2019 Auto Shanghai: Top 7 Cars

While there isn't much in terms of India relevance at the 2019 Auto Shanghai, but the motor show still saw some exciting concepts along with some production ready models from various auto manufacturers. Electric vehicles, long wheelbase models and SUVs were of prime focus at the Shanghai motor show. Some of the notable models to be showcased at the 2019 Auto Shanghai were the BMW 3-Series LWB, Pininfarina GT and Lotus Evora GT4 concept and so on. But there is much more that was showcased at the motor show. Here is our pick of the top seven cars which stole the show the 2019 Auto Shanghai.

Hyundai iX25 SUV

(The new Hyundai ix25 gets the bold new design with a sporty yet urban appeal)

Hyundai has unveiled the second generation ix25 SUV, or the Creta compact SUV as we know it in India. The current-gen Hyundai Creta and the Hyundai ix25 share the same underpinnings, and you can expect the same with the new generation version too. The new ix25 gets new design elements shared with the new Sonata and the new Santa Fe and the Palisade as well. The styling is bolder than the current model and looks more compact as well. The 2020 Hyundai ix25 gets a bold front end with the massive cascading grille being the highlight. The headlamps get the split set-up much like the new Kona and the upcoming Hyundai Venue. Overall, the new iX25 looks sexier than its predecessor and also retains its sporty, urban appearance. It would be safe to say that the model will be equipped with the new BlueLink connectivity system right from the beginning. The ix25 for China also has features such cooled seats, paddle shifters, electronic parking brake and a Terrain mode. Although not confirmed, the new generation Creta is expected to be offered in both five and seven-seater versions. The all-new Hyundai Creta is expected to get new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. Needless to say the engines will be BS6 ready when they arrive in India.

Also Read: Hyundai iX25 Showcased At 2019 Auto Shanghai

Renault City K-ZE

(The Renault Kwid EV City K-ZE will be sold in China first)

Renault has unveiled the production version of the Kwid EV at the ongoing 2019 Shanghai Motor Show in China. The new EV is based on the K-ZE concept that was unveiled last year and the electric offering smallest yet from the French automaker. The Renault City K-ZE is based on the same CMF-A platform as the India-spec Kwid, but the electric model is specific to the Chinese market for now. The electric hatchback though is being evaluated for the European markets but won't make it there before 2021. Sales in China though will commence later this year. The City K-ZE adopts a 33 kW motor capable of delivering 120 Nm of peak torque. The company says the car can be charged using the standard 220V domestic and plug charging points. The range is estimated to be about 240 km on the electric hatchback. The car will be built in China as part of a joint venture between Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Chinese car maker Dongfeng.

Also Read: Renault Kwid EV Unveiled At 2019 Auto Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB

(The Mercedes-Benz Concept GLB comes with 17-inch wheels which look rugged)

Mercedes-Benz also took the wraps off the Concept GLB at 2019 Auto Shanghai. The concept car has space for up to seven occupants, thanks to its long wheelbase of 2,819 mm. In fact, this is the first time that a compact model from Mercedes-Benz comes with a three row seating arrangement. With two additional single seats that can be recess-flushed into the load compartment floor to increase load capacity. The production version of the car will sit between the GLA and the GLC and this is Mercedes's rival to Audi Q4. The upright front section sees multi-beam LED headlamps. Expect Concept GLB to have some off-roading abilities as well, which is evident from the short overhangs at the front and rear. The Concept GLB gets the M260 four-cylinder petrol engine combined with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. The engine churns out about 222 bhp and a peak torque of 350 Nm.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz GLB Concept SUV Revealed At 2019 Auto Shanghai

Aston Martin Rapide E

(The Aston Martin Rapide E is the first ever EV from Aston Martin)

Aston Martin Lagonda has revealed the final version of its first ever all-electric production car, the Rapide E. It is also the car to be built at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art St. Athan manufacturing facility. The Rapide E is a special edition model with a production run of just 155 units. The Rapide E has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering. The Rapide E is powered by an 800V battery which is encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar. With an installed capacity of 65 kWh, the battery powers two rear-mounted electric motors which have a combined output of 602 bhp and a massive 950 Nm of peak torque. The Rapide E will have a range of over 322 km and the top speed of the EV is 250 kmph. The 0-100 kmph sprint takes about 4 seconds.

Also Read: Aston Martin's First Ever EV Showcased At 2019 Auto Shanghai

Volkswagen SUV Coupe Concept

(It might be concept, but the Volkswagen SUV Coupe is almost production ready)

Yes! That's what it is called, the Volkswagen SUV Coupe concept. The overall looks of the car are muscular with the front end getting a wide grille with double-C shaped chrome strip on the muscular front bumper and smart-looking LED headlamps. The silhouette of course is that of a coupe SUV with a sloping roof-line at the rear, making for a stylish looking SUV. It could actually be called a more stylish version of the China-only Tayron SUV. The Volkswagen SUV Coupe concept was built by FAW and Volkswagen in a collaboration.

Also Read: Volkswagen SUV Coupe Concept Unveiled At 2019 Auto Shanghai

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

(The Porsche Cayenne Coupe SUV was first showcased about a month ago in Germany)

With Coupe SUVs becoming more and more popular, it was just a matter of time before Porsche too jumped on to the coupe SUV bandwagon with the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. The Porsche SUV duo of Macan and Cayenne are the best-selling models for the company and with the coupe iteration of the Cayenne, it is a sure-shot way of ensuring the SUVs keep getting large numbers for the company. The Porsche Cayenne Coupe was in fact showcased about a month ago at Stuttgart. The highlight of course is the updated rear section which gets a sloping roofline which could either be a panoramic glass roof or an optional carbon fibre roof. The rear also gets an adaptive rear spoiler making it look quite smart! The roof itself has been lowered by about 20 mm and the rear doors and fenders have been redesigned too. The spoiler on the Cayenne Coupe extends by 135 mm at speeds of 90 kmph and up, which in turn increases the contact pressure on the rear axle and not discounting on efficiency either.

Jeep Commander PHEV

(The Jeep Commander PHEV has a fully electric range of about 70 kilometres)

Our final pick from 2019 Auto Shanghai will be the Jeep Commander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It is basically a 5-seater version of the Grand Commander SUV which was first showcased as the Yuntu concept in 2017. The Grand Commander is sold exclusively in China and so will be the Commander PHEV. This new model is equipped with batteries that are rechargeable and offers a pure electric range of approximately 70 kilometres. The electric unit will work in tandem with the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine to increase efficiency and performance. Jeep hasn't released exact specifications of the electric motor as yet. The Jeep Commander PHEV SUV will go on sale in China by the end of 2019 and was first showcased in the People's Republic at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show.