Automobz.com Unofficial Blog

The Paris Motor Show, from October 4th - 19th will showcase many cars that would interest the Indian Automotive sector, unlike previous motor shows. This shows the growth of the Indian automotive scene and very much a player for the car makers to mull over. The fortnight will showcase the Hyundai i20, which is set to replace the Getz in the global arena, but will continue to flourish in the Indian market continuing the trend wherein manufacturers have two products in the same segment. The Indian launch will follow. More importantly the Kappa platform will continue with the i20. Then there is also the i20 i-blue concept with the all new 1.4 CRDi engine with a CO2 output of just 99g/km. There is also the petrol-electric hybrid on the Santa Fe platform, that has a new 30kW electric motor and a six speed automatic transmission with the existing 2.4L engine. There would be the new Audi A6 and the fifth generation BMW 7 series. The Ferrari California will be on show after its mixed responses that it received when it was first shown in May earlier this year. The classy and versatile city car, the Ford Ka will also be launched with a few changes and will have a lot to do to resserect Ford's fortunes. The new E-class will form a part of the Mercedes-Benz Fascination series which is sure to surprise many.

The hybrid and green brigade will be led by the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt. Honda Insight concept will also be on display along with a fleet of Volvo's showcasing their DRIVe technology with low rolling resistance tyres to gearchange indicators. There are host of changes on offer to increase efficiency. Then there is the new Golf BlueMotion whose figures are startling and Volkswagen is sure to go all out with this Golf, regarded by many as its bread and butter. The new Mini Crossman will also be on show. This 4X4 Mini is unlike any and has been dubbed as a SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle and it is more practical too with the B-pillar on the driver's side being dropped. The headlights too have been beefed up that seem to cringe toward the windscreen. And needless to mention the ground clearance too has increased.

Apart from the i20, for India, the 2008 Honda Jazz will also be showcased and also the Suzuki Alto. This will be known as the A-Star in India and will be contract manufactured by Maruti for Nissan for which it will be called the Pixo. It has been made clear that the A-Star has nothing to do with the existing Alto here and will continue. The Pixo will have a slightly different front end and badge. All of them would have the 1.OL K-series engine from Suzuki, but the European offerings will have the additional four speed automatic transmission. Even though the car would be the smallest premium hatchback here with dimensions of 3,565-mm length, 1,470-mm height and 1,600-mm width, with a 2,360-mm wheelbase but the efficiency of the design will accentuate the roomy interiors, head and leg room and the spacious boot. The car is expected to be part of the market from November and will hit the global showrooms by early next year. Many more cars are expected to create a ripple in the automotive industry in this showcase event, with the global slowdown in car sales and the rising fuel prices it would be interesting to see the strategy of many of the automotive giants and also the responses from the public on what they can expect in the coming months and years. For once the Eiffel Tower will not be the main attraction in the French capital.