Top car launches expected at Auto Expo 2020

Auto Expo 2020 will provide car makers and automotive enthusiasts with yet another massive opportunity to connect over their common passion for vehicles of all shapes, sizes and drive capabilities. To be held in Greater Noida between February 7 and February 11, the event will have a moderately long list of launches and unveiling that could set the tone for the rest of the year.

Maruti Suzuki tends to take the lead at the Auto Expo each time it is held and there is no reason to believe this year would be any different. The country's largest car maker has big plans of cornering the attention and is preparing a number of vehicles for the market. At Auto Expo 2020, Maruti will finally take the covers off the petrol version of Vitara Brezza, its enormously popular compact SUV. First showcased at Auto Expo 2016, Brezza has been a runaway success story but has so far only been available in diesel. The petrol version - compliant with BS 6 emission norms, will not only be a fresh drive but will also get new alloy wheel pattern and revised headlamp and taillight clusters.

Maruti will also showcase the all-new Ignis with a 1.2 litre petrol BS 6 engine. The car will have noticeable changes to its design language. There are also reports that the company will showcase XL 5, its new hatchback based on Wagon R.

Another big launch expected at Auto Expo 2020 is the Carnival MPV from Kia. After the rousing success of Seltos SUV in India in 2019, Kia is hoping to build on the momentum and has big plans for the Carnival which will take on Toyota's Innova Crysta. Kia is positioning Carnival as a premium vehicle with stylish looks and fully-loaded interiors. Under the hood is a capable 2.2-litre diesel engine which, while a gamble, promises unmatched performance. With 204 hp power anbd torque figures of 440 Nm, the Carnival could also be quite fuel efficient.

Over at where the Skoda pavilion would be at, expect a buzz around the Octavia facelift. Die-hard Skoda fans have been waiting with bated breath for Octavia RS 245 and the Czech manufacturer will finally unveil the car at the Auto Expo. The Octavia RS 245 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol motor that has peak figures of 245 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. This helps the car shoot from stationery to 100 kmph in 6.6 seconds with a maxed out top speed of 250 kmph. The Octavia RS 245 stands on 18-inch alloys and may get a brand new black front grille and a reworked headlight system with DRLs.

Skoda would also be presenting its 'Made for India' compact SUV - Vision IN. With a clear emphasis on synthesis between a wide body and a purposeful look, the concept compact SUV gets a large grille with imposing ribs. The split head lights blend into this grille while a big front spoiler made of aluminium and large side air intakes seek to command attention. As per design sketches released, the rear of the car gets aesthetically contoured, three-dimensional rear lights. A horizontal light strip connects the reflectors. An aluminium diffuser is integrated into the rear apron underneath.

In the luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz is determined to grab maximum eyeballs. Apart from its plans for EVs, the German giants are also planning to showcase the GLE, GLS and GLB models. It has also confirmed the A-Class luxury limousine and the Marco Polo variant of the V-Class at Auto Expo 2020.