2023 Auto Expo Live, Day 2: After an action-packed day 1 of India’s biggest motor show, day 2 had more highlights, announcements, new vehicle launches, car showcases, and concept car unveils.
Auto Expo Live Day 2: Maruti Suzuki Jimny unveiled
Day 2 of the 2023 Auto Expo comes to an end with some of the biggest launches of the year. MG inaugurated the day by showcasing the Euniq 7 hydrogen-powered MPV and highlighting their alternate fuel vehicle plans.
Post MG, Sun Mobility unveiled its new batteries which are smaller but have 45 percent more range, while also showcasing its new battery swapping station at the ongoing Auto Expo.
Maruti Suzuki stole the show next by unveiling the new Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door in India, and the Baleno-based crossover, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx at the show. Bookings for both vehicles are open at Nexa dealerships or online, while the price announcement is expected around April.
After a long inaugural session, it was Omega Seiki Mobility that launched three vehicles at the Auto Expo, the M1KA 1.0, a four-door electric passenger vehicle called Muse, and the segment’s first air-conditioned electric passenger vehicle called Kraze, priced at Rs 15 lakh, Rs 4 lakh and Rs 4.20 lakh respectively.
This was followed by other companies like WardWizard, Jupiter Mobility, MTA e-Mobility, Motovolt, and Godawari electric showcasing some of their latest products and concepts. WardWizard launched an electric scooter called the Mihos that has a range of 100 km, priced at Rs 1.49 lakh while showcasing its city bike concept, the Rockefeller.
Benelli and Keeway, the two sister companies owned by the Chinese Qianjiang Motorcycle group, showcased multiple motorcycles including a cruiser called the Dark Flag, a street naked called the LFS 700, and a power cruiser called the LFC 700. These motorcycles will be launched around Diwali this year under the Keeway branding.
Bringing the second day of the 2023 Auto Expo to an end was Bangalore-based EV startup, Ultravilette, announcing their foray into the world of motorsport with the F99 Factory Racing platform, tuned to deliver 65 bhp. Here below are all the updates from day 2 of the 2023 Auto Expo.
2023 Auto Expo Day 2 Highlights
EV maker Ultraviolette today announced its foray into the world of high-speed racing with the unveiling of the F99 Factory Racing platform. The F99 Factory Racing Platform has been engineered to deliver maximum power from the powertrain while ensuring all necessary safety checks, resulting in a peak power output of 65 bhp and a top speed of over 200 kmph!
The three Omega Seiki electric vehicles are designed for a wide range of purposes. Here's all the details you need to know.
Nitin Gadkari takes a quick moment to pose for the cameras at the MG stall at the 2023 Auto Expo
WardWizard continued by showcasing the city bike concept called the Rockefeller, scheduled to launch later this year. The Benelli Group unveiled three motorcycles – the LFS 700, LFC 700, and the Dark Flag, with plans to launch it around this Diwali season.
MG opened the day showcasing the Euniq 7 hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, followed by Maruti Suzuki unveiling the much-talked-about Jimny 5-door and the Fronx crossover, while opening pre-bookings for both models. OSM launched three EVs, followed by WardWizard launching the Mihos electric scooter …
Nitin Gadkari arriving at the MG Motor stall at Auto Expo to check out the hydrogen-powered vehicles
The Benelli Group's Benda LFC 700 has a massive rear tyre.
WardWizard has also unveiled the first concept of its city electric motorcycle called the Rockefeller, which will be launched by the end of FY’24.
WardWizard, the electric two-wheeler Joy ebike manufacturer, has launched its new high-speed electric scooter ‘MIHOS’ with Poly Dicyclopentadiene Material (PDCPD), priced at Rs 1.49 lakh. The company claims a range of 100 km on a full charge that takes 4 hours.
Next up to be showcased is the Benda LFC, which has the same engine as the LFS 700, but makes 91 bhp from the 680cc four-cylinder engine.
The next model showcased is the Benda Dark Flag cruiser, powered by a 496cc V4 that makes 52 bhp and 42 Nm of torque. Weighing 231 kg, the Benda Dark Flag has a 16-litre fuel tank and is expected to launch around Diwali under the Keeway branding.
The Benelli group has showcased the Benda LFS 700, a four-cylinder motorcycle powered by a 680cc engine that makes 74 bhp and 67 Nm of torque. The street naked weighs 226 kgs and has a 18-litre fuel tank. Benelli will most-likely launch this under the Keeway branding around Diwali.
Here are some interesting alternate fuel vehicles, flex fuel vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars, and EVs from the show made by Hyundai and Toyota.
Hyundai is looking at expanding its EV strategy as well as meet all future requirements for ICE emission norms on petrol and diesel, with an expanding SUV portfolio. Here's what Tarun Garg, the COO of Hyundai India has to say.
Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) launches India’s most affordable 1 ton truck ‘M1KA 1.0’ and India’s 1st IOT integrated, four door with cosmic roof electric passenger vehicle ‘Muse’ and segment first air conditioned electric passenger vehicle ‘Kraze’, priced at 15 lakh, ₹4 lakh and ₹4.20 lakh respectively.
Tata Motors has the Altroz Racer on display at the 2023 Auto Expo with features that will be a part of the carmaker's future updates. The Altroz Racer features a sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a new digital instrument cluster. Some of these features may spill into other Tata models soon.
The Benelli group will launch two motorcycles today, a cruiser and a sports bike. One little birdy says one of them is a litre-class motorcycle!
The second day of the Auto Expo has been eventful so far, with MG India unveiling the Euniq 7 hydrogen powered MPV, Maruti Suzuki unveiling the much-awaited Jimny and the Baleno-based crossover, the Fronx, and SIAM hosting the EV conference.
There are more updates coming up shortly from SML Isuzu, Keeway, Benelli, Ultraviolette, and more.
Here are some pictures of the Jimny
Here's all you need to know about the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, including it's launch details, competition, features, and more.
The MG Euniq 7 is powered by the newly developed third-generation fuel-cell system, also known as Prome P390. In terms of technical specifications, the Prome P390 delivers 92 kW of power with a peak operating efficiency of 60 percent. It can operate at a maximum of 95 degree celsius and can cold start at -30 degree celsius.
Read more: MG showcases its Hydrogen Fuel-Cell technology
“The Jimny is capable of extreme off-roading while taking on the toughest of challenges. The special 4WD transfer case lets you shift seamlessly from 2H two-wheel drive to 4H four-wheel drive on-the-fly. Effortless shifting to 4L (low range transfer gear) drive mode gives the Jimny maximum torque and traction for the most challenging off-road terrains.” Maruti Suzuki.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be available in a total of 7 colour options which include 5 monotone shades and 2 dual-tone choices.
Another interesting car launch at the 2023 Auto Expo was the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, launched yesterday, priced at Rs 44.95 lakh ex-showroom. The Ioniq 5 competes with the Kia EV6, however, is based on the same platform and has a price advantage since the Ioniq 5 is locally assembled.
The Jimny's safety features include 6-airbags, Brake (LSD) Limited Slip Differential, ESP with hill hold assist, hill decent control, rear-view camera, and ABS with EBD.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny's design has a lot of thought put into it such as dedicated washers for the headlights, near flat reclinable front seats, a wide opening tailgate, well-laid-out switches, and more.
On the safety front, the Fronx is based on the carmaker's Heartetc platform, and gets 6 airbags (driver, co-driver, side & curtain), 3-point ELR seatbelts, ESP with Hill Hold Assist & roll over mitigation, ABS with EBD & brake assist (BA), and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx gets all the cool gadgets from the Baleno such as a head-up display, wireless charging, 360 degree camera, over 40 connected car features, 9-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, navigation, and more.
The new Maruti Suzuki Fronx will be offered in 6 single tone colour options in 3 dualtone colours.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), begins its Global Electrification Mobility Summit at the 2023 Auto Expo. Stay tuned for some key highlights from the industry experts.
Away from the crowd, the here's the new Maruti Suzuki Jimny India finally gets!
That's the reaction to the Jimny at the Auto Expo. Maruti Suzuki: This is what happens if you keep us waiting to launch a good product.
The new Maruti Suzuki Jimny's closest competitor is the Mahindra Thar, however, the Jimny is available in a 5-door specification while the Thar in three door trim. Here's a detailed comparison between the Jimny and the Thar.
Bookings for the new Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Fronx are open from today at Nexa dealerships. Customers can also book online.
Here are the detailed technical specifications of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover
Here are the detailed specifications of the Jimny.
The Jimny's interiors are not too crammed with technology, but has just the right essentials. Analogue dials for the instrumentation, black dash, and just the right amount of buttons.
Customers can pre-book the Fronx and Jimny at any Nexa showroom or by logging on to the official website.
The Jimny will be powered by the 1.5-litre 102 bhp petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, or a 4-speed AT.
The new Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be available in 7 colour options to choose from
The Jimny gets LED headlights with dedicated washers. That's cool.
The Jimny has a 50 degree departure angle, 24 degree ramp over angle, 36 degree approach angle, and a ground clearance of 210 mm. This couple with a proper 4X4 low ratio gearbox makes the Jimny a capable off-roader.
The new Maruti Suzuki Fronx will have a choice of two engine options. First is the tried and tested 1.2-litre engine that does its duty on the Baleno as well, and the other is a 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo petrol engine. Gearbox choices include a manual and a 6-speed AT.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx gets LED lighting, alloy wheels, a new aerodynamic design, squared wheel arches with plastic cladding, faux skid plates front and rear, and an overall unique design that will make it stand out from the Baleno.
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is based on the Baleno platform, but gets a more angular design compared to the hatchback. The Fronx does borrow some its design elements from the newly-launched Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara as well.
Globally, the Jimny has sold over 3.2 million units in 199 countries and regions. India's next. Go Jimny!
Yes, that's the name for the new the Baleno based crossover that will be powered by the familiar 1.0-litre Booster Jet turbo petrol engine.
The much-awaited Maruti Suzuki Jimny is under wraps. The SUV will be the 5-door version and will be powered by the tried and tested 1.5-litre K-Series engine that makes 102 bhp mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Also Read: Does the 5-door Jimny make sense for India?
