Mahindra has launched a limited edition run of the Scorpio at the Auto Expo. The special edition will feature special trimmings and finishes, premium fabrics and high quality accessories. Only 1000 such editions will be made. Ajay Devgan (first Scorpio customer) and Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and MD, Mahindra Group, took special pride in unveiling ‘The ‘Scorpio Coffee Table Book.’ The book chronicles the journey of the Mahindra Scorpio since its launch in 2002. It is available at leading book stores, Mahindra dealerships across the country, and also at the Mahindra Pavillion in Hall No. 2 at the Auto Expo.

Renault Twizy ZE Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its fourwheel chassis, Renault Twizy ZE Concept offers the driver and passenger – seated one behind the other – an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions. Renault Twizy ZE Concept is compact, nimble and practical – everything you need in city traffic. The wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first class protection for both the driver and the passenger.

Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making it versatile and easy to drive. The acceleration performance of Renault Twizy ZE Concept in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.

TVS Motors showcased the Apache 180 with ABS technology. The TVS Apache is expected to be launched with ABS some time soon and will be the first made-in-India bike to be equipped with ABS. The ABS system will help in better braking in wet conditions, prevention of wheel skids, rear wheel lift of protection (prevents stoppies) and independent control. We think TVS is doing a fantastic job and when the new Apache 220 comes, the competition will be on their toes.

Tata Motors always shows a new concept based on the Indica at every Auto Expo. They had the Indica Silhouette some years back and this year they got the Indica Vista Concept S. Though on the spec sheet the car does not boast of any mechanical changes, but on the visual side it looks quite appealing with those mean intakes and wheels. Tata should not have any problems putting this into production but will they? Our guess is as good as yours!!

Hero Honda was present with its complete convoy at the Auto Expo 2010. However the main attraction was the company’s flagship model, the Hero Honda ZMR. There were quite a few ZMRs on display with a white one continuously rotating at the center. Also present was a ZMR with transparent body which revealed the mechanicals of the machine. Hero cycles, world cup trophies and engines were also on display. We would have loved to see a new concept but sadly that wasn’t to be. The electric division of Hero launched three new scooters — E-sprint, Zippy and Optima Plus are priced at Rs. 32,470/-, Rs. 17,900/- and Rs. 32,796/-

To emphasise Toyota’s commitment to the environment, the Corolla Altis CNG was launched at the Delhi Auto Expo today. The company also had the Innova CNG and Camry Hybrid on display.

Mercedes-Benz showcased the Concept FASCINATION design study at the 2010 Auto Expo. This unique vehicle, whose innovative and unconventional proportions interpret the emotional appeal of a coupé in a new way, represents an exciting and intelligent combination of sporty and elegant design with stylish practicality. Wood, aluminium and smoked glass give a particularly exclusive look and feel to the luggage compartment which incorporates a refrigerated compartment and a humidor as well as offering a large load space.

Concept FASCINATION is a unique jewel of compelling automotive design which is distinguished by its irresistibly dynamic lines yet still offers the benefits of a large luggage compartment. A particularly notable feature of the design is that the practical load space develops organically from the exciting and elegant lines of this lifestyle coupé, giving it its special charisma. Inside, the tone is set by fine, exceptional materials hand-crafted to the highest standard. Absolute perfection and attention to detail make this design study an incomparable gem which conveys at one and the same time a sense of sporty forward movement and elegance, savoir-vivre and exclusivity of the highest level.

The engine line-up includes the new four-cylinder diesel engine which features BlueTEC technology and develops 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres. The design study’s elongated body is dominated by the dynamic front-to-rear sweep of its lines which gives it a dynamically charged look, evoking movement even when the vehicle is stationary. This impression is emphasised by the long, frameless, side-window line which describes a continuous arc from front to rear, uninterrupted by a B-pillar. As a result, the large load space in the rear is integrated in the vehicle body cohesively and harmoniously while also increasing the impression of length and creating a remarkable sense of lightness. The side windows can be lowered completely to provide an uninterrupted view of fine materials which have been used inside the vehicle.

A sense of forward-flowing energy is created by the wedge-shaped profile of the design study whose sides are structured by taut, clearly defined lines which grow out of the surfaces organically and disappear back into them in the same subtle way. Sensitively sculpted surfaces, alternately concave and convex, are defined by the shoulder line, undercut feature line and an additional line to form a gentle, yet pronounced linear flow complemented by an intriguing interplay of light effects. In short, flowing surfaces and arching structures create compelling forms.

The wheel arches are powerfully sculpted. In the rear wings in particular, the rounded treatment of the flared wheel arches is characterised by a degree of almost sensual exuberance – a classic Mercedes-Benz design element of the past – which is taken to an elegant conclusion in the lines of the rear. In order to maintain the flow of the surfaces and edges, the door handles are visually extended rearward of the doors into the sides of the vehicle.

The ConceptFASCINATION study was not created merely to arouse interest in a new and unusual design concept. It is much more a matter of giving designers the opportunity to play around with unconventional topics, to look at things in a new way and to explore new ideas. Design studies also serve to stimulate a closer dialogue with customers and to gauge the public reaction to new ideas for cars. They help Mercedes-Benz designers to get a feel for future styling trends and to develop new design idioms.

Maruti Suzuki has launched the Eeco MPV at an introductory price of Rs 2.59 lakh for the 5-seater standard model, Rs 2.89 lakh for the 5-seater AC model and Rs. 2.75 lakhs for the 7-seater variant (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The Eeco is powered by the 1200cc K-Series petrol engine with 73bhp of power on tap. The engine is Bharat Stage IV emission norms compliant. The Eeco is expected to initially sell 40,000 units annually. The company will also be unveiling a concept electric version of the Eeco, named Eco Charge.

Toyota has launched the latest generation of the Prius in India at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. Prius which in Latin means ‘to go before’ is equipped with the latest of its pioneering technology – the Toyota Hybrid System II (also called Hybrid Synergy Drive), – and with one of the best aerodynamic performances, the Prius has achieved world-leading fuel efficiency. The Third-generation Prius comes with three driving modes – Power Mode, Eco Mode and EV (Electric Vehicle) Mode, – as well as a host of dynamic features that combine to give improved driving pleasure with superior environmental performance. The Prius will be available in limited numbers in two variants, priced at 26.55 lakh and 27.86 lakh, ex showroom, New Delhi, and bookings start from today.

The Third-generation Prius : –

- A 1.8L, 2ZR FXE engine and 136PS Horsepower
- Hybrid Synergy Drive
- Electrically controlled CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Electronically Controlled Shift Lever
- Regenerative braking
- Aerodynamic design of 0.25Cd (amongst the lowest in the world)
- Head Up Display,
- Push start system and smart entry
- Audio and Bluetooth controls with touch sensor on steering wheel
- ABS, BA, EBD, VSC, Traction Control and 7 airbags

Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System II : -