the same. The new Creta will also get more premium features like a panoramic sunroof and BlueLink connected car technology with an eSIM. It will be powered by the same petrol and diesel BS6 engines as the Kia Seltos. Find out when it will be launched here.

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Facelift

The Maruti Vitara Brezza, the best-selling sub-4m SUV in the country, has got its first ever facelift and a petrol engine under the hood. The facelifted Brezza is due to be launched later in February. Unveiled at the expo, it gets a revised front fascia with a muscular front bumper, grille and LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The  taillamps now feature prominent LED lighting and a revised rear bumper. Most importantly, the diesel-only Brezza is going petrol-only for the BS6 era with its 1.5-litre petrol engine. Read more about the new Brezza’s details here.

Bird Electric EV1

Haima Automobile caught a few more headlines on the second day of the Auto Expo 2020 with an all-electric compact hatchback. The Chinese carmaker has partnered with Bird Electric to make the EV1, a Wagon R-sized electric hatchback. Most importantly, the EV1, which has a minimum claimed range of 200km, will have a starting price under Rs 10 lakh. The Bird EV1 should begin rolling out of its manufacturing facility in India by mid 2021 if all goes well. Interested in putting down a deposit? Find out more about the Bird EV1 here.

MG Hector Plus

The Hector has been a big success for the British carmaker that entered the Indian car market in summer 2019. Now, the mid-size SUV gets plus-sized with an extra row of seats, revised styling and a new name: the Hector Plus. It has been unveiled as a 6-seater SUV with captain chairs in the middle row, and a 7-seater version has been confirmed as well. The Hector Plus shares its features and BS6 engine options with the regular Hector, which includes a panoramic sunroof, connected car technology for its 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 360-around view camera. Read about its expected launch schedule here.

Renault Duster Turbo

The new Renault 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine has made its under-the-bonnet debut at the Auto Expo 2020 with a special version of the Duster. This one has a performance rating of 156PS and 250Nm, 50PS and 108Nm more than the current 1.5-litre petrol Duster. Renault can offer the Duster Turbo with the choice of a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. It gets very few aesthetic differences to highlight its extra performance, with red inserts and redesigned 17-inch alloys. There are additional features as well like engine idle start-stop, cabin pre-cool with a remote and a bigger 8-inch touchscreen. Find out more about the most powerful Duster yet here.

Force Gurkha 2020

If you thought affordable and extreme SUVs would become obsolete with the introduction of tighter emission norms, Force Motors is happy to prove you wrong. The carmaker unveiled a heavily updated Gurkha to the Auto Expo 2020. It now looks more premium than before, with LED elements in the round headlights and redesigned bumper and grille. The new Gurkha looks modern but has stuck to its core principles with its roof snorkel, boxy stance, utilitarian cabin and proven powertrain. It also gets a BS6-compliant diesel engine for its 4WD system. Explore the new Gurkha in detailed pictures here.