Our top picks from Auto Expo 2023

Hormazd Sorabjee – Maruti Suzuki eVX

It might just be a concept, and the production version could look very different, but there’s no doubt that the Maruti Suzuki eVX is possibly the most significant car shown at Auto Expo 2023. The eVX previews a grounds-up, born-electric skateboard, which will be shared by a consortium of Japanese brands like Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, Daihatsu and, of course, Suzuki, to build their own products for global markets. Hence, Maruti Suzuki’s first EV will be no ICE conversion, but will be built on a dedicated all-electric platform that will spawn a new range of EVs for India, Europe and Japan. Also of significance is that the eVX isn’t a compact car, as you’d expect from the master compact carmaker. It is a 4.3 metre-long SUV with a generous wheelbase that will house a state-of-the-art 60kWh blade cell battery pack. The concept looks great, and fingers crossed Maruti Suzuki doesn’t botch up the styling.

Sergius Barretto – Tata Sierra

My aunt had the original Sierra and, just like everybody else back then, I absolutely loved to death being driven in it, and driving it too. So, I simply melted seeing the production-ready Sierra. I love the upright stance, the chunky B pillar looks awesome, and while the rear glass house does not wrap over like the original, it’s stylistically achieved. And then the interiors! The lines are crisp, fabric takes precedence over leather and plastic, and there’s even a sound bar in the centre. It's minimalistic and retro – my two favourite design themes – it’s as if I’ve ordered it tailor-made, which means I simply must order one.

Gavin D'souza – Tata Harrier EV

Though more radical vehicles were on display at Tata Motors’ expansive Auto Expo 2023 stand, the Harrier EV concept would be my pick because of what it represents. The Tata Harrier is an SUV that had so much promise, but was launched somewhat undercooked. They’ve remedied some of it in the four years since, but this Harrier EV concept finally gives us the SUV it should have been all along – larger wheels, sharper looks, and something as simple, but effective as full-LED lighting. Then there’s the long overdue infotainment upgrade with a slick new touchscreen. But really, it’s the powertrain, even though no specs were revealed. With support for dual motors, it finally brings 4WD to an SUV that should have always had it, and since we now know it will finally get a petrol engine too, it completes the powertrain trifecta of petrol, diesel and electric.

Nikhil Bhatia – Maruti Jimny, Lexus LM

Tata Motors had the most content-rich stand (again) and I really think the Sierra and Curvv are shaping up brilliantly. But it was the Suzuki Jimny that did it for me. The additional doors haven't corrupted the look (it turned out better than everyone's renders!), and I love the fact that it's still under 4m long. The engine specs seem underwhelming, but as long as performance is decent in town, I don't think it's a deal breaker. I can't wait to drive one to see for myself because the cute and cheerful Jimny is a frontrunner to find space in the Bhatia household.  

On a side note, two hectic days of press conferences and a rush to get content out took their toll on mind and body. And the one car from the show floor I'd wish was my ride to the airport was the Lexus LM. It'll be crazy expensive when it goes on sale and an MPV isn't everyone's form factor of choice. But everything takes a back seat to those, well, back seats. The 'thrones' are probably the best I've experienced on a car. If the LM is as quiet as I imagine it to be, it'd probably be a car that makes traffic jams pleasant.