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Geneva show warms up interest despite the sales freeze
publication date: Feb 26, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
|  | Manufacturers are hoping next week's Geneva motor
show will signal a thaw in the recession which has frozen sales around
the world.
There is certainly no lack of interest in what is perceived as the most
important show in the calendar taking place in the super-rich, super
secretive Swiss capital.
Organisers of the 79th Geneva International Motor Show from 5-15 March
have secured 85 world and European premieres and created their own tv
channel for the event. It will also have a strong environmental theme
as well as recognising the importance that motor sport has for
manufacturers and buyers alike.
All of the major automobile manufacturers will be meeting at the Geneva
International Motor Show, in spite of the difficult economic
environment which is affecting the automobile industry world wide. They
will present their latest new models, technological advances, and
prototypes of their vehicles of the future and 85 world and European
premiers will be presented in the category of private vehicles alone. | The new Green Pavilion will welcome approximately 10
exhibitors whose presentations promise a clean and ecologically sound
future for the automobile. For more information or to purchase tickets
online: www.salon-auto.ch .
All the major automobile brands from Europe, Asia, and America will be present in the 7 exhibition halls of Geneva Palexpo.
A
must-see this year will be the exhibits of economical and ecological
vehicles. Ten exhibitors, which will include MCE-5 Development, Tesla
Motors, Sportec and Comarth, will be reunited in the new Green
Pavilion, and will be demonstrating their interpretations of what will
become our everyday automobiles of tomorrow and beyond.
Another
premier for the Motor Show! For the first time, the Geneva
International Motor Show will present a daily television programme from
March 2-16, 2009. All the news, the new presentations, life at the
Show, and human interest stories will be online every day at 10:00 a.m.
salon-auto.TV
is a programme televised exclusively on web-TV which will be put online
daily for the 79th Geneva International Motor Show, running from March
5-15, 2009 at GENEVA PALEXPO. The programme can be found on
www.salon-auto.tv, and will also be directly accessible on the Show's
website: www.salon-auto.ch.
The first programme will be put
online on Monday, 2 March at 10:00 a.m., three days before the Show
is open to the public, and the last will be shown on 16 March, the
day after the Show closes.
For those concerned about the
environment and "cleaner" forms of transportation, it has created a
Green Pavilion, which is an area dedicated to electric power and other
alternative forms of automobile propulsion.
For those passionate
about motor sports, it has created a Motor Sports Centre. The 5000
square meters of Hall 71 will be transformed into a virtual Mecca for
motor sports with an indoor circuit for electric karts, driving
simulators, special events, and an official racing team including many
internationally successful racing drivers. A racing enthusiast's dream!
Professional
racing drivers at the Show will include Yvan Muller, World Touring Car
Champion, Formula 1 newcomer Romain Grosjean, experienced champions
such as Alain Menu and Jean-Denis Deletraz from Switzerland and Dany
Snobeck and Patrick Henry from France. | No motor show would be complete without its concepts and there are some at Geneva, but not as many as previous years.
CITROËN DS INSIDE concept will be making its public debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
The
chic new model will be displayed alongside the Company's new corporate
image. Embodying a bolder, three-dimensional version of the famous
Double Chevron logo this new, modern, emblem supports the Company's
spirit of Créative Technologie. |  | Providing clear evidence of CITROËN's positive thinking,
the Company has also announced that it will be launching brand new
models at the rate of one every six months for at least the next three
years, and, one of the most exciting aspects of CITROËN's forward
planning is the announcement of a whole new, and totally separate,
affordable premium model range - christened DS (Different Spirit).
The
CITROËN DS INSIDE which will be displayed at Geneva is a concept car
realisation of the first of this future DS range. From a team headed up
by British designer, Mark Lloyd, the DS INSIDE is characterised by its
strong visual presence and seductive styling, and embodies the very
best of CITROËN, standing apart from the crowd with its creativity,
intelligent design and quality.
The concept is based on the
smaller of the forthcoming DS models, the DS3, and will be the first to
be launched in 2010, followed successively by the DS4 and DS5. The
models will be positioned as premium models in, respectively, the
small, medium and large car segments. | The Hyundai ix-onic, which makes its world premiere at
the 79th Salon International de L'Automobile on March 3rd, introduces a
whole new look for Hyundai's compact SUVs and is packed with technology
which make it more fuel efficient than some superminis.
Designed
to assertive but not aggressive, the ix-onic, pronounced "ik-sonnik",
combines dynamic styling with an environmentally-friendly power train
and thoughtful everyday utility. It creates a vehicle that will change
the way consumers think about compact crossover vehicles.
|  | Hyundai's
design team in Rüsselsheim, Germany created the concept with European
consumers in mind. With an overall length of 4,400mm, the 1,850mm-wide
and 1,650mm-high ix-onic has an imposing stance and road presence but
takes up little more space on the road than a C-segment hatchback.
Key
attributes of Hyundai's ‘dynamic sculpture' design philosophy are the
athleticism and sophistication that ix-onic demonstrates through its
dynamic and flowing lines. These are emphasised by specially developed,
high-contrast exterior paint. Employing an advanced-effect pigment, the
innovative paint gives the car's skin a brilliant shine.
The
hexagonal grille is a further evolution of the style introduced on the
2006 Genus concept car and developed for its appearance on the i-mode
concept in 2008. The headlamps feature innovative LED daytime running
lights which move down electrically whenever the ‘dipped beam' is
switched on.
Whilst the idea of an electric sports car is not
new, not much thought has been given by mainstream manufacturers to the
proposition of a proper sports car as an electric vehicle (EV)... until
now and the arrival of the Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR'.
Blending its sporting heritage with leading expertise in
the development of the EV, Mitsubishi Motors is providing a clear new
look on the world, in more ways than one. |  | The clear removable top of
the i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR' will be premiered at the forthcoming 2009 Geneva
Motor Show.
Taking a step beyond being merely ‘green', this
all-electric zero CO2 emission sports concept builds upon the
fundamentals of the EV by marrying: the powerful acceleration and high
torque inherent to electric motors with the safe driving dynamics that
stem from i MiEV's lithium-ion battery pack located within its long
wheelbase and the low centre of gravity.The i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR'
is a new-age "pocket rocket" and signals the direction in which the
Mitsubishi sports EV may take in the future. | Described as a concept but really an advanced prototype is the latest model from Rolls-Royce.
The wraps will come off the planned new smaller Rolls-Royce code-named 200EX, at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 2009.
The
car will be revealed by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' Chairman, Ian
Robertson, and shows the direction for RR4, a new model series from
Rolls-Royce due for production in 2010.
"Modern automotive
engineering is a balance of creativity, innovation and application.
200EX is an opportunity to assess these new ideas," explains Helmut
Riedl, Director of Engineering.
100EX was the first experimental
car unveiled after Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was relaunched under BMW
Group ownership in 2003. Revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2004, the
two-door, four-seat convertible was built to mark 100 years of
Rolls-Royce motor car design and engineering. Just two years later,
101EX was presented, which explored modern coupé design. Both of these
cars inspired production models that not only closely resemble their EX
progenitors but have also redefined luxury motoring in the modern age.
Following
on from this success, the same group of designers and engineers has
created 200EX, itself pointing the way to RR4, a new Rolls-Royce model
scheduled for production in 2010.
The brief for 200EX? To create
a modern, lithe and dynamic Rolls-Royce that bears all the hallmarks of
the great cars that have gone before it: effortless performance,
unparalleled refinement, exquisite quality and confident design.
"Alluring, inviting, approachable - this car captivates with each encounter" - Chief Designer, Ian Cameron.
"200EX
is a touring saloon with more than a little panache and perhaps more
bravado than one might have expected from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. What
you see is a modern car that is immediately recognisable as a true
Rolls-Royce, even from angles that obscure the grille and Spirit of
Ecstasy. Design elements such as the elevated prow, long bonnet, short
front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail give 200EX an
air of informal presence - powerful but unobtrusive." | | | For the confirmed production models we will see some tantalising new comers.
Aston Martin will present the most potent production sports car in the marque's 95-year history.Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the V12
Vantage will feature a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW /
517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 190 mph
(305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds.
The
latest incarnation of the Vantage family has been designed to provide a
unique character, appealing to different driver tastes and
complementing the other models in the Aston Martin line-up. |  | The original V12 Vantage concept was unveiled to guests
at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in December 2007.
Continuing the marque's impressive record of bringing concepts to
market in their original form, Aston Martin engineers have brought the
V12 Vantage to market in 12 months.
The Audi A4 Avant is about
to leave the executive car park to head for the hills as the new A4
allroad quattro, a more agile and ruggedly styled interpretation of the
acclaimed compact executive which makes its world public debut at the
2009 Palexpo Motor Show in Geneva.
The harder edged A4 opens for UK order this week priced from £29,285 and will reach its first customers in May.
Covering
similar ground to the popular A6 allroad quattro, the new rough terrain
A4 adopts its tougher stance through a 20mm-wider track front and rear,
a 37mm increase in ride height to 180mm and allroad-specific body
styling, including a unique design for the grille and bumpers,
wheel-arch extensions and additional under-body protection.
Three
state-of-the-art directly injected and EU5 emission limit-compliant
engines will initially provide the backbone for the new A4 allroad
quattro.
The petrol range is represented by the latest 2.0-litre
TFSI with Audi valvelift technology, delivering 211PS and a torque peak
of 350Nm, and from the diesel camp come the 2.0-litre TDI with 170PS
and 350Nm and the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240PS and 500Nm, both featuring
the latest common rail piezo injection technology.
Acceleration to
62mph from rest can be completed in 6.9 seconds in the 2.0 TFSI, 8.9
seconds in the 2.0 TDI and 6.4 seconds in the 3.0 TDI. Best case fuel
economy ranges from 34.8mpg in the 2.0 TFSI, through 39.8mpg in the 3.0
TDI to a maximum of 44.1mpg in the 2.0 TDI.
The latest six-speed
manual gearbox will initially be reserved for the 2.0 TDI, while 2.0
TFSI and 3.0 TDI versions will come equipped with the new S tronic twin
clutch automatic transmission which has been newly reconfigured to
bring its ultra-rapid 0.2-second gear shifts to Audi models with
longitudinal ‘north-south' engine installations. Further engine and
transmission combinations will be available later in 2009.
Chevrolet is showing its new Spark and Cruze creations in Switzerland.
The company's all-new mini Spark car goes on sale in
Europe later this year and is the latest interpretation of Chevrolet's
new global design strategy. As well as Europe, the car will be sold in
the USA, India and other core markets, where its compact dimensions and
vibrant good looks will appeal to customers.
Powered by a choice
of fuel-efficient 1.0 and 1.2-litre petrol engines, the five-door Spark
has a distinctive, angular cabin that matches its bold exterior styling
- a look that is designed to appeal to young and mature drivers alike.
The
head-turning design will be complemented by outstanding passenger
space, entertaining driving characteristics and, of course, Chevrolet's
tradition for providing extraordinary value for money. | The
Geneva show will also see
the entire Chevrolet Cruze range appearing for the first time.
The new
four-door saloon (right) was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, and
is set to go on sale in the UK in July 2009.
Available with a
choice of 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engines, plus a 2.0-litre diesel, the
Cruze promises excellent dynamics, passenger comfort and build quality,
yet will remain a great value for money car in the true Chevrolet
mould.
Prices and exact UK specifications will be announced closer to
the car's on sale date.
|  | A worldwide preview of the new Fiat 500C will be taking
place at the Geneva Motor before its launch throughout Europe in the
spring.
This original cabriolet pays homage to the open-top 1957
model, whilst offering leading-edge solutions for mechanical
installations, powerplants and interior comfort. All this in authentic
Fiat tradition, giving access to higher segment engineering and
state-of-the-art technology.
Featuring an innovative soft top -
an unrestricted window to the sky - the new 500C is exactly the same
size as the basic model (3.55 m x 1.65 m x 1.49 m), and utilises the
same three powerplants: 1.3 litre 75 hp MultiJet Turbodiesel coupled to
a 5-speed manual transmission, and the two 1.2 litre 69 hp and 1.4
litre 100 hp petrol engines, available with either manual or robotised
Dualogic transmission.
Providing different features, all three
engine types are responsive and flexible, offering strong performance
based on sophisticated technology. Standard features include in-built
reliability, robust construction, high quality build and environmental
friendliness.
| The new 500C incorporates the
company's recently announced Start&Stop system, an innovative
device which initiates engine shutdown and subsequent re-ignition. To
this end, at every complete stop, when shifting to neutral and
releasing the clutch, the engine is switched off, and then restarted
simply by selecting a gear.
Created by the Fiat Styling Centre
and manufactured at the Tichy plant in Poland, the Fiat 500C
incorporates all the strong points of the basic model, namely
top-of-segment safety features, proper accommodation for four adults,
and generous luggage space combined with easy loading potential, even
with the soft top fully open, thanks to a clever parallelogram hinge
system. |  | Hyundai has revealed the first picture of the new i20
three-door, ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show on
3 March, before it goes on UK sale in April.
Building on the success
of the recently launched Hyundai i20 five-door, the new body style will
broaden the i20's appeal to the fastest-growing sector of the car
market in Europe.
In addition to a stylish new look, the
three-door model offers a lower price entry point for the i20 line-up
with prices starting at just £8,195 for the 1.2 Classic model - that's
£450 less than the five-door.
Positioned between the successful i10
and i30 models, the i20 three-door shares many of its styling features
with the five-door. In fact the front and rear remains unchanged, but
the distinctive crease lines that run along each side are enhanced by
the longer front doors and the sporty, upswept shape of the rear-side
window.
Built on the same 2.525mm wheelbase and weighing
10-kilograms less than the i20 five-door, the new model offers an
equally well proportioned exterior and spacious interior that will
comfortably accommodate adult passengers in the front and rear seats.
It is also fitted with the 78ps 1.2 Kappa engine.
Hyundai decided on
a global basis to label all low emission vehicles to be launched,
starting with i30, under the sub-brand "blue". The i30 produced in
Nosovice, Czech Republic, will be the first mass production vehicle to
wear the blue label as i30 blue.
Demonstrating the company's
commitment to lowering vehicle CO2 emissions and reducing costs for
consumers, Hyundai is bringing ISG (Idle Stop and Go) technology to one
of its production cars for the first time.
Ideal for city driving, the i30 blue will automatically switch the car's engine off when stationary.
The
ISG system uses an advanced starter motor connected to the ECU, which
monitors the car's status at all times. Remarkably, this technology
applied to Hyundai's 1.6-litre petrol engine reduces fuel consumption
by 7% on the official combined cycle, while achieving a lower CO2
rating of 142g/km, compared to 152g/km on the regular i30 1.6.
Available
in UK showrooms by the autumn, the i30 blue will come in both five-door
hatchback and estate body styles and with a choice of 1.4-litre and
1.6-litre petrol engines. Other i30 engine derivatives will
progressively be offered with ISG technology, followed by more models
in the Hyundai range.
The star of Kia's display will redefine the
mini MPV segment bringing style and cool to what is currently a bland
segment of the new car market. The concept of a forthcoming all-new
model from Kia will feature a dramatic glass-roof treatment and will
provide astounding spaciousness in a compact package.
The all-new RX 450h will make its European debut as the centrepiece of the Lexus stand at the Geneva motor show on 3 March.
Significant
revisions to the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain will deliver
substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions when the luxury crossover
goes on sale in the UK this summer, setting a new benchmark in its
class, well below the figures achieved by the current best-performing
diesels. At the same time it will also be more fuel efficient and more
powerful than its predecessor, the RX 400h, the model which first
introduced hybrid power to the premium market.
The new RX 450h
addresses the principal concerns of today's motorists in a market
segment where sales have been affected by cost-of-ownership issues and
growing environmental concerns, and does so without compromising
Lexus's hallmark standards of luxury, quality and refinement.
Marking
the third generation of the RX, the new RX 450h displays exterior and
interior styling that is the latest expression of Lexus's L-finesse
design philosophy. In the cabin the new dual-zone Crossover Cockpit
showcases numerous technical innovations for improved safety, comfort
and driving pleasure.
Also in the Swiss show will be the new Lexus
IS 250C ahead of going on sale in the summer. With an all-aluminium
folding roof that can be lowered in just 20 seconds, the IS 250C
combines top-down driving pleasure with hard-top dynamic performance.
Sharing
the same smooth 205bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed
automatic transmission as the IS 250 sports saloon, the IS 250C has
been engineered and styled for excellent handling and on-board comfort
in open-top driving and equipped to meet the highest crash safety
standards.
Mazda will debut two new models of the all-new Mazda3
product range. The world premiere of the Mazda3 with i-stop, Mazda's
advanced fuel-saving start-stop system, will be shared with the all-new
Mazda3 MPS, Mazda3's high performance flagship model at the Geneva
show. The Mazda3 MPS now features improved fuel economy and emissions
that satisfy Euro Stage 5.
The Mazda3 is one of Mazda's core
products, with more than two million units of the first generation
produced. The design of the new model has a bolder and more dynamic
stance; it is agile and confidence-inspiring, enhancing the sense of
oneness between the driver and car. It also has high environmental and
safety performance levels, exemplifying Mazda's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom
long-term vision to provide cars that are eco-friendly and safe while
still being fun to drive.
The Mazda3 with i-stop embodies
Sustainable Zoom-Zoom and adds a new eco-friendly option to the lineup.
It features the i-stop system in combination with the MZR 2.0 DISI
(Direct Injection Spark Ignition) engine. Together, these two Mazda
proprietary technologies help the new model achieve approximately 12
percent lower fuel consumption (urban cycle) than the current European
Mazda3. By providing great driving performance as well as top‑class
fuel economy, the Mazda3 with i-stop is a different type of eco-car
that will exceed customer expectations.
The Mazda3 MPS sport compact
pushes Mazda design further and its exciting driving performance
perfectly represents Mazda's Zoom-Zoom spirit. Carrying forward the MZR
2.3 DISI Turbo engine, Mazda3 MPS builds on the popularity and
recognition of the previous model. It evolves the driving experience to
an entirely new level of quality and pleasure with its emotional design
and exhilarating performance.
The all-new Mazda3 Program Manager,
Yoshiyuki Maeda, says, "These two models add extra value to an all-new
Mazda3 lineup that has already shown strong appeal. The new Mazda3
series takes a significant step ahead in both the realms of driving
performance and environmental technology to lead the way toward a new
generation of motoring."
The Geneva Motor Show will see the comeback
of an intriguing product idea when Mercedes-Benz presents a new model
to the Coupé range in the form of the new E‑Class. Just three months
after the presentation of the Saloon, the brand is launching a
highlight in the new model series while continuing a tradition that has
repeatedly met with great enthusiasm throughout the history of the
E-Class.
The new E-Class Coupé offers a very special combination of
two attributes for which the Mercedes brand is known: fascination and
efficiency. With its classic coupé side aspect - no B-pillars and fully
retractable side windows - the new two-door car is a particularly
sporty interpretation of the E-Class's dynamic design.
At the same
time the most aerodynamic variant of the Coupé achieves a new world
best in terms of drag coefficient: with a Cd-figure of just 0.24, this
model is the world's most aerodynamically efficient series-production
car. The model programme includes two new 4-cylinder engines, which
consume up to 17% less fuel whilst offering a significant increase in
performance and torque.
The new E-Class Coupé's standard-fit AGILITY
CONTROL suspension adjusts automatically to the current driving
situation. It combines driving enjoyment and excellent handling with
maximum comfort. The new E-Class Coupé will be in UK showrooms from
June 2009. |  | MINI will unveil the world's fastest small premium cabriolet.
The
UK-built MINI John Cooper Works Convertible will take centre stage at
the event and is on sale in the UK from 28 March 2009, priced at
£23,470.
Featuring the same high performance engineering
modifications as the Hatch model carrying the John Cooper Works badge,
the Convertible's 1.6-litre twin scroll-turbocharged engine produces
211 hp and up to 280 Nm peak torque with Overboost deployed.
The MINI One Clubman will be unveiled with a list
price of £13,290 OTR. | The star of the Nissan stand will be Qazana, a show car
providing a good indication of the, as yet unnamed, compact car that
will be produced at the Nissan Sunderland plant from 2010, safeguarding
around 1,100 jobs.
Best described as a small Crossover, Qazana has
been conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of
small five-door cars should expect.
The striking design is dominated
by large, wide wheel arches and a lower shape which gives a feeling of
strength, while the upper body is dynamic, assertive and sporty.
Qazana is a five-door, with the rear doors opening forwards once the
front doors have been opened, in the style of ‘suicide doors'.
Qazana
will reinforce Nissan's position as a pioneer of Crossovers, building
on the success of Qashqai and the recently introduced Qashqai+2.
Trial
builds of the production car will begin in early 2010 before its
introduction on the Micra/Note line. There it will take up
manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version
of Micra ends later that same year.
The new model has been designed
and developed in the UK and represents around £57m of investment. Its
arrival takes the total investment by Nissan in the Sunderland plant to
around £2.5b since 1984.
Trevor Mann, Nissan Senior Vice President
for Manufacturing in Europe, commented: "The difficulties currently
facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not
been immune.As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions,
but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future
for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an
indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in
Sunderland next year." |  | The new Porsche 911 GT3, which will make its world debut, is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car.
Embodying
the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3
is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK
this autumn, priced from £81,914.In developing the second generation of the Type 997 911
GT3 into the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 ever with a
naturally-aspirated power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of
know-how gained in motor sport. | The 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in
two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven
six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum
output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results
first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to
3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the
intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted
by VarioCam.
A further important point is that, through its
upgraded power and performance, the flat six ‘boxer' engine also offers
a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of
particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means
a further improvement in performance; the new GT3 accelerates from a
standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and reaches 99 mph (160
km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 194 mph.
The Renault Clio IV and GT will be taking centre-stage on the French maker's stand.
New Clio sits squarely on the road and boasts revised
styling, with the lines of the new headlamps now extending down to the
lateral upturns of the front air intake. The broad grille in the lower
part of the new front bumper sets off the dynamic styling with the
presence of gloss black protective mouldings.
The revised design
of the rear lights extends the waist line across the hatch, while the
uncluttered approach to the design of the central part of the rear
bumper further emphasises New Clio's dynamic stance. The reversing
lights and foglamps are positioned low down and to the extreme corners
of the rear bumper.The choice of the new interior trims and equipment aims
to produce a sense of well-being and quality with the screen of the new
Carminat TomTom GPS navigation system integrated into the upper part of
the centre console.
As with other Renault models, a GT version
forms part of the New Clio range. Its frontal styling is more
aggressive and includes a gloss black grille, while the extended side
sills hint at the performance of the GT's specific suspension settings.
New
Clio GT is easily recognizable from the rear thanks to its twin exhaust
tailpipes and lip spoiler and features an exclusive body colour, Malta
Blue.
There are eye-catching sports details inside the car,
too, including drilled aluminium pedal covers and extra side support
for the seats, plus GT-badging for the front seats. They will be
offered with a new cut price navigation system, Carminat TomTom.
The
Saab 9-3X is the ideal alternative to large and heavy crossovers or
SUVs. With distinctive looks, a versatile Sport Wagon body, higher
stance and advanced all-wheel drive technology, the 9-3X also offers
excellent fuel efficiency and functional storage.
The 9-3X is available with either Saab's 2.0 litre
turbocharged petrol engine (210hp), combined with the technically
advanced Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD), or the highly regarded 1.9
TTiD diesel engine (180hp) with front-wheel drive. Overall, the 9-3X
embodies Saab's turbocharging philosophy, combining a dynamic driving
experience with a fuel efficient powertrain to achieve responsible
performance.
With its UK showroom debut now just weeks away, the
SEAT Exeo is set to be joined at the head of the upper-medium segment
by a more capacious cousin - the SEAT Exeo ST - which makes its world
debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The Exeo ST will be
available to order from 2 April, with the first deliveries of
right-hand drive cars to UK buyers likely at the end of the summer.
Available
to order at the same time as the saloon goes on sale here, the new
estate significantly strengthens SEAT's offering to those searching for
an executive class car that combines great driving appeal and
remarkable value for money.
Measuring 4.67 metres in length and
boasting a boot capacity of 442 litres, the Exeo ST brings even more
practicality, elegance and sporting style to its market segment.
Like
its saloon sibling, the Exeo ST will be manufactured on a new line at
the Brand's modern factory in Martorell, near Barcelona. The firm has
confirmed that its latest luxurious Latin newcomer, due to go on sale
here in April, will be offered here in S, SE, Sport and range-topping
SE Lux trim levels, with an initial choice of three outstanding engines.
All
Euro V-compliant, the powerplant selection include a brace of hi-tech
common rail turbodiesels producing 143 PS or 170 PS, as well as a
potent 200 PS turbocharged petrol. They are all mated, as standard, to
a six-speed manual gearbox and all endow the Exeo with spirited
performance.
Among the equipment highlights guaranteed to appear
across the Exeo ST line-up are Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity;
cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone
climate control and stylish alloy wheels.
Like its saloon
counterpart in the line-up, an extensive array of options will allow
Exeo ST buyers to precisely personalise their cars. A DVD-based
satellite navigation system, double-glazed side windows, electrically
adjustable and heated front seats, and hi-tech solar sunroof all number
among the extras available.
SEAT is also unveiling its revised Leon and Altea family of vehicles.
Škoda will present the new Yeti at this year's International Motor Show in Geneva.
It
is based on the design study of the same name that was introduced in
2005. Yeti is designed for both urban and leisure driving and features
state-of-the-art technology that ensures excellent behaviour on the
road and great riding qualities off-road. It is a smart and practical
solution for customers who want a compact car that is robust, safe and
has universal appeal.
The Octavia GreenLine will also make its world
premiere in Geneva. The newest member of the Škoda family of
environmentally-oriented cars, it has fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km
(64.2 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 116g/km while retaining great drive
qualities. Octavia GreenLine engines feature the latest enhancements
to the range - downsizing and common rail (CR) technology. A brand-new
1.6 TDI CR engine, delivering 77 kW (105bhp), provides the driver with
a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1900 rpm and has a diesel particulate
filter (DPF) as standard.
The next model in the Scout series will be introduced on the Škoda stand - the Fabia Scout.
Suzuki will use this year's Geneva International Motor Show to present the next steps in their eco strategy.
| This
spring, the all-new Alto will be introduced to European markets; the
all new City car has been developed with eco-friendly urban motoring in
mind, delivering low CO2 emissions (103g/km) and high fuel economy
(64.2mpg combined).The core of Suzuki's eco project is a continuous
improvement of vehicle eco-friendliness by researching and developing
new technologies.
In Geneva, Suzuki will show the next steps of this
project - the application of the engine auto stop/start system, being
the latest milestone in this strategy, and a variable valve timing
mechanism to the next generation Splash and Alto.
The global leader
in the mini vehicle segment will be able to further minimise their
already low CO2 emissions significantly in the future. |  |
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