Geneva Motor Show 2019: news round-up and all the cars
Our comprehensive round-up of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show tells you everything about the most important new cars and biggest stories
The Geneva Motor Show takes place every year, and it’s arguably one of the most influential events on the global car show circuit. This year’s event kicked off as usual with a slew of new model launches and the latest concept cars, and we have the highlights here in our Geneva Motor Show round-up.
The Auto Express team has been in Switzerland en masse to get you the latest news, pictures and video round-ups of the 2019 Geneva show, and we interviewed the people that matter to find out about the new cars on display, as well as looking at the state of the global new car market in 2019. Below is all of our coverage from the show in one place.
• Best cars of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show
We’ve highlighted the most important car launches from the 2019 Geneva International show, as well as providing a complete A-Z rundown of the manufacturers in attendance and what exactly they had on display.
We’ve also chosen our picks of the show, from the important mass-market newcomers, to the best of the concept cars, and we’ve also had a look at the niche models from the obscure manufacturers that fill out the rest of the Geneva show halls. We have a picture gallery containing images of the important cars at the show, while our videos give a flavor of what we can expect when the show stars hit the roads in the UK in the coming months and years.
Scroll down for all our great Geneva Motor show content…
Geneva Motor Show 2019: round-up
• Best cars of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show• Best concepts of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show• Cars you may have missed at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show• Geneva Motor Show 2019 gallery
Geneva Motor Show 2019: the key cars
• Aston Martin Project 003 - a new hypercar that joins the Valkyrie and Valkyrie Pro.• Alfa Romeo Tonale - a new small SUV based on the Jeep Renegade, set to take on the Mazda CX-3.• Ferrari F8 Tributo - 488 GTB replacement arrives with the 710bhp V8 from the Pista.• Honda e prototype – a prototype version of the brand’s much-loved Urban EV concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.• Peugeot 208 – an all-new supermini with cutting edge design, upmarket interior and full EV option.• Renault Clio – a new range of engines for the latest iteration of Renault's perennial supermini.• Skoda Kamiq – a new compact SUV tasked with taking on the Nissan Juke.
Geneva Motor Show 2019: news headlines
• New Ferrari hybrid supercar due in three months• Alfa Romeo Mito to be reborn as an SUV• New McLaren Grand Tourer announced at Geneva• Honda to go full-electric by 2025• BMW could move MINI production abroad• New Volkswagen up! to be electric only• De Tomaso and Apollo make unconventional appearances• Audi TT will morph into 4-door coupe
Geneva Motor Show 2019: live gallery
Geneva Motor Show 2019: manufacturers A to Z
Alfa Romeo
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti and 2019 Giulietta• Alfa Romeo Tonale• Alfa Romeo Mito to be reborn as an SUV
Alfa Romeo's 2019 Geneva stand saw the debut of the brand's upcoming models and celebrate the firm's recent return to F1. The new Stelvio Ti appeared, along with Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio "Alfa Romeo Racing" F1 special editions. The brand has also unveiled its new Tonale SUV, which will sit below the Stelvio in the range. It's based on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade, albeit with sportier styling and character. The Tonale will face off against rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and Volkswagen T-Cross.
Aston Martin
• Aston Martin Project 003• Aston Martin Vanquish Vision concept
Aston Martin turned up the pressure on rivals Ferrari and McLaren with the unveiling of the 003 concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The hypercar will sit in an elite band of vehicles occupied by the likes of the McLaren Senna, and feature F1 technology adopted from Aston’s partnership with Red Bull Racing. A second mid-engined Aston, the Vanquish Vision Concept, was also revealed. The car is expected to enter production as a direct rival to the McLaren 720S and new Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Audi
• Audi e-tron Sportback• Audi Q4 e-Tron• Audi TFSI e PHEV drivetrain• Audi TT will morph into 4-door coupe• Audi set to cut its model range
Audi revealed an all-new, all-electric concept car at Geneva. Officially called the Q4 e-Tron concept, it's Audi's first vehicle based on the VW Group’s dedicated pure-electric MEB platform (the same underpinnings as VW’s I.D. line-up) when it goes on sale in 2020.
Continuing the brand’s shift towards electrification, Audi also debuted its new range of plug-in hybrids. The new TFSI e PHEV powertrain will be available in the Q5, A6, A7 and A8 with orders starting later this year. The hybrid models all come with three driving modes called ‘EV’, ‘Auto’ and ‘Hold’. Each mode changes the car’s settings for either all-electric drive, automated hybrid drive or a “power saving” mode which maintains a constant level of charge in the batteries.
Bentley
• Bentley Bentayga Speed• Bentley Continental GT No.9• Bentley eyes up hydrogen fuel cell tech
It’s Bentley’s 100th birthday this year and, to celebrate, the firm has unveiled a ‘Centenary’ model for the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the Bentley Continental GT, the No.9 special edition model pays tribute to the 1930 "Blower" Bentley 4 ½ litre Le Mans winner. Each of the 100 cars gets unique alloy wheels, a carbon fibre aero package and 18K gold switchgear to set them apart from the standard cars.
BMW
• BMW 7 Series• BMW hybrids revealed• BMW could move MINI production abroad• Current BMW i3 to get revamp rather than new model• BMW M division to use i electric car tech
BMW’s latest 7 Series flagship saloon debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. It has a few styling updates, chief of which being the grossly enlarged kidney grilles, slimmer headlights and a flatter bonnet. In terms of powertrains, there's a range of diesel engines, a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid and a range-topping petrol-powered V12, with a choice of either rear- or four-wheel-drive.
Bugatti
Bugatti has built a one-off hypercar for this year's show. Called La Voiture Noire (The Black Car), the model celebrates Bugatti’s 110-year history and draws its design inspiration from the brand’s famous 1936 Type 57 SC Atlantic. Powered by the same quad-turbo W16 as the Bugatti Chiron, La Voiture Noire has 1,479bhp and 1,600Nm of torque. The car has already sold for around £9.5million to an avid Bugatti enthusiast.
Citroen
• Citroen AMI ONE concept• Citroen to leave WRC unless rally cars go hybrid
Citroen is celebrating its centenary this year and, to mark the occasion, it has unveiled this new concept at Geneva. The dinky prototype, called the AMI ONE, is an all-electric two-seat city car inspired by the classic 2CV, with a maximum speed of 28mph, a 425kg kerb weight and a minimalist interior.
Cupra
The 2019 Geneva Motor Show marks the first full year of Cupra existing as a separate brand, independent of parent marque SEAT. To celebrate, the Spanish firm’s performance spinoff gets its first standalone model, the Cupra Formentor concept. Basically a coupe version of the Ateca, the Formentor bolsters Cupra’s position at the forefront of the performance SUV market. We’ll still have to wait a while for a Cupra hot hatch, but the Formentor is another step in the right direction for the brand.
Ferrari
• Ferrari F8 Tributo• Ferrari hybrid supercar due in three months
Ferrari debuted its new F8 Tributo at this year's show. A replacement for the 488 GTB, the F8 Tributo uses the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine from the 488 Pista, meaning 710bhp and a top speed of beyond 200mph.
Fiat
• Fiat Centoventi concept• New Fiat 500 due with electric power only
Fiat has revealed a concept car called the Fiat Centoventi. Centoventi means 120 in Italian, and it just so happens to be Fiat’s 120th birthday this year. It's highly likely that the concept offers a look at what the next Fiat Panda could look like, while its feature-packed interior promises plenty of innovation from the Italian company in the coming years.
Ginetta
Ginetta revealed an all-new supercar called the Akula at Geneva this year. Under the bonnet is a naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V8, which generates in excess of 600bhp and 700Nm of torque. The Akula is Ginetta's first car since the British company released the G40R back in 2010.
Honda
• Honda e prototype• Honda to go full-electric by 2025
Following the company’s success at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show with the Urban EV, Honda has revealed a close to production prototype at Geneva. The above video gives an indication of how its exterior will look, while recently-released interior shots show the dashboard-spanning infotainment system.
Honda says its latest prototype is focused on functionality, drawing its design inspiration from the retro-styled concept. It will be supported by a demonstration on the firm's plans for the electrification of two-thirds of its range by 2025.
Jeep
• Jeep Renegade and Compass PHEVs
Jeep used this year’s show to preview its new plug-in hybrid powertrain which now features in the Renegade and Compass SUVs. The system comprises a 1.3-litre petrol engine and an electric motor with a combined output of either 187bhp in the Renegade or 237bhp in the larger Compass. Both put power to the road via four-wheel drive, with the front wheels powered exclusively by the petrol engine and the rears by the electric motor. A healthy amount of low-down torque means an improvement in off-road ability according to the American manufacturer. It’s likely that this platform will find its way into other FCA products, including the production version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Kia
Kia has revealed a new electric concept car at the Geneva Motor Show, which the Korean brand says is a ‘visual embodiment’ of its move towards electrification and could be toned down for production early next decade. Called Imagine by Kia, the car is a high-roof C-segment saloon with a fastback rear end. There are no specifics on powertrain as yet, but Kia says wireless charging features. More details as they come.
Koenigsegg
Swedish hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg has revealed its latest creation, the 1,578bhp Jesko. That immense power comes courtesy of a 5.0-litre V8 engine capable of running on either conventional petrol or E85 ethanol fuel. Full performance specifications and pricing information for the Jesko are yet to be announced, but the Swedish brand has a history of breaking records.
Lagonda
Aston Martin has branched out with its new Lagonda brand, specialising in all-electric vehicles. It’s latest venture is this: an all-electric SUV to rival the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga. This concept will morph into a production model by 2021; it's a four-seater with front seats that can swivel to face the rears while the car drives autonomously. A price of around £300,000 is likely, but Aston Martin hasn't confirmed much in the way of production car details.
Lamborghini
• Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster• Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
Lamborghini’s revised Audi R8 rival, the Huracan Evo, has now gone topless. The Huracan Evo Spyder is powered by a re-tuned version of the old model’s naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10, with an extra 28bhp and 40Nm of torque, taking the total figures to 630bhp and 600Nm of torque.
Joining the Huracan Evo Spyder on Lamborghini's stand is the new Aventador SVJ Roadster. Limited to just 800 examples worldwide, its monster naturally-aspirated V12 produces 759bhp.
Mazda
Mazda has unwrapped a new compact SUV inspired by the new Mazda 3 family hatchback. Designed to sit between the CX-3 and CX-5, the CX-30 measures 4,395mm long and 1,795mm wide, so it's similar in size to class rivals such as the Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Karoq.
McLaren
• McLaren 720S Spider by MSO• McLaren Grand Tourer announced
British supercar manufacturer McLaren showcased a version of its new 720S Spider customised through its MSO division. The car features a special paint job that took 260 hours to complete and is testament to the skills and capabilities of McLaren’s bespoke customisation arm. Elsewhere on the stand the new McLaren Speedtail hypercar made an appearance, while the brand announced its plans to release a new grand tourer that’ll ‘share its DNA’ with the halo model. More details on the forthcoming model will be released over the next few months.
Mercedes
• Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake• Mercedes GLC facelift• Mercedes EQV• Mercedes-AMG GLE 53• Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster
Mercedes debuted its latest CLA Shooting Brake at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. Like the previous model, it prioritises sporty styling over outright practicality. The engine range is identical to the current generation A-Class hatch, with a 1.5-litre diesel, a pair of 1.3-litre turbos and a 221bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol forming the lower end of the range. A hot AMG CLA 35 will potentially follow, borrowing the A 35’s 302bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor.
Mercedes has given its premium compact SUV, the GLC, a mild facelift, with a new LED headlight design, fresh tail-lights, efficiency updates for its conventionally-powered engines and a potential plug-in hybrid powertrain. Inside, expect a fresh set of digital dials, a new infotainment system and support for Apple CarPlay.
The German firm also showcased an all-electric version of its V-Class MPV, badged the concept EQV. It should make production beyond 2021.
Finally, a drop-top version of Mercedes' flagship GT R supercar has also been unveiled.
Mitsubishi
• Mitsubishi ASX• Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept
The latest Mitsubishi ASX has been unwrapped at this year’s event. This production-ready model features a reworked nose (with the brand’s latest “dynamic shield” design language), new bumpers and a fresh 2.0-litre engine.
The Japanese brand has also unveiled its latest all-electric SUV concept. Named, rather strangely, after a ski resort in the Swiss Alps, the Engelberg Tourer Concept details Mitsubishi’s design direction for its next generation of SUVs, potentially previewing the next Outlander.
Morgan
• Morgan Plus Six• Majority stake in Morgan acquired by Investindustrial
This year’s Geneva Motor Show has provided a rare opportunity – the chance to see an all-new Morgan. While the new Plus Six looks largely like any other car from the Malvern firm’s 110-year history, the brand insists it shares only 4 per cent of parts with the old Roadster. The most notable change comes in the engine bay, where you find a 335bhp twin-turbocharged straight-six from BMW. The chassis has been updated too but still features plenty of wood.
Nissan
• Nissan IMQ Concept• Nissan to introduce e-Power models in Europe by 2022
Nissan's latest concept, called the IMQ, made an appearance at Geneva. Supposedly, the new model previews the Japanese brand's future plans for design and autonomous technology.
Peugeot
• Peugeot 208• Peugeot e-208• Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered concept• Peugeot says level 4 autonomous cars could add £13k
The all-new 208 supermini has already caused quite a stir and has taken pride of place on Peugeot’s stand this year. The striking little hatchback gains styling cues from the 508 saloon, and the French brand’s futuristic interior design. While no 3-door model will be available, the 208’s squat stance and upmarket looks will help it deliver a hammer blow to the Ford Fiesta and new Renault Clio. The e-208 electric version will draw a big crowd too.
The Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered concept has also made its public debut at this year’s show and previews a potential performance version of the 508 PHEV. It’s unlikely that the production version would carry over the concept’s 400bhp powertrain, though.
Piech
You may not have heard of Swiss firm Piech, but the start-up company has revealed its all-electric sports car at Geneva. Sketches of the Mark Zero have already been leaked online and Piech has said that the car is capable of 310 miles on electric power with a kerb weight of less than 1,800kg.
Pininfarina
Named to honour the company’s founder, Battista Farina, it’s an all-electric hypercar with 1,873bhp, 2,300Nm of torque, a 0-62mph time of under two seconds and a top speed in excess of 250mph. It’ll go on sale in 2020 with no more than 150 units being built at the Italian firm's Turin facility, each costing between £1.5 and £2 million.
Polestar
Polestar introduced its all-electric Tesla Model 3 rival to the Geneva Motor Show. Joining the company’s plug-in hybrid Polestar 1, the 396bhp saloon will enter production in 2020 with a claimed range of 310 miles, a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds and a price-tag of around £34,000.
Porsche
The latest Porsche 911 Cabriolet features an electrically-operated roof, which can be lowered in 12 seconds at speeds up to 31mph. As an added benefit, the roof is fitted with magnesium rods to prevent it from “ballooning” at high speeds. It features the same 444bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine as the coupe, and is available with either rear- or all-wheel-drive.
Renault
The new Clio features updates such as a new 48V hybrid powertrain, reduced kerb weight, basic semi-autonomous driving systems and evolutionary styling update.
Based on the brand's new CMF-B platform, the Clio features a range of engines including a revised edition of the 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo will also be available, along with a new 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.
SEAT
• SEAT el-Born• SEAT Minimo• New SEAT Formentor to join Cupra version in 2020
SEAT is showing off its first electric production car at the show. The el-Born is the sister car to the VW ID hatchback that will go on sale later this year. It offers an impressive 261-mile range on the tough new WLTP tests and has 100kW DC charging capability, so it can be restored from zero charge to 80 per cent in 47 minutes. The el-Born is not the only electric SEAT on show though...
While the Renault Twizy has never been a big seller, the electric quadricycle has had its unique place in the market all to itself since its launch in 2012. However, seven years later, the Twizy may finally have some competition in the form of the SEAT Minimo concept. We don’t yet know if the one-plus-one electric city car will make it to production, but SEAT says it’s developing Level 4 autonomy for the Minimo, allowing it to locate and pick up users when they need it.
Skoda
• Skoda Kamiq• Skoda Vision iV concept
As part of its SUV product offensive, Skoda has unveiled the Kamiq at Geneva. It will be the smallest SUV in the company’s range and is tasked with taking on the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. However, as it’s based on VW Group’s larger MQB platform, it hopes to trump its rivals on space.
In essence, the Kamiq is a production version of the Vision X concept which was revealed last year. A choice of either a 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre petrol will be offered, along with a 1.6-litre diesel. Like its stablemate, the Volkswagen T-Cross, it will only be offered in a front-wheel-drive configuration when it goes on sale in autumn this year.
Skoda also debuted the Vision iV concept. This coupe-SUV previews the firm’s more “emotional” design language, acting as a follow-up to the 2017 Vision E concept. It sits on Volkswagen’s all-electric MEB platform and will likely morph into a production variant by 2021.
SsangYong
The Korean company’s latest Nissan Qashqai rival features a funky new body, updated tech and revised powertrains in the form of a new 1.6-litre diesel, a fresh 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid and a frugal 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol-hybrid.
Toyota
• Toyota Supra• Toyota Corolla GR Sport and Corolla Trek• New Toyota Corolla GRMN likely to join range
The new Toyota Supra has made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Quite possibly the worst-kept secret on this year’s automotive calendar, the new Supra is built in tandem with the new BMW Z4, sharing its engine and interior components.
It’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six produces 335bhp and, thanks to its eight-speed ZF gearbox, it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 4.3 seconds. Toyota also recently confirmed that the top speed would be electronically limited to 155mph. Prices start at £52,695, but the initial production run has already sold out, so if you put a deposit down, it'll be for a place on the waiting list. Geneva also saw a Supra GT4 racing variant take to the Toyota stage.
Toyota also debuted two special edition trim levels for the recently-released Corolla, respectively called the GR Sport and the Corolla Trek. The former follows the same vein as the Yaris GR Sport, adding a sporty body kit and larger alloy wheels to the standard car. The latter gives the Corolla a crossover-inspired makeover.
Volkswagen
• Volkswagen ID. Buggy• Volkswagen T-Roc R• VW shared electric car tech with e.GO• New Volkswagen up! to be electric only
Aligning with the current movement towards nostalgic design, Volkswagen has brought a modern interpretation of the 1960s beach buggy to the Geneva Motor Show. Like the Meyers Manx which inspired the project, it has no roof, no doors, open sills and large off-road tyres. Called the ID. Buggy, it's based on Volkswagen’s all-electric MEB platform, which it borrows from the upcoming ID. hatch.
Looking somewhat closer to a production model, VW has also debuted the new T-Roc R. Using various bits of the Golf R powertrain, the compact performance SUV will take the fight to its VW Group stablemates, the Audi SQ2 and the Cupra Ateca. As well as the 296bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, the T-Roc R gains plenty of performance styling upgrades. Four-wheel drive will be standard when the car goes on sale at the end of the year, and helps propel the sporty crossover from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, fast enough to trouble all but the hottest of hot hatchbacks.
Volkswagen also announced that is has struck a deal to share its advanced MEB electric car platform with low volume EV maker e.GO and the agreement could see the smaller firm build limited numbers of cars for Volkswagen.
