2012 Beijing Auto Show - Highlights

The Auto China 2012, or more commonly known as the Beijing Auto Show, is arguably the most important motor show in Asia. The Chinese auto market is growing at exponential rate and every major auto manufacturer is present at the expo with a range of new concepts, production ready models and even special editions; hoping to get that extra piece of action. 

The number of vehicles unveiled in China this year is so high that the Auto Expo is almost on par with more traditional platforms like the Geneva, Paris and New York. The competition in the premium car segment is even stiff – not surprising as China is one of the biggest consumers in the world for luxury cars. The importance of the Chinese market is evident from simple facts like Lamborghini decided to preview their most important SUV concept, the Urus, here and Bentley launched a 'Royal Diamond Jubilee' Mulsanne edition, which actually honours the British royal family.

From our perspective the Beijing Auto Show is very significant, as just like India, China is also is a developing economy. Though they buy a lot more premium cars than us, the mass market cars sold in China are not so different - in the sense that they are also detuned and stripped versions of the cars available in Europe and US. It is also has an aspirational value and we hope that the Indian Auto Industry reaches that level somewhere in near future.

Lets us now look at all the important updates and highlights from the 2012 Beijing Auto Show over the next few pages.  

What? 

A Posh Evoque. 

Almost a year after announcement, Land Rover has finally launched the Special Edition Range Rover Evoque with Victoria Beckham. The limited edition was announced to honour the contribution of Mrs Beckham (aka posh Spice) in designing the smallest Range Rover. As expected, the special edition has even more inputs from the popstar and this Evoque comes in brilliant matte hand painted finish, 20-inch wheels with rose gold accent and hand stitched semi-aniline leather interior.

The special edition is only available in the three-door coupe version, with 2.0-litre petrol producing around 240PS.  

Why is it important?

Firstly it looks even more brilliant than the stock Evoque in that matte colour. Then, it is limited edition, and JLR has confirmed that only 200 units will be made available worldwide – making it even more exclusive.

Is it relevant to India? 

It is nice to know that this exclusive product comes from luxury brand owned by an Indian company. Also, the Evoque is one the products that has played pivotal role in revamping of JLR, which is currently valued at over 14 billion from 2.2 billion in 2009. 

Talking specifically about the SE Evoque – 200 units of the same will be available across the world in start of 2013. If you are interested in buying one in India, we suggest you contact nearest Land Rover showroom soon. And, if you do land one of these beauties, will you please lend it to us for a test drive, for giving this idea? 

What? 

Bentley Limited Edition 'Royal Diamond Jubilee' Mulsanne

A very limited edition of the Bentley Mulsanne to commemorate Queen Elizabeth IIs’ 60 years on the British throne. Since it is a diamond Jubilee edition, only sixty examples will be made, each representing a year of her majesties reign. 

The Royal Diamond Jubilee edition will feature a unique spectrum of leather and colour schemes that will set these apart from other Bentleys; these include shades of white red and blue specifically taken from the Union Jack. There are few other hand crafted features like the leather cushions with gold stitching giving it a royal air. Apart from the above there is plenty of limited edition badging on both the exteriors and interiors. 

Why is it important? 

This edition has been unveiled on the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, but not in UK. It is actually unwrapped at the Beijing Auto Show – well, we can always argue that it was unveiled there purely because the dates coincided. but, this is the best example of growing importance of Chinese market for premium brands .

Is it relevant to India? 

Not really, but then it is a very exclusive Bentley and had to be a part of this list.

What?  

2013 Fiat Viaggio

This is Fiat’s all new D-segment sedan. The Viaggio is the first product developed jointly between Fiat and Chryser and sits on the CUSW (Compact US Wide) platform, which was originally developed for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It is also fiat’s first car to be made in China under its new 400 million contract with the local manufacturer CAG. It also looks similar to its cousin Dodge Dart that was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, earlier this year.

Why is it important? 

The Fiat Viaggio is absolutely stunning for a D-Segment sedan. But there is another reason why this car it so important – the recent unveiling has confirmed that Italians have exhausted all the awesome names and are now coming up with absolutely ridiculous ones for their vehicles. First was the Ducati Panigale, followed by Ferrari Berlinetta (this is controversial, but certainly not awesome) , then the Lamborghini Urus and now we have the Fiat Viaggio!

Is it relevant to India?

Quite possibly. Fiat did not upgrade the Linea T-Jet earlier this year when they launched the facelift versions of the Punto and Linea. Fiat confirmed that they do have plans for the Linea T-Jet segment and we think that this might be their new D-segment sedan that will compete with Toyota Altis and Skoda Laura.

What?  

Rolls Royce Ghost Six Senses.

Why is it important?

Rolls Royce claims that the new Ghost Six Senses it activates all five senses through ultra luxurious features and also the sixth sense through its highly efficient safety standards. In their words, approaching this luxurious Rolls-Royce and opening its coach doors immediately ignites the senses for sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. We will certainly give you more details of the same, just that we want to validate it ourselves first.

Is it relevant to India?

Rolls Royce cars are available in India and we are almost certain that you ccould also order this one here if you have the will, the money and the right strings to pull; if you have enough dough and patience and liking for boxy design and have previously owned a premium luxury car. 

What?  

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

Why is it important? 

This is the convertible version of the much hyped i8 concept and it gives us an insight into BMW’s future plans. Like most other manufacturers BMW plan to go green as well, err ... grey, white and blue in this case. But importantly they have taken this seriously and without compromising much on the performance. This plug-in concept features a 131PS motor that powers the front wheel along with 223PS petrol engine for the rear, with a total of more than decent 354PS and 550Nm torque. The hybrid goes from 0 to 100kph in less than 5 second with an electronically controlled speed of 250kph like most other Beemers.

Is it relevant to India?

No. This concept is still far away from production - and even the final product will take lot of time to come here, as we don’t have proper infrastructure for hybrid cars. Ohh, just for the sake of relating it, this is actually the open-top version of the car seen in the movie, Mission Impossible IV, and was brought to Mumbai for shoots.

What? 

Seat Ibiza Cupra

Why is it important? 

Like the Fabia, the Ibiza is yet another hatch based on the Volkswagen Polo and like the Polo R, the Ibiza Cupra is a hot hatch that is powered by the VW 1.4 TSI engine. That is the same petrol engine which has direct injection, a turbocharger AND a supercharger! Though hiding behind the ‘Concept’ tag, the Ibiza Cupra is very close to production and will hit the European market later this year. To attract the young kids to the showrooms, the Ibiza Cupra also gets a beefed-up look with LED DRLs, bigger air-dams and sporty bodywork. All that jazz puts out a massive 180 PS of power which is enough to make an eighteen year old wet his pants.

Is it relevant to India? 

Sort of. The Volkswagen Group is mulling introducing the Seat brand to India. If that happens, the first car to come in will be the Ibiza since it shares the platform with the Volkswagen Polo and the Skoda Fabia.

What? 

Nissan Sylphy 

Why is it important? 

The Nissan Sylphy that has been shown at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show will go the US market as the all-new Sentra. Design-wise the Sentra / Sylphy looks like a scaled down version of the Nissan Ultima that was recently unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show. The Sentra slots between the Nissan Versa (Sunny in India) and the Teana – which means it competes with the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Laura etc. In China it will be powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine that is mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox – which is known to be quite a frugal package.

Is it relevant to India? 

Yes. There is word in the automotive world that Nissan is mulling an upper C-segment sedan for the Indian market to fill the gap between the Sunny and the Teana. If that is true, then the Sentra / Sylphy would be one serious contender for the role since it’s a proven package and because Nissan has been following a global-model strategy in the recent past.

What? 

Hyundai Langdong 

Why is it important? 

Remember the Hyundai Elantra that the Korean carmaker displayed the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi? Well, the Langdong is the same Elantra sedan albeit customized for the Chinese market. The fluidic design language stays, however, there are some changes to the front and rear end. The front face loses the hexagonal grille and instead gets a more conservative grille and bumper treatment. The tailgate remains largely similar to the global Elantra save for a different placement of the reflectors.

Is it significant to India? 

Yes. Hyundai is planning to bring the new Elantra to India to fill the void between the new Verna and the recently launched Sonata. It will be interesting to see if they bring in the same global model shown at the Auto Expo or replace it with the sobered version that is shown in China.

What? 

Toyota Dear Qin twins 

Why are they important? 

The Toyota Dear Qin sedan and hatchback concepts are being touted as the new global compact models from Toyota. They are also important because they preview the new design language that Toyota will adopt in the recent future. Toyota claims that the Dear Qin concepts will debut in production form by 2013. Though the carmaker hasn’t put any light on the oily bits, we expect the form factor and drivetrain options to be such that these two cars will be placed between the Yaris hatchback and the Corolla sedan.

Are they significant to India? 

Yes. As we mentioned in our analysis of the Dear Qin concepts, we believe that the duo is based on the Etios twins that are sold in India. However, since the Etios sedan and the Etios Liva hatch look and feel too mediocre for the European market, the Dear Qin twins will don a new skin and probably even get retuned mechanicals to cater to the European markets.

What? 

Porsche Cayenne GTS 

Why is it important? 

Its signature colour is a bright green, but its powertrain doesn’t make any tall claims of being one. Instead it guts out an outrageous 420 PS of power from the uprated V8 engine which catapults the hulk from naught to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. If that’s not enough, Cayenne GTS can hit a top speed of up to 261 km/h. Porsche claims a fuel economy of a little less than 10 kmpl for the SUV and it dons a sporty styling that goes well with its bulk. Oh, and we particularly like those four exhaust pipes.

Is it important to India? 

Yes, very much. The Porsche Cayenne GTS will be slotted between the Cayenne S / S Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo and will be launched in India a few months from now.

What? 

2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate

Why is it important?

The 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate is the ultra-luxury version of their top of the line sedan; it is loaded with features for those who want to enjoy comforts of a limo. The 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate comes with handcrafted interiors along with features like individually adjustable rear seats, motorised folding table, chilled champagne bucket and many others. Under the hood is the Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that produces 510PS and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox..

Is it relevant to India?

There is no word from Jaguar about its global launch, though 30 examples will be shipped to US for an ostentatious price. As all Jaguars come to India as CBUs, there is a possibility that the company might get this for you, if you have pockets deep enough to pay the customs duty as well. 

What?

 

Ford EcoSport SUV

Why is it important?

This is the production ready version of the compact SUV, which premiered at the 2012 Auto Expo. The EcoSport is developed specifically for the emerging markets like India. It has good ground clearance, looks big, will negotiate bumpy Indian roads well and has small turbocharged petrol engine, which gives a respectable performance with brilliant fuel economy.   

The EcoSport was expected to create new segment in India – compact SUVs. Now it won’t, because the launch is delayed to 2013 and the Renault Duster will be here much before that. Still, it is very important car is a expected to sell in high numbers in India.

Is it relevant to India?

Read – 'Why is it important?'

What?

Peugeot Urban crossover concept

Why is it important?

This is the French carmaker’s new B-segment Urban Crossover Concept. As the name suggests it is developed to meet the needs of urban lifestyle. It is likely to be powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines producing 156PS and the stop-start-equipped 112PS diesel. What really makes it important though is the fact that it is similar to the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster, but with the features for European markets.

Is it relevant to India?

Not right now. But then, with the recent agreement between PSA and General Motors, the French group might start offering products here through GM’s facility and the production ready version ca possibly cone to India, in not so distant future.

What?

Honda Concept C sedan.

Why is it important?

Firstly it is a Honda and then it is mid-sized low budget sedan concept and furthermore the design is radical that looks up market. We love the package, don’t we? Unfortunately, it is developed specifically for the Chinese market under their association with the local manufacturer, Guanggi.

Is it relevant to India?

We hate to say this, but no. 

What?

Honda Concept S - Global compact car

Why is it important?

Another hybrid powertrain concept developed by Honda, but this a people carrier. Honda says the ‘S’ stands for Stylish, Smart and Surprise; the concept has only two rows instead of three, as commonly found in passenger movers. The Honda Concept S will be introduced in the Chinese market through Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. next year, followed by a global release. 

Is it relevant to India?

Honda has also confirmed the final version will be available with a petrol mill and the underpinning will be used in the new global compact hatchback. This makes the concept ‘S’ a contender for the Jazz replacement and that will certainly be available here. Just that it will a while before any of this materialises.

What? 

Lamborghini Urus SUV Concept.

No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. You really are looking at an SUV wearing a Lamborghini badge! 

The Urus, which is only a concept for now, is set to go on sale in somewhere around 2015. Like every other Lamborghini, this exotic SUV gets its name from the world of bulls; ‘Urus’ happens to be a Spanish breed of bulls- one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle. When it comes to the looks, the Urus with its mad design that is full of sharp cuts and creases looks unmistakably Lamborghini from just about every angle. 

Why is it important?

It’s an SUV designed and built by Lamborghini, for crying out loud! 

If the proposed spec sheet is anything to by, the Urus certainly will be no slouch. Lamborghini says, the SUV will get at least around 600PS of power and all-time 4WD, though no details have been revealed on the engine yet. With extensive use of carbon fibr and other exotic materials, the Urus promises to be quite light on its feet, weighing much less compared to its rivals. 

Is it relevant to India?

Here, in the Indian market, nearly every Lamborghini model is currently available on sale and this could only be a good thing as Lamborghini plans to put Urus into production by 2015. And even if they don’t we are sure that there will be many who will import this anyways.

What? 

2013 Mercedes Benz G63AMG:  The new 2013 G63 AMG which goes on sale this August will replace the current G55 AMG. The retro skin however does remain the same albeit with a few changes to the design that includes new LED daytime running lamps , new grille, AMG front bumper, redesigned mirrors and 20-inch alloy wheels (or drug dealer wheels, as we like to call them) with bright red brake calipers. 

Why is it important?

The big news regarding this all new G63 AMG, which made its debut at the Beijing Auto Show, comes from the fact that Mercedes has swapped the current big old lump for something more modern not to mention even more mental! It gets an AMG-fettled 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine pumping out over 540PS of power. 45PS more than the current G55. Power is transferred onto the road via AMG’s Speedshift Plus, 7-speed automatic transmission. 

Is it relevant to India?

Yes, a big yes! We get the G55 AMG in India, and when Mercedes stops producing the G55 altogether, they will start offering the new G63 AMG here.

What?

Audi Q3 RS Concept: 

Audi unwrapped the hot version of its compact-SUV, the Q3 in Shanghai. The Q3 RS, with its 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine that puts out an impressive 360PS of power – this is for those who need a little more ‘’umph’’ over the standard (and plain-Jane) Q3. Well, not really, because this is just a concept.   

Why is it important?

Under the hood, the 2.5-litre TFSI motor powering the Q3 RS has been borrowed from the TT RS, Audi’s iconic sports-coupe. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission with Quattro system distributing power to all four wheels. With a 0-100kmph time of around 5.2 seconds and a top whack of over 250kmph, the Q3 RS is anything but slow.  

Is it relevant to India?

The Q3 RS still is in concept guise, and should make it into production though there’s been no official word on it. However, if it does, the Q3 RS will be sold in limited numbers and there is very little chance that Audi might consider bringing it to our shores.     

What?

Mercedes CSC (Concept Style Coupé)

The stunningly designed Mercedes CSC that will go into production soon.

This latest four-door Coupé from the Mercedes’ stable could very well be the most desirable executive sedan this side of a CLS. The aptly called Concept style Coupé is based on the new A-Class. However, the CSC basically is a shrunken version of the low-slung CLS. Under the hood, the CSC gets a 210PS, 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

Why is it important?

Well, first things first. When it comes to four-door Coupés, Mercedes has nailed it again. The CSC looks exquisite and bold with spot on proportions. At the front, a pair of sleek headlamps and the ‘in-your-face’ grille lend an aggressive stance to the car. As you go along the side, those Massive 21-inch alloys are sure to grab your attention. All in the all, the Concept Style Coupé lives up to its name rather well.  

Is it relevant to India?

Yes, indeed. The CSC will hit the showrooms in 2014. Mercedes might even consider offering this Coupé here soon after its international launch. Yes, the styling will be toned down a bit when the production version is out eventually, though we hope that Mercedes does retain some of the exquisite detailing. 

What? 

Audi A6 L e-tron Concept: Audi’s Luxury Hybrid

Audi added yet another model to its e-tron range in the form of the A6 L e-tron Concept. The new A6 L e-tron concept comes with a 208PS, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that’s being paired to a 94PS electric motor. Audi says that the A6 e-tron will cover a distance of around 80kms when run purely on electric mode. 

Why is it important?

The A6 L e-tron Concept combines a conventional petrol engine with an electric motor to improve the range just that little bit more. It serves up a perfect blend of luxury, quality and practicality of an A6, plus you nearly get an extra 80kms of noise-free, eco friendly driving when the electric motor comes to life. 

Is it relevant to India?

Nope. Not in near future.