2010 started of with a bang. And a big one at it. While scientists around the world are fretting their brains and conducting the big bang experiment to get a clue about the universe's history, here the show was billed as the biggest on earth, in terms of expected attendance.

20 million strong crowd.

Small is the new big.

The auto expo witnessed some big ticket launches in all segments, but its the small hatch segment that witnessed more than about half a dozen unveilings at the expo.

• Chevrolet showcased its all new M300 beat. Powered by 1.2 S-TEC II motor, it is available in PS, LS and LT (also LT pack) models. Its combination of fresh styling and cheeky nature, coupled with shock value price have given it a strong start this month. Lets wait for 6 months before commenting on its long term success. But at least on paper, GM has a winner in its hands.

• Chevrolet showcased its aveo UVA replacement concept at Detroit auto show a few days back. Since the production version is already under testing, expect this T300 hatch in India soon in early 2011 after its launch in Korea.

• Also showcased was the electric version of spark, developed in partnership with Reva. GM promises competitive pricing, good range and complete service backup when it goes on sale this fall. For people inclined towards saving our planet and running costs, this could be a decent alternative.

• Reva has already began exporting its NXR models. India launch scheduled this mid year. Can be expensive yet high on tech and range. NXG coupe on track for early '11 launch.

• Global giant Toyota performed a world premiere of its "made-for-India" Etios hatchback. A spin off of the Yaris platform, Toyota's value engineering and the car's frugal and reliable easy to drive nature will be the car to watch out for. Its built to a cost, so do not expect finesse, but expect long term hassle free motoring and reliability that you have come to expect from the toyota brand. Prices are started to start below the psychological 4 lakh barrier and the car is expected to be powered by 1.2 petrol and 1.3/ 1.4 diesel, evolution of yaris' motors.

• Not letting Toyota grabbing all the attention, Honda too displayed its NSC (New Small Concept) at the auto expo. Codenamed 2CV, it will slot below Honda's Jazz supermini and insiders are again talking about 4-5 lakh starting price, when the car goes on sale next year. It is built on a new chassis and being a Honda, you can expect frugal engineering with a hint o fun to drive factor thrown in. It will only be available with a sub 1.2 petrol, maybe 1.0 or 1.1 litre. No diesel in this one.

• Not present at the auto expo, Ford decided to wait for the month end to preview the much awaited hatchback, the FIGO, to the media recently. If the reviews are anything to go by, expect the diesel Figo to rack in numbers for Ford in this cut throat segment. Powered by 1.2 Duratec petrol and 1.4 TDCi mtors, the latter is also expected to be extremely fuel efficient, as the owners indicate. While not exciting, and also skimped on small equipment, if Ford prices the car extremely competitively, we can look forward to a new level of price war. But sales? Lets wait and see. It is based on the current Indian Fiesta/ fusion chassis with a marginally longer wheelbase and Ford has taken a whole new approach to the term, value engineering.

• Another car conspicuous by absence but waiting to make big headlines this year is Nissan's all new V platform based MICRA, scheduled to launch late this summer. Global production includes India as a base, so expect top class quality and driving dynamics, with cute looks and expect it to be powered by 3 cylinder 1.2 petrol and 1.3 diesel motors at launch. Nissan's biggest handicap, its sparse dealership network, can prove to be a major hurdle though. Hope it is sorted out soon.

• The people's car, VW, meanwhile grabbed all attention by unveiling the new model of its made-in-pune-India POLO hatchback. Being a VW, you can expect top class quality, fit and finish, ride and handling. Power comes from 1.2 3 pot 75 bhp petrol, 1.6 4 pot 100 bhp petrol and 1.2 3 pot 70 bhp CRDi diesel, the latter which makes its world debut here. Expect class topping fuel efficiency from TDI motor, if VW's reputation is anything to go by. Since VW has invested a mammoth amount in Pune plant, the company is serious about huge volumes in the long term, so expect "cheaper-than-fabia" competitive pricing. One major hurdle is suspected ownership costs and electrical reliability, which we hope are taken care of prior to launch.

• Since Euro 4 norms are giving auto companies ample time to upgrade their models, Skoda is also talking about launching a cheaper version of Fabia to take on the polo. Step Sibling rivalry aside, if all the negatives in the fabia are ironed out, expect this to be a closely fought battle. Hope skoda improves in its reliability and A.S.S. fronts to bring the fabia back on track. A face lift is also on the cards next year.

• Maruti has already upgraded the swift by plonking the ritz's 1.2 KB motor without increasing the price. So, the bestseller in the segment just got even better. But will it sustain that competition in the already overcrowded 1.2 petrol segment? Lets wait and watch. The Euro 4 diesel will be launched soon. See http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...ml#post1690367 for the pics.

• Meanwhile an all new second generation swift is on the works and can be expected by mid 2011. I the current model's weaknesses are ironed out, by retaining the positives (the car will also be sold in US, so expect improved rear space), we expect this car to replicate the success and score another home run.

• Maruti will also upgrade its alto and wagon R with the a-star's 3 pot KB motor. Expect them to be launched soon.

• While Hyundai had nothing new to show this year, the I10 will get a mid life facelift by this year end. A new turbocharged 800 cc 90 bhp mill is on the cards but maybe it is mainly for the export market. If offered in India, expect buyers to lap it soon. Also expected is a diesel version with a 1.1 3 pot motor.

• Hyundai's top secret project, a sub santro 800 cc small car, targeting the alto, is on the cards for this fall/early 2011 launch. Nothing concrete is known about it this time. The santro, will NOT be phased out as long as it continues to sell well, talk about 5-6000 units per month.

• An improved version of tata nano is also on the cards to be launched soon. Bigger OSRVM and minor tuning to the mechanicals are part of the package. Also, a diesel model powered by world's smallest CRDi engine is expected this fall.

• Fiat has quietly improved the grande punto for 2010 with improved plastics and less NVH. the company plans to launch 1.3 VGT 90 bhp MJD punto sports (with and without sunroof) by late summer. Also a new limited edition variant, the 1.2 punto petrol trendz, will come soon. Equipment includes punto active with add on stereo and jazzy colours with graphics.

• Fiat's plan to launch an entry level car is on track for mid 2011 launch. What about the palio? Some say that a refreshed version is coming this April, some say otherwise. Lets wait till April and see the real scenario. Also on cards is "500 by diesel" launch in very limited quantities.

Entry level Sedans

• Fiat is expected to launch Linea T-jet with 110 ps 1.4 turbo petrol motor, soon after it had showcased the car at the expo. Additional equipment to include leather upholstery, 16" alloys and rear discs. 2010 model with interior upgrades and less NVH already out.

• Chevrolet launched Aveo CNG. All new aveo sedan, based on T300 platform expected in late 2011.

• Ford expected to launch an all new fiesta sedan, already on sale in China and soon in USA and Europe, this fall. Power is expected from 1.6 Duratec and 1.6 TDCi motors.

• Toyota will proceed with the launch of etios sedan, showcased at the auto expo first, expected this fall. Power will come from 1.3 petrol and 1.4/1. diesel motors.

• While Hyundai just refreshed the verna last year, an all new verna is currently under development (code-RB). Expected to share Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture design" from the latest KDM sonata, it is expected by late 2011/ early 2012 in India. Power is expected to come from new GDI petrol and new R series diesel engines.

• Renault Logan facelift-50:50 chance. All depends upon the venture's attainability.

• Maruti Dzire also got the new 1.2 K12M motor from the ritz. In showrooms now. 1.3 DDIS unchanged, now BS 4 complaint. Coming in the next few days.

• VW will launch a pol based 3 door sedan by second half this year. Power will come from 1.2 TSi and 1.6 TDi CR motor. More details to follow prior to launch.

• Skoda plans to launch a completely new India-specific sedan based on the polo platform, but timing is unknown. Targeting the City, it will replace the octavia. Whether it will be called octavia or not, is unknown.

Entry luxury sedans:

• Not much action, but Chevrolet has just launched the cruze 6 speed AT priced aggressively at 13.45 lakh, ex showroom Delhi. Coupled with diesel power, it can steal a sizable chunk of sales from civirolla twins.

• Toyota is tightlipped, but expect a corolla D4D launch my this fall. Powered is expected to come from a 1.4 CRDi mill. Expect aggressive pricing for this also.

• Not much is unknown about the next civic, but the launch date is pushed back to late 2012. Honda has sent he car to the drawing board and the car will be smaller and lighter and will have a downsized turbocharged i-vtec motor. Only speculations, but I assume it to be this way.

• No news on new Mitsubishi lancer, but EVO X was expected this year. But is it really coming? Maybe anyone's guess, I am not too sure about it.

• Renault Fluence, showcased at the auto expo, targeting this segment, expected by beginning of 2011. No engine specs/ details known.

• VW jetta expected to get change in engines to comply with euro 4 norms. 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI CR expected. Laura motors expected to remain the same.

Executive sedans:

• Hyundai's all new Sonata, just revealed in Korea, has the potential to be the game changer. Gorgeous looks, 2.4 GDI motor, 2.0 R diesel motor option and Hyundai's after sales backup has the makings of a sure shot winner. Just all it needs is a sensible price tag and proper marketing skills. I want this car to succeed.

• Skoda superb could get the 2.0 CRDi motor to replace the PD motor. expect better refinement and drive ability, while keeping all the car's core values intact.

Luxury segment, including all types of imports:

• Rolls Royce ghost deliveries stated to begin soon.

• Bentley scheduled to launch its super luxury sedan, the Mulsanne by september.

• All new Audi A8 sedan coming this December, powered by 4.2 FSI, 4.2 TDI and 3.0 V6 TDI motor.

• Audi A7 5 door hatchback coupe, previewed by sport back concept at the auto expo, expected in 2011. Expect the engine options to mirror that of the A8.

• Porsche's all new second generation Cayenne coming at March in Geneva, is about 200 kilos lighter and is bigger and better than ever before. Increased wheelbase will result in more legroom. While less weight will mean better mileage. Power will come from 2.6 DFI V6 with 260+ bhp, 4.8 V8 with 400 bhp in the S model and 4.8 V8 with 500 bhp in the turbo model, same as that in the panamera. A V6 diesel will join the lineup in fall 2011. Expect India launch soon.

• Panamera V6 expected, priced at north of 80 lakhs.

• Mercedes Benz just launched a raft of new models-the new E class with 4 engine options, the refreshed S class with 500 (launched) and 350 V6 and 350 CDI (coming in a few days), GL class and E class coupe in 350 CDI and 350 guise respectively. The C class will get a refresh next year, whereas the SLS AMG has also gone on sale, with first deliveries scheduled from June. Expect a completely new version of CLS by end 2011, SLK by mid 2012, M class by mid 2012 ans SL by early 2013.

• Jaguar will expand its dealership network soon and launch its flagship XJ L sedan soon. Expected in Luxury, premium luxury and portfolio models, it will be powered with a normally aspirated 5.0 V8 with a supercharged 5.0 V8 as options. It will target S class, 7 series and A8 buyers. Prices are expected to remain competitive.

• Diesel 3.0 V6 version of XF expected by mid 2010.

• Land Rover has all models on sale here, a 5th model, called LRX will join the lineup by 2012, targeting the X6.

• Pissed of by encouraging response of the new W212 E class, BMW will launch its all new F10 5 series by this fall. Expect it to offer all the benefits of 7 series, including rear wheel steering and 8 speed automatic as options. Steering will be electric this time and the car will lay emphasis on practicality. Expect at least 4 engine options-both 4 and 6 cylinder DI turbo petrols and diesels, and an extremely competitive price tag with plethora of equipment. The E VS 5 wars just got hotter.

• Also coming this fall is a refreshed version of X5 SAV, the 4.8 V8 will be replaced with a 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 from the X6, the diesel will remain almost the same. expect minor changes to headlight, grille and bumper with minor interior tweaks. Official debut is scheduled for March in Geneva.

• BMW just launched the 5 series GT in 530 D guise, but only 100 units will be available. So, this is an exclusive piece of what is called as Progressive Activity Sedan.

• X1 SAV will be locally assembled and will be available this fall, pricing expected from 25 lakh onwards. 4 cylinder diesel motor expected with both RWD and X drive options.

• 7 series gains a flagship model-the 6.0L V12 powered 760 Li.

• X6 gains an "m" model with a 4.4 twin turbo V8 with 555 bhp, priced north of 1.41 crore.

• X3 will get a full redesign by mid 2011, and a new version of "F" coded 3 series sedan is expected by 2012.

• Volkswagen phaeton 3.6 VR6 to be launched in March with 75 lakh price tag, with a refreshed version to be followed next year. An all new touraeg is also on the cards for 2011 launch, based on the same platform as the second generation cayenne.

Meanwhile, global climate change is forcing all manufacturers to adopt new technology for stricter fleet fuel economy regulations, lowering of CO2 emissions and environment saving technologies like auto start-stop, Di and turbo with downsized motors are all what is expected for the coming years. Also see cars that are light in weight yet tough, as stricter safety norms kick in.

Conclusion:

In these last 27 years, since 1983, the Indian car market has indeed come a long way. From one of the smallest in terms of sales, it is now one of the biggest on earth, with small cars constituting more than 70 percent of the sales. As mentioned in my first post at this thread, small is the new big and good things will continue to come in small packages.

The competition is only tough and with the market becoming overcrowded, we, the buyers are really spolied for choice. Better awareness and education through reliable media is what we need to help buyers make a right choice.

We can predict that since there will virtually be no differentiating factor, the media market is going to explode and companies will do anything they can to lure buyers into showrooms and companies will also spend heavily on ads and providing a truly world class buying and owning experience. The winner-we, the customer, who is much more better informed than we used to be in the 80s and 90s.

What will future hold? Only time will tell.
Many companies have won their battles before, but this war is just a beginning.

Let the games begin and let me say again,
the winner takes it all,
the loser's standing small.
Besides the victory,
THAT'S A DESTINY.

For me, it was a republic day present and also a huge learning experience in penning down this mega article Live here in this span of 5 days.

Hope you all will enjoy reading it, even though it has some amounts of quirkiness and some sloppiness, which I hope will be excused.:)