GENEVA MOTOR SHOW:Even with budgets slashed at most auto firms, there is still plenty of tempting metal appearing for the first time at this year's Geneva Motor Show. MICHAEL MCALEERreports
ASTON MARTIN
We knew it was coming but the arrival of a supermini from the supercar brand – even in concept form – caused something of a stir. Based on Toyota's IQ, the Cygnetshows that even the more exotic brands are not immune to the growing desire of premium customers to downsize. It's a very brave move, for your typical Aston customer will not easily warm to a 1.3-litre city car, even with smart leather trim. In an effort to protect the brand, prices are likely to be way above the Toyota offering and the firm is planning to limit initial sales only to current Aston owners.
ALFA ROMEO
Alfa's stand is as much a tribute to its past as to the future, but in terms of new metal on show, the prime spot went to the new Giulietta, the replacement for the 10-year-old 147. It's a badly-needed entrant from the Italians and it goes on sale this summer. Based on a completely new platform, it's not a radical change in design, but does feature some traits from the eyecatching Mito small car.
AUDI
Audi has stolen the show this year, partly with its new A1and partly with the celebrity billing of its new brand ambassador Justin Timberlake. The new supermini is all set to give the Mini a real headache, hoping to win favour with fashion-conscious buyers who have become a little tired of the retro styling of the BMW-owned British brand, but who still wish to stay in the premium market.
The firm also launched an electric version of the car, albeit in concept form. With a range of 50km in electric mode, the electric version of the A1 also comes with a small range-extending engine that is used to recharge the batteries.
Also on display was a hybrid version of its new flagship A8 model. It runs solely on electric power in city traffic and calls upon a 2-litre TSI engine to support the battery power on motorway runs. It boasts a CO2 emissions of just 144g/km but torque of 480Nm and will enter production by the end of 2011.
Finally, the firm introduced what it’s billing as the modern-day equivalent of its legendary Quattro model from the 1980s. The new RS5 will take over the mantle of the RS4, boasting a 450bhp V8.
BMW
A quieter show for the Bavarian brand this year, BMW did offer up a future hybrid concept version of its new 5-Series. Featuring an electric motor to support the firm's renowned twin-turbo 3-litre petrol engine, the car will enter production next year. The Germans claim the electric motor offers a substantial power boost to performance as well.
FERRARI
Ferrari introduced a hybrid powertrain for its 599 sports car that reduces fuel consumption by 35 per cent compared to the regular V12. It goes some way to soothe the conscience of owners of the Italian supercars.
FORD
The only US big-three brand to weather the recession without seeking Government help, Ford is showing off its new Focusto European buyers. The new model is due to arrive in Ireland at the end of the year. Introduced to the world at the Detroit Motor Show in January, here it added its estate or stationwagon version to the mix of derivatives it gets from the platform of the popular hatchback. There was also plenty of talk of a future ST version coming in the next two years.
KIA
The Koreans are fast becoming serious players on the European stage and Kia is proceeding apace with its desire to become a more design-orientated funky brand. Its new Sportagemoves away from the more rugged styling of the current model to chase the crossover market instead. It will be a few months before it hits Irish dealerships but the car boasts a far more stylish exterior than before and will expand the range of brand's range.
HYUNDAI
Hot on the heels of the replacement of its Tucson model with the iX35, Hyundai is set to launch a stylish new replacement of the rather lacklustre Sonata in the near future. The new saloon, to be called i-40, will compete against the likes of the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat. If it takes more than 50 per cent of its styling from the i-Flow concept unveiled at the show then it is set to be a real contender – in looks at least – when it enters production. Reports are that the car will come initially as an estate, followed later by a four-door saloon.
LEXUS
Lexus unveiled its new CT200h hatchback which is to enter production at the end of 2010 for sale throughout the world. The five-door model is a full hybrid aimed at European buyers. It combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to claim 2-litre performance. The car itself is surprisingly spacious, with styling that bears some resemblance to the current Subaru Impreza and plenty of space inside. It’s the first time the brand has set its sights so clearly on the likes of BMW’s 1-Series and Audi’s A3.
MAZDA
The Japanese brand has launched an entirely new version of its Mazda5, that promises to be more fuel efficient but just as spacious. Based on a revised platform from the Mazda3 and retaining the rear-sliding back door, the seven seater also has design traits of Mazda's Nagare concept cars. Sweeping lines along the doors give it some real character, while the interior space and flexible seating arrangements have been further improved.
Alongside this is a new range of improved engines. The Mazda5 will feature a new 1.6-litre diesel that will fall into Band B tax, while an upcoming facelift for the Mazda6 will coincide with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre diesel that offers 127bhp, 340Nm of torque but will join the smaller diesel in Band B for motor tax.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Mercedes at Geneva is more about concepts than new metal. The star on its stand was undoubtedly the F800 Style, indicating the future look of the new CLC, due for launch within the next two years. The four-door format with coupé styling also indicates the overall design direction of the brand and could well herald a new look for the next generation CLS.
MINI
It was inevitable that Mini would have to extend its offering and it is using the Geneva show to showcase the production version of its crossover SUV, the strangely-named Countryman.A rugged take on the regular Mini, it will offer all-wheel-drive as an option and will come with three petrol and two diesel engines.
MITSUBISHI
While its Outlander crossover SUVs have shot out of showrooms because of a really competitive run-out price, the replacement is already on the way in the form of the new ASX. A stylish update with surprisingly sharp exterior design it will go on sale in most European markets this summer.
NISSAN
After the success of the Qashqai, Nissan have introduced a new front-wheel-drive hatchback crossover, the Juke. The car, smaller than the current Qashqai will go on sale later this year. The brand also launched the latest version of the Micra, with a look that harks back to the styling of the previous generation of the car. It will initially be sold with only a 1.2-litre petrol engine in two guises: a 79bhp version with 115g/km and a 97bhp with a start/stop system and 95g/km.
PEUGEOT
Another concept saloon that heralds the arrival of a production version in the not too distant future, the French brand showcased its " 5 by Peugeot" concept car. When it does enter production it will carry the 508 model name, replacing the 407 and 608. It also marks the future styling direction for the French brand that recently revamped its logo and marketing image. The new car is likely to feature Peugeot's long-awaited diesel hybrid powertrain, due to enter production next year and go on sale first in the 3008. The 2-litre 163bhp diesel engine is matched to a 37bhp electric motor, with emissions of just 99g/km.
PORSCHE
Porsche unveil its 911 GT3 R Hybrid,aimed at illustrating the potential of hybrid drivetrains in a racing environment. In reality the 60Kw electric motors don't really provide all the punch: that still comes from the 480bhp, naturally aspirated, 4-litre version of Porsche's traditional flat-six unit.
VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen offered three new models: the new Touareg SUV,a new Sharanand a brand new pick-up. Alongside these were two new derivatives of its highly successful new Polo: the Polo GTiand the four-wheel-drive CrossPolo. The GTi looks every bit the part and offers a 1.4-litre 180bhp engine that still manages a fuel consumption figure of just 6 l/100km.
VOLVO
The new S60looks like a real contender in the premium saloon segment. A mix of coupé lines and four-door practicality, the car is targeting next year for sales. It will initially feature two diesel engines: a 2-litre 163bhp D3 unit that puts out just 138g/km (in tax band B, annual road tax of €156); and a 2.4-litre D5 unit with 205bhp (tax band C, annual road tax of €302). These versions will arrive this autumn. It has also confirmed a 1.6-litre diesel with 115g/km (€104 road tax).
TOYOTA
Eager to move on from the recent recall issues, Toyota has unveiled a new hybrid version of its Aurisrange. Featuring the same powertrain as the new Prius – with a 1.8-litre 136bhp petrol engine combining with electric motors – it achieves an emissions level of just 89g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 3.8l/100km. It will arrive on the Irish market in July, around the same time as the facelifted Rav4, also unveiled at the show. The Toyota stand also features the much-anticipated FT-86 sports car, created in conjunction with Subaru and due for launch in 2012.
