Get ready for India's biggest automobile carnival with the Auto Expo all set to set your pulses racing as it kicks off on January 10, promising to showcase the new machines that will hit Indian roads, including the much-awaited Rs one lakh car from Tata Motors and a host of other compacts from the stable of Suzuki, Honda and Fiat.

The biennial event, India's answer to some of the top global auto shows like Tokyo Motor Show and Frankfurt Show, will showcase a series of new cars this time around, including having a global launch in Suzuki's 'A-Star' concept apart from other vehicles that may hit the roads soon.

The biggest attraction, however, would be the Tatas Rs one lakh car. The budget car, that has been in news ever since Tata group chief Ratan Tata spoke of his dream of building a car at the breakthrough price, is sure to be the biggest attraction at the show — that would run till January 17.

The event this time is expected to be one of the biggest to date with organisers saying the covered area has nearly doubled from the 2006 edition. In fact, the organisers have had to book state pavilions and even covered the lake within the Pragati Maidan grounds, where they have constructed a platform, SIAM Director-General Dilip Chenoy said.

The fair, that would have a ticket price of Rs 100 for the public and Rs 500 for business visitors, opens for the public on January 11.

Among the new cars that one can see in flesh and blood at the Expo would be the 1-litre A-Star of Suzuki, whose concept would be showcased in a global unveiling. Suzuki would also be unveiling the Splash compact, and both the cars likely to hit the Indian roads in 2008.

Others exciting showcases at the Expo would be the Fiat 'Grande Punto' that will also hit the Indian roads next year. Apart from the Punto, Fiat will also show its 'Linea' sedan. On the other hand, Czech carmaker Skoda will display the 'Fabia', another car that will be available next year.

Also being showcased in the category would be Volkswagon Up!, the new mini car concept the company introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show that will be launched in India by 2010. The company will also showcase its luxury SUV 'Touareg' as well as the popular compact saloon Jetta.

Honda will also showcase some of its new cars. These would include the compact 'Jazz' concept. Also, the company will showcase its new 'Accord' luxury sedan and the 'Civic' hybrid, both of which are slated for launch in India next year. Hyundai will be showcasing its premium SUV 'Santa Fe' (that may also be launched in India soon), apart from concepts like 'Veloster' and 'QarmaQ'.