Auto Expo 2020 Day 2 highlights: Creta, Brezza, Hector Plus SUV and more
Greater Noida: After an explosive start to Auto Expo 2020 on Wednesday, the second day - on Thursday - promised to be every bit as exciting. And it lived up to that promise. With a focus on electric mobility this year, the 15th edition of Auto Expo, being held in Greater Noida, has revealed stunning production cars as well as outlandishly delicious concept vehicles. The lineup of cars and bikes being unveiled, launches and showcased is set to strengthen further with several high-ticket events assuring that auto enthusiasts in India and elsewhere remain engaged throughout.
Auto Expo 2020 will open its doors to the general public from Friday (February 7) and will be organised till Wednesday (February 12).
Here are the highlights from all that happened at Auto Expo 2020 on Thursday:
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5.30 pm: Okinawa showcases its cruiser electric scooter.
5.15 pm: Hector Plus gets all-new headlamps, front grille, front/rear bumpers, rear taillight design, and revised skid front/rear plates.
5.07 pm: The new variant of Hector now comes with more premium look and customisable seating (2+2+2/2+3+2) configuration. MG says the car will go on sale in India later in 2020.
5.01 pm: The interiors of Hector Plus has been massively upgraded, claims MG.
4.55 pm: MG says that the Hector Plus was developed from the need of larger families to travel together in comfort. The company claims it is substantially larger than the Hector.
4.45 pm: MG gets ready to showcase the Hector Plus SUV
4.09 pm: Cartist is a Jaipur-based company with 10 employees. Himanshu Jangid says he is getting help from SIAM in turning vintage cars to artistic works.
4.06 pm: Head over to the Cartist point to catch a glimpse of how vintage cars can be transformed completely in stunning works of art. Take a look:
3.30 pm: There is a lot more to do at Auto Expo 2020 than just cars, bikes, trucks and buses. Here's the selfie-point at the event where people of all ages come to unwind:
2.50 pm: Creta is robust and sexy, just like me: Shah Rukh Khan (Read full report here)
2.28 pm: Click here to read all the details about the new Creta.
2.20 pm: Click here to read all about how Hero Cycles is changing to an electric age.
2.02 pm: Hyundai and Shah Rukh Khan unveil the all-new Creta at Auto Expo:
1.55 pm: I own a first-generation Creta. I love to drive it, my kids love to be in it: Shah Rukh Khan
1.52 pm: Shah Rukh Khan takes the mic. He calls himself 'father of Hyundai in India' because of his long association with the company here.
1.49 pm: A fly-type C-pillar, completely redesigned front grille and bumper and revamped rear profile define the new Creta.
1.44 pm: Hyundai says the company brings together designers from India, Europe and South Korea, and their collaboration results in the products that finally hit roads around the world.
1.42 pm: What is Hyundai's new design strategy for India? The company says 'Sensuous Sportiness' design philosophy began with Venue and was taken forward to i10 Grand NIOS. Hyundai says the needs of young Indian family buyer is at the core.
1.40 pm: Hyundai says customer feedback as revealed buyers most like Creta for its all-round performance, looks and styling.
1.37 pm: The new Creta will be launched in March.
1.36 pm: Hyundai says new Creta comes with panoramic sunroof, new display unit and more.
1.25 pm: King of Bollywood and Hyundai brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan arrives for the launch event of Creta 2020.
1.01 pm: Hyundai ready to unveil Creta 2020 with styling upgrades on the inside and from within as well.
12.45 pm: There is just no respite from the big launches of the day here at Auto Expo 2020 but that is fantastic news. What is also fantastic news is that next up would be Hyundai and the all-new 2020 Creta.
12.30 pm: So to quickly recap, the Brezza gets a 1.5-litre K Series petrol engine, auto transmission options, two new body colour options, a chromatic roof variant, SmartPlay Studio for the first time and enhanced looks. Read full report here.
12.22 pm: Here is your first look at the all-new Vitara Brezza:
12.17 pm: Brezza petrol gets auto transmission and for the savvy buyers, it offers options of two new body colours - blue and red. There is a chromatic roof variant as well.
12.16 pm: Exterior design of Brezza has been re-crafted to give it premium look with emphasis on sporty character. Front bull-bar design adds to the design and skid plates give it a distinct look. It gets an integrated head lamp.
The diamond-cut alloys also add to the fresh appeal of the car.
Inside, the steering is leather-wrapped and the SmartPlay Studio from Maruti makes its Brezza debut.
12.15 pm: Brezza to get 1.5-litre K Series petrol engine.
12.14 pm: Did you know? Maruti says 47% buyers choose Brezza for its styling.
12.08 pm: The new Brezza claims to have better mileage, more power and will be offered with BS 6-compliant engines which means lesser emissions.
12.03 pm: Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO at Maruti Suzuki, takes to the stage.
"Maruti Suzuki committed to bringing style and comfort to Indian car buyers."
"We disrupted the UV segment when we first launched Vitara Brezza in India four years ago. A symbol of 'Make in India' It continues to rule the compact SUV segment with over five lakh happy customers."
"Our buyers are evolving, so we should also evolve. It gives me immense pleasure to introduce this new product."
"The new Brezza is bolder and more premium, and carries forward the rich legacy of its predecessor."
12.01 pm: Back and back with a bang - that is how Maruti Suzuki begins the press conference to launch the new Brezza.
11.50 am: It is expected that in its petrol form, Brezza will get the same 1.5-litre Smart Hybrid Vehicle (SHVS) engine that does duty on the Ciaz sedan. A five-speed manul and an AGS as options are also highly probable.
11.28 am: The media contingent moving in swarms towards the Maruti Suzuki pavilion where the next round of action is at. The covers will soon come off the all-new Brezza.
11.10 am: Mercedes-Benz has opened its doors to hospitality on the move. How? Welcome V-Cross Marco Polo edition which features a kitchenette and a cabinet, table, bed and a roof bed.
10.38 am: At a time when SUVs are ruling roads the world over, Tata Motors has brought back one of its most iconic SUVs from time gone by. Read why Tata Sierra Concept is an ode to the past.
10.15 am: Say hello to electric mobility solution from Hero Cycles. These battery-based bicycles can be used to carry luggage over long distance and are being promoted as cargo bikes.
9.50 am: Vespa Electrica also gets two riding modes - Eco and Power. It has a reverse gear.
9.48 am: Piaggio is also venturing into electric scooter. Vespa Electrica has been designed in Italy and specifically made for India. It has a 100km range on a single charge and takes 4 hours on fast charging to return to full power.
9.45 am: Action kick starts at Auto Expo 2020.
Piaggio showcases SXR160 under the Aprilia brand. The scooter comes with two engine options - 160 cc and 125 cc. A generous amount of chrome has been used to enhace the visual appeal while the SXR160 comes in four colour options - black, red, white and blue.
Bookings will begin from August while SXR160 will be made available in Q3.
9.36 am: It is electric power all the way into the future. Read why carmakers are stressing on EVs at Auto Expo 2020.
9.15 am: Interested in getting your hands on an electric two-wheeler with stellar looks? Okinawa Cruiser is breaking cover today. It is billed as the country's first electric cruiser scooter and Okinawa promises to reveal exciting details about it.
8.55 am: Did you know? Over six lakh visitors came to witness the automotive extravaganza back in 2018. Here is how you can get your hands on a ticket this year.
8.40 am: If you thought yesterday was exciting, today promises to be an outright thriller. All eyes would be on Maruti Suzuki camp once again as the company is ready to take the covers of Vitara Brezza Petrol.
The petrol version of Brezza has been eagerly-awaited and can bring back turf area lost in recent times to strong rivals in the compact SUV segment.
Hyundai is also expected to showcase the 2020 Creta here today. This is yet another massively-awaited launch as Creta has been a runaway success for the company on Indian roads.
MG Motor will showcase the Hector Plus which is a longer version of the popular Hector SUV.
8.35 am: Yesterday was a cracker of a day with several explosive showcases and launches from the world of automobiles. Read our quick recap of the top-10 cars unveiled at the event.
8.30 am: Hello and a very warm welcome to another cold yet exciting day here at Auto Expo 2020 in Greater Noida. The calm of the wee morning hours has once again given way to a palpable buzz as the media contingent gets ready to bring you all that OEMs are showcasing today.
