Geneva Motor Show 2015: news round-up
Our full round-up of all the cars, news, pictures and videos from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show
2015 has proved to be a vintage year for the Geneva Motor Show. As usual the global car industry descended on the Palexpo exhibition centre in Geneva for the world's premier car show and Auto Express was on hand to bring you all the action live.
Geneva Motor Show 2015 kicked off in style with press preview events on Monday 2 March showcasing some of the key cars from this year's show ahead of the press day itself. We were given a sneak peek at Geneva show stars like the Honda Civic Type-R, Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6, Audi R8, Kia Sportspace and Vauxhall Viva.
Get all the latest on the 2016 Geneva Motor Show here...
Then it was Geneva press day proper and a never-ending string of new car reveals. We brought you Aston Martin's surprise DBX crossover concept, the new Ferrari 488 GTB, Renault's Kadjar crossover, the Mercedes-AMG GT3, the Ford Focus RS and many, many, many more.
The complete Geneva Motor Show experience is right here so just scroll down for a full round-up of the 2015 show. You'll find an A to Z of all the new car and concept launches, our key cars from the show and the big news stories we uncovered. Our exclusive videos are all here too, along with a full picture gallery of all top models. If you're looking for the ultimate Geneva Motor Show 2015 catch-up, you've come to the right place...
Geneva Motor Show 2015: round-up stories
Get our top picks of the best and worst production cars and concepts at Geneva 2015...
• Best cars at Geneva Motor Show 2015• Geneva 2015: the cars you might have missed• Best concept cars at Geneva 2015
• Eight things we learned at Geneva 2015
Geneva 2015: the key cars
The big car launches making the headlines at Geneva 2015...
- • Audi R8 - We finally get to see Audi's second-generation R8 supercar in the metal
- • Ferrari 488 GTB - Ferrari's 458 Italia replacement gets a 661bhp turbo engine
- • Ford Focus RS - The RS name is back with all-wheel-drive and 318bhp
- • Honda Civic Type-R - The production version of Honda's hot hatch takes a bow
- • Renault Kadjar - Renault enters the crossover fray with its Nissan Qashqai rival
- • Skoda Superb - Skoda's big saloon in Mk3 guise promises lots of car for the cash
- • Vauxhall Viva - Vauxhall revives the Viva name for a budget city car offering
- • Lamborghini Aventador SV - V12 Lambo gets even more wild with extra power and a 220mph top speed
- • Aston Martin DBX concept - a surprise luxury crossover from Aston
- • Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 - Bentley's all-new hybrid supercar concept to take on the Aston Martin Vanquish
Top news stories from Geneva 2015
• Future small Volvos could be badged Geely• Audi confirms large all-electric SUV• Nissan Qashqai range could get hot Nismo and EV versions• Renault and Nissan confirm autonomous cars by 2020• Fiat 124 Spider confirmed and Fiat's MX-5• Jeep Grand Wagoneer to tackle Range Rover• Hot diesels on the way at SEAT
Geneva Motor Show 2015: new cars A-to-Z
We’ve put together a full A-to-Z of all the most important new car launches at Geneva 2015 and here it is...
Aston Martin
Aston revealed one of the maddest cars we'll be seeing at Geneva: the Vulcan. With 800bhp from a naturally aspirated V12 and a £1.8-million pricetag, the track-only hypercar shuns Mclaren and Ferrari's hybrid tech for a more traditional racer.
The British firm also unveiled its new track-biased V12 Vantage GT3, with 595bhp, big weight savings and hardcore aero. Aston say the road-legal GT3, of which 100 cars will be built, will blur the line between road and race car more than ever before. The biggest surprise of the whole show, however, was the arrival of the DBX crossover concept, a signal that Aston could be looking to get in on the SUV act.
Audi
• Audi R8• Audi RS3• Audi Prologue Avant• Audi Q7 e-tron
Taking pride of place on the Audi show stand is Audi’s next-gen R8 supercar, which has made its first public appearance at the show. The R8, which we recently took a passenger ride in, borrows running gear from the Lamborghini Huracan and be offered with 602bhp V10 propulsion from launch. There’s even an all-electric R8 e-tron on the cards to rival the BMW i8.
Also over from Ingolstadt to draw in the crowds at Geneva was the second-generation RS3 super-hatch. With a 362bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine and four wheel drive, the Mercedes A45 AMG rival can catapult itself from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 174mph.
Audi is promoting its e-tron electric car range too with the all-electric R8 e-tron and the hybrid e-tron version of the Q7 SUV.
Bentley
Bentley has revealed an all-new hybrid supercar concept to take on the Aston Martin Vanquish, called the EXP 10 Speed 6.
The front end is dominated by a much larger, squarer and lower-set version of the classic Bentley grille filled with a 3D mesh, while the twin-headlights are surrounded with LED rings. Short overhangs, a long sculpted bonnet and bulging rear wheel arches lay the foundations for its classic sports car proportions, while the oval taillights are mimicked by the twin tailpipes underneath.
BMW
• BMW 1 Series facelift• BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
Munich-based BMW is revealed the facelifted 1 Series range in the flesh for the first time. The Audi A3 rival gets updated styling, an upgraded interior and a new range of engines, including three-cylinder units.
The firm also showed a seven-seat version of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, called the Gran Tourer. The car remains much the same as before, apart from an extended rear-end that accomodates an extra row of chairs.
Citroen (DS)
• DS 5
Citroen showed a facelifted version of its DS 5 premium hatch, but it didn't have the firm's double chevrons on the front. The DS 5 will become the first car in the new 'DS' range that forms a separate premium sub-brand.
Ferrari
The ‘Prancing Horse’ has revealed its 458-replacing supercar at the Geneva show. But the new 488 GTB is more than a quick refresh of the headlights. The McLaren 650S rival gets a brand-new V8 engine with turbocharging for the first time in a mid-engined Ferrari since the F40. The controversial decision to move to forced induction brings an increase in power to over 660bhp, and improved efficiency.
Ford
• 2015 Ford Focus RS• Ford GT• Ford Focus Red and Black editions
The Blue Oval announced its new Focus RS on the same day as the aforementioned Ferrari 488 GTB, but still managed to steal the limelight, now both cars are going head-to-head at Geneva. Fans of fast hatches were thrilled at the announcement of the four-wheel drive VW Golf R rival, and a pricetag of around £30,000 makes it very competitive. At least 318bhp and clever torque vectoring control with a 'drift mode' all feature.
Also on the stand was the new Ford GT supercar making its European debut after wowing the crowds at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. Bringing things back down to earth were the value added Focus Red and Black special editions that will be joining the UK range soon.
Honda
• Honda Civic Type-R• Honda Jazz• Honda HR-V• Honda NSX
We’ve already seen two showstopping models from the Japanese firm at recent motor shows; the Honda NSX supercar and the Civic Type R hot hatch in concept form. The NSX was there to make its European debut, while the Type R featured in production spec for the first time. There were also be two new, production-ready models in the form of the European-spec Jazz and new HR-V small crossover.
Hyundai
• Hyundai i30 facelift• Hyundai i20 Coupe• Hyundai i40 facelift• Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai revealed a compact SUV that revives the Tucson name and replaces the ix35. Set to get a sleeker new look, the latest generation of engines and better dynamics, it will be released sometime in 2016.
The Korean firm’s updated i30 range has also been unveiled to the public for the first time, with a new 183bhp turbocharged variant also making its debut. There will also be a sporty new three-door Hyundai i20 Coupe.
Infiniti
Nissan's luxury sub-brand showcased its new QX30 small crossover, alongside the Q30 small hatchback it's based on. Set to rival the BMW X1, the QX30 gets a Mercedes-sourced platform and powertrain, and will arrive in mid-2016.
Jeep
• Jeep Renegade Hard Steel concept
Jeep's Geneva Motor Show stand featured one of the wildest versions of the Jeep Renegade crossover SUV we've seen so far. The Jeep Renegade Hard Steel show car has been created to showcase the range of customisation options available in Jeep's Mopar accessories range but the highlight is a giant touchscreen-equipped trailer designed to look like the Renegade's own rear end.
Kia
• Kia Picanto 2015 update• Kia Sportspace concept
Joining its Korean sister brand Hyundai, Kia brought the facelifted Picanto city car to the Geneva party. The Picanto gets a mild nip-and-tuck on the outside, some fresher trim and tech on the inside and some emissions tweaks to the 1.0-litre petrol engine.
It sits alongside the updated Rio, Venga and Optima, as well as the new Sorento SUV we drove recently. There's also the sleek new Sportspace concept, a four-seater 'shooting brake' estate that is a preview for a load-lugging Optima.
Koenigsegg
Swedish supercar firm Koenigsegg revealed a new Agera 'RS' in Geneva, an even more extreme version of the 1,100bhp, 250mph Agera R hypercar. It will battle for show interest with another mega-price and mega-powered machine in the form of the Mclaren P1 GTR.
The bonkers Swedish supercar firm is forever pushing boundaries with its extreme hypercar models, however, and the Agera RS wasn't the most powerful car on its stand. The new Regera (which translates as "to reign") promises a total output of 1,782bhp and a frankly astounding 2,000Nm of torque.
Lamborghini
Italy's dramatic hypercar maker has unveiled the hardcore new Aventador SV in Geneva. The SV is one of Lambo's fastest ever road cars, with around 750bhp from its 6.5-litre V12 and a top speed heading towards 220mph.
Land Rover
Land Rover's least rugged and most style-driven model, the Evoque, gets a mid-life nip and tuck to keep it fresh. Exterior changes are minor, but more importantly it gets new engines including the 'Ingenium' diesel (meaning 68mpg), and new cabin tech.
Lexus
Toyota's Mercedes rival brought along a host of cars to the Geneva show; some we've seen before, one we haven't. Lexus is preparing to take on the MINI and Audi A1 in the premium supermini class and this radical LF-SA concept, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, is a dramatic preview of how the smallest Lexus ever could look and its European design studio – the team tasked with creating the concept - hasn’t held back.
Lotus
Norfolk-based sports car firm brought along a revised Evora to the 2015 Geneva show, with refreshed styling and a better quality interior. The Evora 400 is lighter, faster and more efficient than the model it replaces. The newcomer will go on sale in August, priced from around £70,000.
McLaren
• McLaren 675LT• McLaren P1 GTR
McLaren unveiled its harder, faster, slippier 650S for the first time. Called the 675LT, the name harks back to the legendary 'Long Tail' Mclaren F1 GTR endurance racer of the nineties, although it doesn't quite get that car's huge rear deck. It does however get 666bhp, 700Nm of torque and serious aerodynamic changes.
Two new Mclarens at the same time is a rare occurence, but the Woking-based firm also displayed an even more extreme variant of its insane P1 hypercar. The petrol-electric P1 GTR will get 986bhp, a whole lot of extra aero and an equally astonishing £1.9million pricetag. Existing P1 owners are invited to buy the less-than road-legal GTR first.
Mercedes-Benz
• Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupe• Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake• Mercedes C-Class PHEV• Mercedes AMG GT3
Mercedes, as you would expect at a European motor show, had a prominent stand with a number of new models making an appearance. The GLE and GLE coupe have been seen previously, with the former replacing the current M-Class and the latter gunning straight for the BMW X6 with an SUV-coupe bodystyle.
The CLA Shooting Brake small estate also made its European debut, as did the C350 plug-in hybrid compact executive saloon. Wowing the crowds at the show was the FIA GT3 racing variant of the new Mercedes-AMG GT supercar.
MINI
• MINI Countryman Park Lane edition
Not to be outdone by the huge variety of new metal at this year's Geneva Motor Show, MINI unveiled a new special edition of its Countryman crossover. Set to go on sale in July, the Park Lane edition gets a raft of exterior and interior changes to add desirability.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi has finally unveiled its dramatic XR PHEV II concept at the Geneva Motor Show. With a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it's expected to join the Outlander PHEV SUV in the firm's lineup.
Morgan
You don't often hear about new models from the small British sports car maker, but Morgan has shown a new supercar at Geneva. The new Aero 8 looks pretty much as you would expect from a Morgan but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Nissan
The Japanese firm showcased a brand new small car concept at Geneva. Called the Sway, its designed primarily to influence the design language of the next-generation Micra supermini, which we expect to see in production form in 2016.
Peugeot
Peugeot has just revealed it will bring along a facelifted version of its 208 supermini range. But this isn't just a bumper-and-headlamp job, as the Renault Clio rival gets more efficient engines and a brand new petrol unit. There's also new cabin and safety tech along with extra trim levels. a new BlueHDI diesel engine becomes the most efficient diesel engine production car in the UK, promising 94mpg combined economy.
Porsche
• Porsche 911 GT3 RS• Porsche Cayman GT4
Stuttgart’s iconic sports car brand showed the most hardcore version of its latest 911 yet. The GT3 RS gets a brand-new naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine. Instilled with Porsche's motorsport know-how, the GT3 RS is the most powerful non-turbo 911 ever. Engine displacement has increased from 3.8 litres in the standard 911 GT3 to 4.0 litres, with power going up by 25bhp to 493bhp. Also on the Porsche stand was the Cayman GT4, a track-focused version of Porsche's smaller sports car.
Renault
• Renault Kadjar• Renault Clio Renaultsport Trophy
Renault showed an all-new midsize crossover SUV at Geneva. The unusually-named Kadjar will take on crossover heavyweights such as the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5. Renault also showed the latest addition to its Renaultsport hot hatch stable, the Clio 220 Trophy.
Rolls-Royce
While all eyes are on Rolls-Royce for the firm's forthcoming luxury SUV, its Bespoke Design team has been busy with a unique one-off Phantom limousine. Dubbed the Serenity, it uses some of the most opulent materials ever seen in a vehicle to create the ultimate money-no-object luxury car. There's even a tree embroidered in the headlining!
Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus
• Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003
A true racing car for the road, the SCG003 will be available as a race or road car with minimal difference between the two - and will be raced at the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
SEAT
• SEAT 20V20 concept• SEAT Leon Cupra ST 280
Fans of fast estates will be pleased to know that Spanish firm SEAT’s production car star of Geneva was the Leon Cupra ST 280. The load-lugging version of one of our favourite hot hatches is set to go on sale in the middle of the year, with 276bhp, a 587-litre boot and a pricetag of around £29,000.
Even more interesting is the 20V20 concept car that will form the basis of the firm's long-awaited range of SUVs. The 20V20 (standing for Vision Veinte Veinte – Spanish for 20:20) previews a large SUV similar in size to an Audi Q5 that could arrive in 2020, once two smaller SUVs have been added to the Spanish company’s line-up.
Skoda
• Skoda Superb• Skoda Octavia vRS 230
Skoda unveiled the third-generation of its Superb executive saloon for the first time at the show. We’ve driven a pre-production prototype which showed plenty of promise, but the finished article looks set to be the firm’s most upmarket model to date. It’ll get a familiar range of VW Group petrol and diesel engines, and a pricetag starting at around £25,000. Skoda will also show its fastest Octavia yet. The vRS 230 model gets a 10bhp power upgrade over the standard car.
Ssangyong
The little-known Korean brand is attempting to revive its fortunes in the UK with the introduction of a brand new small crossover. Called the Tivoli, it’s going head-to-head with popular models such as the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008, and is a result of a £212million investment.
Subaru
Subaru announced its intention to sell the Levorg estate in Europe from late this year. While it may look like a replacement for the defunct Legacy, Subaru insists this is a new, sleeker and sportier model aimed at a very different demographic. It's smaller and lower than the Outback, yet still comes with the company's symmetrical four-wheel drive system for impressive all-weather traction. The announcment comes after a successful first year of sales in Japan.
Suzuki
Suzuki loaded up its show stand with a pair new concepts. The first, the iK-2 is a B-segment hatchback that will reportedly slot above the Swift, while the iM-4 is a distinctive mini-4X4 that the firm claims isn't a replacement for the Jimny, but a lifestyle small crossover with genuine off-road prowess.
Toyota
• Toyota Avensis • Toyota Auris
Toyota's long-standing large saloon got an extensive redesign, an all-new engine range and a more upmarket interior to try and tempt in showgoers at Geneva. It'll go on sale in the UK in the summer.
The firm also engaged in some similar treatment with its Ford Focus-rivalling Auris. Exterior revisions are minor, but there's also new tech and engines to give the family hatchback a boost.
Vauxhall
• Vauxhall Viva • Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Opel/Vauxhall arrived in Geneva with a very important new city car that revives the iconic ‘Viva’ name from the 1970s. It’s going head to head with rivals such as the Skoda Citigo and Hyundai i10, and is expected to get a starting price of under £8,000 when it goes on sale in Spring 2015.
At the other end of the small car scale, the Luton firm pulled the wraps off the second-generation Corsa VXR at the show. Recently revealed with 202bhp from a 1.6-litre turbo engine, a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and the option of a limited-slip differential, it'll cost just under £20,000 when it goes on sale in May.
Volkswagen
• Volkswagen Golf GTD Estate• Volkswagen Passat Alltrack• Volkswagen Sport Coupe GTE concept
Volkswagen a new hot estate, but it isn't petrol-powered like the SEAT Cupra ST 280. The Golf GTD diesel hot hatch will get a load-lugger variant for the first time, going head-to-head with Ford’s recently launched ST diesel estate. It gets 181bhp, is capable of 64mpg and 620-litre boot, all for a cost of just over £27,000.
The German firm is also introducing a jacked-up Alltrack variant of the new Passat estate. Set to rival the Volvo V60 Cross Country, it combines the practicality of the load-lugger with the go-anywhere ability of an SUV. Finally, Volkswagen treated us to a swoopy new Sport Coupe GTE concept, a car that previews the next generation of Passat CC and is set to provide a cut-price alternative to cars like the Mercedes CLS.
More news from Geneva Motor Show 2015...
• Mercedes EV boss: battery breakthrough is close• Smart to stay competitive with in-car tech updates • SsangYong plans rugged Suzuki Jimny rival
• Next Range Rover Evoque under development• A racing car for the road: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003 revealed• 430bhp Kahn Flying Huntsman Concept powers in• Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Berlinetta Lusso revealed• No A-segment SUV from Jeep• Smart to keep up with rivals via "facelift by download"
Live news feed: Geneva 2015
Geneva Motor Show 2015: press day timeline
Scroll through our timeline of the big press conferences on March 3rd 2015 - Geneva Motor Show press day...