Top 5 affordable cars showcased at 2014 Auto Expo

This year's Auto Expo has been bigger than ever, with around 70 vehicles unveiled at the event. And as expected, out of all the cars displayed at the event, major attention was drawn by mass-segment cars. So, we bring you the list of top five affordable cars unveiled at the expo.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India is known for producing cars for masses not for classes. This year as well, MSI unveiled several mass-segment cars including the Ciaz sedan, SX4 S-Cross and Maruti Suzuki Celerio. Maruti Celerio was launched on 6th February at a starting price of Rs 3.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). What makes this a really special car is the 'EZ Drive' Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), it comes equipped with. This transmission is basically a manual one, but functions automatically. It has a standard manual gearbox and simple clutch, and gears are changed by a dedicated ECU and actuators. While, normal automatic transmission gearbox fitted cars come with power-sapping torque converter, this transmission in the absence of the torque converter, proves to be as fuel efficient as a manual gearbox. The AMT version of the car has been priced at Rs 4.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Datsun GO hatchback

Nissan's low-cost car brand, Datsun put the Go hatchback on display at the Expo. The Go hatchback had made its global debut In India, last year. The hatchback will be the company's first and cheapest offering in India, to be launched at an expected price of Rs 3-3.5 lakh. The Go hatchback shares its platform and engine with the Nissan Micra. Powering this hatchback will be the Micra's 1.2-litre hatchback, which might be de-tuned for more fuel efficiency. The company might finally launch the vehicle in March or April, this year.

Hyundai Xcent

After the 'grand' success of the all new Grand i10, Hyundai is now planning to bring in the sub-4 metre sedan 'Xcent', which is based on the hatchback platform. After an official unveiling of the vehicle on 4th February, Hyundai put this vehicle on showcase at the expo, where it received great response from public. Although, the Xcent looks similar to the Grand i10, the boot added to the car make the difference. The sub-4 metre sedan shares features and engines as well with its hatchback sibling. The company will position the Xcent against the Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and likes. So, expect this to be priced around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Ford Figo 2014

While, most were expecting Ford to unveil the Ka Concept (next-gen Figo) at the Indian Auto Expo, Ford shocked everyone by showcasing a more-feature rich version of the Figo at the event. What 2014 Figo additionally has over the older model, is the in-built Wi-Fi, which has been offered as a standard feature on all variants; and the factory-fitted audio system with the EXi, ZXi and Titanium trims. A buyer needs to pay an additional sum of Rs 10,000-20,000, to get the updated Figo.

Chevrolet Beat Facelift

General Motors finally launched the much anticipated 2014 Chevrolet Beat at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo at a starting price of Rs 4.06 lakh, with the top-end variant costing Rs 6.10 lakh (prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi). Carrying the new headlamps, revised front grille, new ORVMs with turn indicators and revamped front bumper, the new Beat facelift looks sportier and more stylish than the outgoing model. The rear profile too has gone through updates with new tail lights, redesigned bumper and few other changes.

Except the above-mentioned cars, other mass-segment vehicles that were unveiled at the Expo were Ford Figo concept (sub-4 metre sedan), Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Maruti Suzuki SX4 S-Cross, Datsun Go+ MPV, 2014 Honda Jazz, Honda Mobilio MPV, Tata Zest, Tata Bolt and few more.