2016 Auto Expo: Top 6 sedans to look forward to

Held biennially, the Auto Expo in Delhi has grown to be one of the most significant automotive events in the world over the last decade. Now in its 13th outing, it is Asia’s largest motor show, eclipsing even the Tokyo Motor Show, and the world’s second-largest. With the automotive industry booming in the country at an unprecedented rate, it is no wonder that manufacturers from various categories, from mopeds and piddly people-movers to rip-snorting supercars and 300kmph-superbikes, are all vying for the attention of the Indian automotive enthusiast at the expo. It also helps that while the automotive industry has seen a significant saturation and consequent downturn in almost all developed markets, the action is now happening in rapidly emerging giant markets like China, Brazil, and, of course, India.

The previous Auto Expo, while boasting of its share of launches and unveils, didn’t exactly see much action in the new sedan department. But, this year round, things are looking much brighter in this department with a host of new sedans lined up. Below, we take a gander at six of the most exciting ones that will be gracing the floors of the 2016 Auto Expo.

Tata Zica sedan (Sway)

Based on the same platform of the Zica, the Sway shares the same front end look up to the c-pillar as well as the interiors with its hatchback sibling. Powertrain options include a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine with 85PS and 114Nm, and a 1.0-litre three cylinder diesel unit that will make 70PS and 140Nm. The Sway will feature driving modes and will get a 5-speed manual gearbox with an AMT making its way to the new compact sedan too. There’s a buzz that Tata Motors will price the Zica sedan very competitively, maybe even as low as Rs 4 lakh.

Volkswagen Ameo

The Ameo is VW’s upcoming sub 4-metre sedan that is based on the same platform as the Polo and Vento. It will also sport the same engine options as the Polo, including a 1.2-litre petrol unit making 75PS and 110Nm, and the 1.5-litre diesel from the Polo/Vento that makes 90PS and 230Nm, both paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Expect a GT Trim with to be launched in the future as well.

Toyota Vios

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Aesthetically, Toyota’s new C-segment offering looks like a scaled-down version of the Altis. We reckon the Vios will come with a choice of two engines: a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel engine. There’s also a possibility that it could even get the 1.4-litre diesel from the Corolla. The Vios is substantially larger than the Etios and will slot above the most affordable Toyota sedan and below the Corolla Altis.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Based on General Motors’ latest D2 FWD platform, the 2016 Chevy Cruze comes with upgraded exterior design, new interior and a bunch of powerful engine options to choose from. Motive power comes from a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that makes somewhere around 165PS of power and a new 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 115PS. Both engines will get a manual and an automatic gearbox.

New Audi A4

Based on a completely new platform, the new Audi A4 has already been launched in international markets, and will make its way to the 2016 Auto Expo. More than just a facelift, the new A4 sports a five-link fully independent front and rear suspension and is now 120kg lighter than its predecessor. Audi also claims the new A4 to be 21 per cent more efficient than the outgoing model. Standard features on the international models include 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, Audi smartphone interface, Audi drive select, three-zone climate control and 7-inch colour MMI monitor. Expect Audi to bring in the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit and the popular 2.0-litre TDI diesel into India, both mated to Audi’s 7-speed S Tronic unit.

2016 Jaguar XE

Set to be launched at the Auto Expo itself, bookings for the 2016 Jaguar XE have already commenced in India.  The most affordable Jaguar in India, the XE is offered with two petrol powertrains producing 200PS and 240PS. The Jaguar XE is expected to be priced around Rs 38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base variant, and will play ball with the BMW 3-series, new Mercedes-Benz C-class and the Audi A4.