It kicks off properly today, but the doors were opened to motoring journalists earlier this week. The 84th Geneva Motor Show– or the Salon international de l’automobile Geneve, to give it the honour of a full title and explain the #SIAG hashtag– will showcase some dazzling new cars to the world. Indeed, between the 6th and 16th March, no less than 146 cars will make their debut. We take a look at some of the vehicles you can expect to see at the Palexpo in Geneva…
Abarth – 695 biposto
Abarth 695 biposto: it means ‘2 seats’ in Italian
All of the manufacturers we represent are proudly revealing new models and concepts at the Geneva Motor Show, so what’s say we tackle this alphabetically?
Abarth has revealed the 695 biposto, a pared back 500 with just 2 seats and a 187bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. It’s 50 years since the first 695 was presented (in Geneva!) and Abarth is dubbing it “the fastest street legal Abarth ever” thanks to acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.
Abarth is also unveiling the new Abarth 500 model for 2014 and the Abarth 695 Assetto Corse Evoluzione at the Geneva Motor Show – showcasing the brand’s formula, “a perfect balance of rarity and accessibility, tradition, performance tuning, Italian style and passion for racing.”
Speak to our Abarth dealers to get a slice of this action.
BMW – 2 Series Active Tourer
The 2 Series Active Tourer is BMW's first front-wheel drive model
Of course, this is BMW. They haven’t just brought one car to the party – far from it. BMW is presenting “a selection of fascinating new series-production models”, including the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the X3, the 2 Series Coupe, the M3 Sedan, the M4 Coupe, the i3 and the i8.
But we think the 2 Series Active Tourer is pretty exciting, because it’s the first car from BMW to offer a front-wheel drive system. The engine line-up at launch includes turbocharged three- and four-cylinder units, and a six-speed manual transmission will be standard. The range extends from the 225i to the diesel-powered 218d. The 225i has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and will go from 0 to62 mph in 6.8 seconds (reaching a top speed of 146 mph.)
It will be available from our BMW dealerships in September this year.
Chevrolet – Corvette Z06
Chevrolet has two European Corvette premieres for us – the C7.R race car and the Z06. Due to launch in Spring 2015 (before Chevrolet pulls out of Europe), the Z06 boasts a supercharged V8 engine, an automatic transmission and a removable roof panel. New technologies in the car include Direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing.
According to Chevrolet, this model “launches Stingray into supercar territory” and “represent the closest link in modern times between Corvettes built for racing and the road…” And it’s probably not an empty claim – the car produces an estimated 625 bhp and 635lb-ft of torque.
Find a great deal on a Chevy at Arnold Clark Chevrolet.
Citroen – C1
Rollback fabric roof on Citroen C1 available on Airscape version
It’s a world premiere for the new Citroen C1, but it’s not alone at the Citroen stand (that's stand 6220, if you’re actually at the Geneva Motor Show). Other new models include the C4 Cactus (based on last year’s Cactus concept) and the C5 CrossTourer (a reworked version of the C5 estate car).
The “fresh take on a best-seller” features, and I quote, “dynamic lines and a cheerful front end, with a cheeky haze created by the headlamps.” It’s fun, it’s bright and it’s easy to handle – a customisable car that’s perfect for city driving. It’s also got loads of useful technology, such as a 7’’ touchscreen, and Mirror Screen technology allowing you to copy and run smartphone apps from the touchscreen. Low CO2 emissions and light in weight, it’s skinny on running costs.
The new C1 will be available at your local Arnold Clark Citroen from July this year.
Fiat – Panda Cross
Fiat Panda Cross: an adorable SUV with attitude
Fiat are showcasing the new Fiat Panda Cross, providing “all the exclusivity offered by the SUVs of higher segments” in a more compact format. It comes with ‘Torque on demand’ all-wheel drive and Electronic Locking Differential function as standard, as well as Terrain Control and body protection. You even get a set of all-season tyres thrown in.
It’s available with boosted versions of the 80HP 1.3 MultiJet II and 90HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engines. You can also request City Brake Control, winner of a Euro NCAP award for safety. Following the Panda 4x4 and Panda Trekking, the Panda Cross represents the top of the Fiat Panda off-road range.
Fiat are also displaying the Freemont Cross, the new 500 model for 2014 and the new Fiat 500 Cult version, which has caused quite a media storm. On top of that, you can see the new 500L Beats Edition (with BeatsAudio), the new 2014 Fiat 500L range AND a Fiat 500L Trekking ‘Street Surf’ show car.
The Fiat Panda Cross will be in Fiat showrooms across Europe from this autumn.
Ford – new Ford Focus
With updates to the styling, technology and the engines, the facelifted Ford Focus will be on sale in the UK in June. Probably just as well, then, that we get to see it in all its glory at the Geneva Motor Show.
You can choose from the 1.5-litre EcoBoost Petrol or 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engines, which offer 19% greater economy, or the 1-litre EcoBoost petrol, which offers 99g/km CO2 emissions.
The outer stance is wider, the interior is more intuitive, and driving it will feel pretty different, thanks to revised suspension, retuned shock absorbers and recalibrated electric power steering. Fancy a car with a quieter ambience? Luckily, it’s got thicker carpets and side window glass, to offer just that.
When it goes on sale at the end of this year, the new Ford Focus will be the first car in Europe with Sync 2, Ford’s in-car connectivity system. I won’t baffle you with the techy stuff – suffice to say, if you’re looking for a car that can practically choose a restaurant for you and take you there, you’re on to a winner. It even offers hands-free ‘Perpendicular Parking’ assistance.
Ford is also premiering the Ford Mustang and the Edge Concept at Geneva – exciting times.
Hyundai – Intrado concept
Hyundai Intrado concept: takes its inspiration from planes.
Hyundai is revealing a futuristic car with a hydrogen fuel-cell and intuitive, interactive displays. The Intrado also has a carbon-fibre frame, reflecting Hyundai’s aim to create cars that are lighter and easier to drive (and repair). Production versions? You might be waiting up to 10 years.
The fuel-cell – something we know Hyundai is a big fan of– uses a 36kWh lithium-ion battery, and only emits water. The design references the wings of an aircraft – ‘intrado’ describes the underside of a plane’s wings – which might explain the funny styling round the wheels.
Jeep – Renegade
Jeep is debuting its exciting (and rather cute) new SUV at Geneva: the Jeep Renegade. The design inspirations are clear: it's got similar architecture to the Fiat 500L, draws heavily on the Wrangler, and has shades of the original military jeep thanks to the grille and the upright windscreen.
There’s a delightful range of engines, transmissions and trim levels on offer – but you don’t have to make your choice just yet. The left-hand-drive version for Europe will be produced first, later this year, and the right-hand-drive model will come thereafter. Our Jeep dealerships will have all the info when the car does arrive in the UK.
Kia – new Soul EV
This 5-door city car from the Japanese marque looks somewhat different to the Kia Soul– but, of course, the most noticeable difference is the electric engine. It's Kia’s first foray into the EV universe, and it gives a range of over 200km, a top speed of 145 km/h and it does 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds.
As well as a 81.4 kW electric motor, the abilities of the car can be put down to some ingenious energy-saving technologies. Kia has brought a ‘driver-only’ ventilation system to the word, and offer new advanced heating and air-conditioning technologies, regenerative braking and a battery heating system to make the Soul EV as efficient as possible. It will be on sale at Arnold Clark Kia branches later this year – along with Kia’s brilliant 7-year warranty.
Mazda – Hazumi concept car
It may be a concept car, but the Mazda Hazumi will give us all a taste of how the new Mazda2 will look (it will probably be on display at the Paris Motor Show in September). The Hazumi features Mazda’s brand-spanking 1.5-litre 4-cylinder SkyActiv D diesel engine, which offers lower emissions and dynamic performance.
Inside, there’s the latest in infotainment (MZD Connect, compatible with every brand of smartphone) and safety technology (i-ACTIVSENSE, which pretty much just stops accidents from happening.)
For the latest Mazda deals, visit your local Arnold Clark Mazda.
Mercedes-Benz – S-Class Coupe
Mercedes S Class: brilliant, especially if you like chickens or sparkles.
It’s not the only Merc premiering at Geneva, but we are big fans of the new S-Class Coupe with Magic Body Control (an adaptive suspension system that reads the road to improve ride comfort – have you seen their chicken advert?) PLUS a ‘curve tilting’ function to reduce ‘lateral acceleration’ acting on passengers – in other words, creating less movement within the car.
The S-Class Coupe will actually replace the CL Class at the very very top end of the manufacturer’s range. It’s not far from the concept version that they showcased at Frankfurt last year (aesthetically) – it has a nice diamond radiator grille, angular headlamps, large air inlets and doesn’t have those pesky door frames or B-pillars inside.
With a 2-part TFT screen, the driver can enjoy Sat Nav, infotainment and all the usual instruments through a cool touchpad... hold on, I’ve just re-read the press release. The car comes with optional SWAROVSKI BLOOMING CRYSTALS in the headlamps. NO MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID.
MINI – Clubman Concept
The five-door Clubman Concept is longer and wider than the current MINI Clubman, and the manufacturer describes it as “sophisticated, cool and elegant”. It has more interior space, a “greater sense of high-end quality” (more chrome highlights on the exterior, for example) and refinement of the recognisable MINI styling.
Stretching the present design – perhaps to compete with the Golf and Audi A3– the MINI Clubman Concept is unlikely to change much when it becomes a production model next year.
For the latest new MINI offers, visit our Harry Fairbairn MINI dealerships.
Nissan – facelifted Juke SUV
If this upgrade is anything like its big brother the Qashqai, then it’s sure to be a winner.
What is evident with the new Nissan Juke is that it has a more sporty, athletic and stylish feel than the previous model.
The most striking element is the new choice of colours now available to personalise your car – both inside and out. Your chosen colour can be added to the entire console, air vent rings and door trim finishers, as well as the bumper and headlamp finishers, mirror caps and alloy wheels – to give what Nissan describes as “head turning urban appeal”.
Drivers will also benefit from increased boot space (more than 100 litres), redesigned LED running lights, and a glass sunroof – all to create a spacious ambience in the cabin.
There is also a new engine line-up, with improved C02 emissions and MPG figures. Choose from the 1.6 petrol (94PS), 1.6 petrol (117PS), 1.5dCi diesel (110PS) or the new 1.2 DIG-T petrol (115PS). There is also the 1.6 DIG-T (190PS).
Another plus is that Stop/Start technology is now standard on the manual versions of the 1.5dCi, 1.2 DIG-T and 1.6 DIG-T models.
As with the new Qashqai, the new Juke will benefit from Nissan Safety Shield technology, which includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Sport Warning and Moving Object Detection.
Expect to find this model in Arnold Clark Nissan showrooms this summer.
Peugeot – 308
It’s been crowned car of the year by the Geneva judges, who hail from 22 European countries. The Peugeot 308 was chosen for its “general balance and versatility”, and creating a new standard in terms of interior space – “light-flooded, comfortable and ergonomic.”
The Peugeot 308 is already available, but this spring will see the launch of the 308 SW, which is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This estate car will have a range of 9 engines to choose from, one of which (the BlueHDi 1.6-litre 120bhp) emits just 82g/km of CO2.
Renault – Twingo
The third generation Twingo has had a bold transformation. With extensive personalisation options – you have four body colours to choose from – the small city car is the only one of its kind to offer two multimedia systems (the R & Go and the R-Link Evolution).
Thanks to the positioning of the (optionally turbocharged, 3-cylinder) engine at the rear, the new Twingo is agile, has a bigger turning circle, and is more spacious. With five doors and “clever stowage”, it has a long load length of 2.2m and “good humouredly illustrates Renault’s small car expertise”. Its forward vertical field of view and high-up driving position are terrific for driving in built-up areas.
Expect to see it at Arnold Clark Renault dealerships from September this year.
SEAT – Leon Cupra
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the fastest production car to grace the Geneva Motor Show ring
The SEAT Leon Cupra is the most intense Cupra ever made, and most powerful series production road car SEAT has ever produced. On the evidence so far, we can see why.
It’s the fastest ever front-wheel drive car at the Geneva Motor Show, eclipsing the previous record by over 10 seconds, beating even Porsche and Aston Martin.
This car is the epitome of sporty design and exceptional performance – proving once again how far the SEAT brand is evolving and progressing along with other brands under the Volkswagen Group.
The design of the new Leon Cupra follows a similar design to the Leon FR, but with enhanced design and performance features that pack a punch in every way.
The hot hatch comes with 19” alloys, full LED headlights, DAB radio, rain-sensing headlights and auto wipers as standard, while the Cupra 280 adds a rear spoiler, gloss black mirror caps, red brake calipers and Satellite Navigation.
Under the bonnet of the Cupra, there’s a range of engine that all deliver maximum output. There’s 261bhp in the manual, or the DSG automatic 276bhp. The 261bhp delivers 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. All versions hit an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Test drive the new Cupra at Arnold Clark SEAT branches– it’s out now.
Skoda – Vision C Concept
Lime green machine: the Skoda Vision C Concept
Another one that won’t be available on the market for a while, the Skoda Vision C Concept does give us some indication of the design for future models – in other words, edgy, sporty and more striking. This five-door coupe has more pronounced headlights than current Skoda models, and boasts a 110PS 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine – as well as a CNG tank. CO2 is under 92g/km, and Skoda claims that the drive technology in the car is “close to production”.
This may mean that we can expect to see future Skoda models using lightweight materials (carbon fibre is used on the Vision C’s fuel tank) and featuring sleeker styling. Of course, we may even see an entirely new Skoda model based on the Vision C Concept – boss Dr Winfried Vahland hasn’t ruled it out.
Toyota – Aygo
Arguably the most notable change on this new Aygo model is the customisable colour schemes on certain areas of the car, such as the grille, bumper inserts and dash panels.
What is sure to be an iconic feature of this new model is the new ‘X’ shape, which is visible when looking at the car front-on.
We really like the Aygo designer philosophy on the new Toyota model: “In a crowded marketplace, it's better to have a design that half the people absolutely love, rather than one that nobody objects to.”
You can pick up the new Toyota Aygo at an Arnold Clark Toyota dealership this summer.
Vauxhall – ADAM Rocks
Vauxhall has unveiled the ADAM Rocks, a tougher and more rugged version of the current city car. It has a folding fabric roof, retuned suspension, rear roof spoiler and LED running lights – and you can get it in ‘Ghostbusters Yellow’ if you fancy. It’s also the first model with Vauxhall’s new 1-litre ECOTEC 3-cylinder engine.
Vauxhall is also presenting a new Astra VXR and the ADAM S at the event.
The ADAM Rocks goes on sale in summer – you’ll be able to see it at your local Arnold Clark Vauxhall dealership.
Volkswagen – Golf GTE plug-in hybrid
Phew. Volkswagen are putting out a ton of new vehicles at their Geneva stand (2161) – but let’s take a second to look at the exciting new Golf GTE.
With the dynamics of the GTI and the green credentials of electric power, it has a range of 37 miles in electric mode and a total range of 583 miles. 188mpg and 35g/km are impressive figures; 7.6 seconds to get up to 62mph is too. The top speed is capped at 134mph. Order books will be opening for the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid in August (contact your local Arnold Clark Volkswagen to give it a whirl…)
Volvo – Concept Estate
If you look at this list you’ll see that Volvo are also packing a LOT in to their Geneva experience. One of the many premieres at the motor show will be the Concept Estate, an elegant three-door version of the Saint’s P1800 from the 1960s.
A key feature is the tablet-like touchscreen display on the car’s dash, something that you can expect to see in future Volvo models. “The basic idea is to organise controls and information in a perfectly intuitive and user-friendly way. Everything is exactly where you expect it to be,” said Thomas Ingenlath, head of design at Volvo.
With local saddle leather on the dash, aged wood on the inlays and copper detail throughout, this concept vehicle does its best to show off Swedish design talent. Indeed, Volvo claims that it has “the feel of a Swedish living room”.
What next?
Most of these delightful new models will be available from our dealerships at some point in the next year or so. If you can’t wait until these new cars become available – don't! We always have terrific deals on brand new cars, so start your search today.