Geneva 2012 preview
We name the 10 star cars to look out for at next week's Geneva Motor Show
Every Geneva Motor Show appears to have some kind of theme. Last year, for instance, every manufacturer had at least one electric car or electric concept on its stand. This year though, car companies are keen to show that they’re also developing cars for the here and now.
The premium hatch market will be more crowded than ever with a new Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class and brand-new Volvo V40. While the horsepower war is clearly still being waged in the performance segment as Bugatti unveil the Veyron Gran Sport Vitesse, Mercedes pulls the wraps off the SL63 AMG and BMW reveals the latest M6.
All in all the Geneva Motor Show organisers are hoping for 180 world or European debuts, and we’ve narrowed that list down to just 10 of the most exciting cars...
One of the most controversial new cars at Geneva will be the Evoque Cabriolet. Some people love it, while others loathe it and Range Rover will be keeping a close eye on public opinion at the show as it decides whether or not to put the new drop-top into production. A folding fabric soft-top and pop-up roll over bars are the differences over the standard car.
With the recent praise garnered by the RCZ, Peugeot is in the perfect position to launch a fun, agile hot-hatch that can go on to recreate some of the success enjoyed by the 205 GTi. Power comes from a 197bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with additional tweaks to the suspension and styling. Expect to see the 208 GTi on sale in production form by the end of this year.
For years there’s been a gap in the XF range, as Jaguar never decided to produce an estate version. That’s all about to change though, as the British firm introduces the XF Sportbrake. It gets a roof spoiler, blacked out C-pillars and plenty of practical touches in the cabin. Expect 3.0-litre V6 and 2.2-litre four-cylinder engines to make up the range.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
The 599-replacing Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever, producing 730bhp from its 6.3-litre V12. It’s also around 70kgs lighter than the 599, resulting in amazing performance figures - it's said to be able to go from 0-62mph in 3.1 seconds and 0-124mph in just 8.5 seconds. No price has been announced, but expect the Berlinetta to cost around £240,000.
Audi A3
The all-new A3 shows what Audi does best: it’s stylish, understated and luxurious. Based on the VW Group's new MQB platform that's set to underpin the next VW Golf, it should be good to drive too. We still haven’t got any details on the engine line-up but expect there to be road-tax free models as well as plenty of options for those who favour performance over economy.
Volvo V40
Just as Audi introduces its all new A3, Volvo is set to introduce its competitor. Called the V40, the five-door model rides on a tweaked version of the C30’s platform, which Volvo claims will deliver "class-leading driving dynamics". A 113bhp diesel model that emits just 95g/km sounds promising too.
It looks like the premium family hatch market will be a little crowded in 2012, with Mercedes also poised to unveil the all-new A-Class at the Geneva Motor Show. Unlike its predecessor the new model boasts a low-slung design and will focus on handling, style and hi-tech gadgets more than practicality.
The MINI Clubvan Concept is set to become the latest addition to the MINI line-up. The two-seater van is based on the Clubman and, thanks to its status as a commercial vehicle, will allow buyers to claim back the VAT. MINI hasn’t announced what’s under the bonnet but the 90bhp 1.6-litre diesel is likely to feature.
Infiniti Emerg-E
One of the show's head-turners will be the Infiniti Emerge-e. Details are scarce, but leaked images suggest the new Infiniti will be a mid-engined plug-in hybrid sports car that puts as much of a focus on driving dynamics as it does on rock-bottom running costs.
Mercedes SL63 AMG
For the all-new Mercedes SL63 AMG, the German manufacturer has shed 125kg comapred to its predecessor, and has not only improved performance but also slashed CO2 emissions from 328g/km to 231g/km. AMG Sports suspension and Active Body Control are both included in the expected £110,000 price-tag.
Which cars are you most looking forward to seeing at Geneva next week? Tell us in the comments below...
