10 hottest new launches and concepts at Auto Expo 2012 edition

If you are a petrolhead, you surely know that the Indian auto industry comes alive every alternate year when the Auto Expo comes to town. Manufacturers wait for this opportunity to show off their new wares at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi, and consumers are more than happy to play audience. Not surprising then that 2012 is beginning with the same cheer. The Auto Expo is the cynosure of all car manufacturers' eyes. Be it concepts - which will never be marketed - to production cars - which everyone can buy - the fair promises everything. So sit back as we take you through a preview of 10 of the hottest new launches and concepts at the 2012 edition.

RENAULT DUSTER
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol/1.5-litre diesel
Peak power: 105 bhp/90 bhp
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Price: Rs 7 lakh
Appeal: With its chunky looks and a super-effi cient diesel engine, the Duster is sure to stir up the entry-level SUV market. On the downside though, it remains a two-wheel drive

CHEVROLET CAPTIVA
Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
Peak power: 184 bhp
Top speed: 200 kmph 0-100KMPH: 9.6 sec
Price: Rs 20 lakh
Appeal: The Captiva was facing tough competition and has been given a facelift to make it more attractive. It also has a new and more powerful engine

MARUTI SUZUKI ERTIGA
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol/1.3-litre diesel
Peak power: 95 bhp/90 bhp
Price: Rs 7 to 9 lakh
Appeal: Indians have always loved affordable vans. With the Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki lands it assault on this market. Importantly, it has not restricted the diesel variant to lower specifi cations

AUDI A3 E-TRON
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol/20 kW electric motor
Peak power: 211 bhp
Top speed: 231 kmph
0-100KMPH: 6.8 sec
Appeal: This new notchback could very well become the face of the new entry-level Audi. For now it is the future face of Audi, thanks to the hybrid power train

MERCEDES-BENZ SLS ROADSTER
Engine: 6.2-litre V8 petrol
Peak power: 563 bhp
Top speed: 321 kmph
0-100KMPH: 3.8 sec
Price: Rs 2.5 crore
Appeal: There is nothing more appealing than a convertible. More so when it comes from a legendary brand. Topping it all is the formidable engine

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS CONCEPT
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
Peak power: 210 bhp
Gearbox: 7-speed double clutch
Appeal: The future of the Mercedes-Benz small car is evident in this concept vehicle. The four-seater has ultra expensive equipment and high-tech gadgets as well. But do not expect such high levels in the production version. Nor is it going to come cheap

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE R CONCEPT
Engine: 2.0-litre TSI petrol
Peak power: 270 bhp
Appeal: The Beetle was rejuvenated some time back and now the same car has been given the 'R' treatment. This makes it much more sporty not just in looks but also in performance. However, the one to be launched in India will be the standard car.

HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol/1.8-litre diesel
Peak power: 148 bhp/140 bhp
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Price: Rs 12 to 14 lakh
Appeal: The Elantra is sure to stir up the sedan market just like the new Verna did. It offers style and is also expected to perform well on both fuel economy and providing joie de vivre

MINI COUNTRYMAN
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel/1.6-litre petrol
Peak power: 143 bhp/122 bhp
Top speed: 185 kmph/190 kmph
0-100KMPH: 10.9 sec /10.5sec
Price: Rs 35 lakh
Appeal: The quintessential Mini has grown into a big bullish looking SUV. It is sure to offer fantastic performance and, thanks to its price, whoever buys, will also enjoy exclusivity

MAHINDRA SSANGYONG KORANDO
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Peak power: 173 bhp
Top speed: 178 kmph
0-100KMPH: 10 sec
Price: Rs 12 to 14 lakh
Appeal: A new launch from the Mahindra stable is always exciting. The Korando is sure to offer a lot in a reasonable price bracket. But whether it will cannibalise Mahindra's own products remains to be seen

Bhp: Brake horsepower
KW: Kilowatt
Kmph: Kilometre per hour