Hello, one and all.
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
A .com, a WordPress based blog and hopefully, some Geneva 2016 content. Stay tuned.
Thursday 9 February 2017
Thursday 19 March 2015
MPV Battle - All-New Volkswagen Touran vs BMW Gran Tourer - Geneva International Motor Show 2015
Who would have thought it?
4 years ago I would have laughed so, so, hard if you had suggested that BMW would enter the boring and shrinking (thanks to the SUV craze) MPV market with a front-wheel drive box. But here we are in 2015 and you can buy such a thing. Not only that, but at the International Geneva Motor Show, they have launched a new, longer, version with 2 extra seats. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give the BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer.
I would describe the design as....gawky. Actually, if you put your badge snobbery aside, on design alone the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso arguably does a better job at being a box on wheels. That being seaid, the interior is reasonably pleasant, the engines economical and despite it's heritage-ruining front wheel drive platform, I'd trust BMW more than most (especially considering their efforts with the Mini) to sort out the handling.
But the big question is, should this car exist? Or, even better, will people pay up to north of £30 grand (!) for an averaged size people carrier? To my mind, the normal consumer will find the myriad of similarity sized and priced SUVs much more desirable. It won't have 7 seats (unless you go for a Land-Rover Discovery Sport), but it will be higher up and with increased school car-park cred.
Which basically means, to my mind anyway, this car is aimed at a rich parent, that needs 7 seats (2 of which are quite small) and wants to drive box. Watch me be wrong and the queues at the dealerships stack up, but that seems like a small gap to fill.
But what about a company that does not have a reputation built on winning races and driver dynamics. One that represents solidity and refinement. Aha, Volkswagen have the answer with the all-new Touran. Thankfully, this new model is a larger step forward in terms of design compared to the bland old generation version.
Listen, it is still an Ikea Wardrobe with 4 tyres, but bearing that in mind, it looks almost lean. Especially in the R-Line body-kit, which was on display to gauge public opinion at the show. It also marks a jump forward for in-car technology in the Volkswagen range, thanks to a choice of large touch-screen displays in the dash and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The usual range of VW group petrol and diesel engines are available, plus the 2.0 TDI is available with a punchy 187bhp. Like the BMW, however, affordability could be an insue, rising close to £30k to the very top of the range models. That still makes it cheaper than the BMW, and the interior is a nicer place to be.
For now, we'll take the VW please.
We also had a look at the revised Volkswagen Sharan and Caddy MPV's, plus the refreshed Citroen Berlingo. You can see them all in our little video, below.
Why not read: The Not-So-New, But Cool, Renault Espace - MPV - Geneva International Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
4 years ago I would have laughed so, so, hard if you had suggested that BMW would enter the boring and shrinking (thanks to the SUV craze) MPV market with a front-wheel drive box. But here we are in 2015 and you can buy such a thing. Not only that, but at the International Geneva Motor Show, they have launched a new, longer, version with 2 extra seats. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give the BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer.
I would describe the design as....gawky. Actually, if you put your badge snobbery aside, on design alone the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso arguably does a better job at being a box on wheels. That being seaid, the interior is reasonably pleasant, the engines economical and despite it's heritage-ruining front wheel drive platform, I'd trust BMW more than most (especially considering their efforts with the Mini) to sort out the handling.
Which basically means, to my mind anyway, this car is aimed at a rich parent, that needs 7 seats (2 of which are quite small) and wants to drive box. Watch me be wrong and the queues at the dealerships stack up, but that seems like a small gap to fill.
But what about a company that does not have a reputation built on winning races and driver dynamics. One that represents solidity and refinement. Aha, Volkswagen have the answer with the all-new Touran. Thankfully, this new model is a larger step forward in terms of design compared to the bland old generation version.
Listen, it is still an Ikea Wardrobe with 4 tyres, but bearing that in mind, it looks almost lean. Especially in the R-Line body-kit, which was on display to gauge public opinion at the show. It also marks a jump forward for in-car technology in the Volkswagen range, thanks to a choice of large touch-screen displays in the dash and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The usual range of VW group petrol and diesel engines are available, plus the 2.0 TDI is available with a punchy 187bhp. Like the BMW, however, affordability could be an insue, rising close to £30k to the very top of the range models. That still makes it cheaper than the BMW, and the interior is a nicer place to be.
For now, we'll take the VW please.
We also had a look at the revised Volkswagen Sharan and Caddy MPV's, plus the refreshed Citroen Berlingo. You can see them all in our little video, below.
Why not read: The Not-So-New, But Cool, Renault Espace - MPV - Geneva International Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Wednesday 18 March 2015
The Curious Case Of The 4-Wheel Drive BMW... - Geneva International Motor Show 2015
Well, we won't get it, which is a shame.
BMW have a curious relationship with the UK and it's xDrive 4-wheel drive system. xDrive has been around for many years on hum-drum saloons for years in mainland Europe, yet it is only in recent times have they tried to sell them to Great Britain. Maybe it was something to do with right hand drive meaning some re-engineering. Anyway, the point is, despite our nation being generally colder and at times, snowier, than our EU friends, we missed out.
That trend continues, sadly, with the BMW M235i xDrive. Tucked away in a tiny little corner of the BMW stand at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show is a small, svelte, coupe, banished to the rear by the headmaster.
It has to be said too, that in white with all the 'M' trimmings, this is the best looking BMW in quite some time (feel free to disagree).
It takes the regular inline 6-cylinder 3.0 turbo engine with a lovely 320bhp in a compact body and adds the all-weather and all-year-round goodness of 4-wheel drive. Sure, it adds expense, weight (70kgs to be precise) and maybe we love a good drift (when there's the optional diff fitted, of course). But in actuality, if you were buying this car to use everyday, how often are you going to go sideways? Plus, how often do people mock BMW drivers if it does get a little chilly outside? xDrive is the way to go.
Yet, we can't have it :(
Oh well, one can dream. Maybe if we shout enough, BMW will import it? All things considered, as an all-round package, could this be the best BMW? Let us know in the comments.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: America is making the world's most interesting sports cars... | Dodge, Cadillac & Chevrolet | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
BMW have a curious relationship with the UK and it's xDrive 4-wheel drive system. xDrive has been around for many years on hum-drum saloons for years in mainland Europe, yet it is only in recent times have they tried to sell them to Great Britain. Maybe it was something to do with right hand drive meaning some re-engineering. Anyway, the point is, despite our nation being generally colder and at times, snowier, than our EU friends, we missed out.
That trend continues, sadly, with the BMW M235i xDrive. Tucked away in a tiny little corner of the BMW stand at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show is a small, svelte, coupe, banished to the rear by the headmaster.
It has to be said too, that in white with all the 'M' trimmings, this is the best looking BMW in quite some time (feel free to disagree).
It takes the regular inline 6-cylinder 3.0 turbo engine with a lovely 320bhp in a compact body and adds the all-weather and all-year-round goodness of 4-wheel drive. Sure, it adds expense, weight (70kgs to be precise) and maybe we love a good drift (when there's the optional diff fitted, of course). But in actuality, if you were buying this car to use everyday, how often are you going to go sideways? Plus, how often do people mock BMW drivers if it does get a little chilly outside? xDrive is the way to go.
Yet, we can't have it :(
Oh well, one can dream. Maybe if we shout enough, BMW will import it? All things considered, as an all-round package, could this be the best BMW? Let us know in the comments.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: America is making the world's most interesting sports cars... | Dodge, Cadillac & Chevrolet | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Tuesday 17 March 2015
The Not-So-New, But Cool, Renault Espace - MPV - Geneva International Motor Show 2015
Nouveau Renault Espace.
Okay, despite Renault being intent on telling me the Espace is new, this car has been out a while now. But we thought we'd take a look because it looks cool. Well, as people carriers go, let us not get ahead of ourselves. Everything is relative.
But look at it. One could say the design is almost space age. BMW have recently moved into the MPV market with the 2-Series Active Tourer and produced something very bland. Whereas Renault, they've gone a little crazy.
The Espace is huge for one, but also sat on a raised ride height to almost ape an SUV. Except, it isn't an SUV, it is an MPV, so you get a much bigger cabin with 7 proper seats, like being in a private jet. Sort of. Brave, bold and different. I don't know how it drives, but I could almost say I want one. Plus, you can get it with the same 2.0 Turbo petrol engine that is in the Clio RS.
The world is a better place when the French car manufacturers stay up a little too late with a crate of red wine and plenty of cheese. If the Espace is the result, then I'm all for it, just look at that giant touch-screen dashboard!
Now Renault, please import this to the UK.
(We didn't realise that the most expensive is a whopping €44,800. Owch!)
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Okay, despite Renault being intent on telling me the Espace is new, this car has been out a while now. But we thought we'd take a look because it looks cool. Well, as people carriers go, let us not get ahead of ourselves. Everything is relative.
But look at it. One could say the design is almost space age. BMW have recently moved into the MPV market with the 2-Series Active Tourer and produced something very bland. Whereas Renault, they've gone a little crazy.
The Espace is huge for one, but also sat on a raised ride height to almost ape an SUV. Except, it isn't an SUV, it is an MPV, so you get a much bigger cabin with 7 proper seats, like being in a private jet. Sort of. Brave, bold and different. I don't know how it drives, but I could almost say I want one. Plus, you can get it with the same 2.0 Turbo petrol engine that is in the Clio RS.
The world is a better place when the French car manufacturers stay up a little too late with a crate of red wine and plenty of cheese. If the Espace is the result, then I'm all for it, just look at that giant touch-screen dashboard!
Now Renault, please import this to the UK.
(We didn't realise that the most expensive is a whopping €44,800. Owch!)
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Sunday 15 March 2015
America is making the world's most interesting sports cars... | Dodge, Cadillac & Chevrolet | Geneva Motor Show 2015
I stand by this post's title.
A bold, perhaps brash, statement. Yes, Ferrari and Porsche for example make some pretty exciting cars. As a continent, Europe makes some pretty spectacular vehicles. Japan makes some happily off the wall drivers cars too. But, put your considerable prejudices aside and think for a moment.
We live in a world where you can buy a car with 700bhp. Over 700bhp, in fact, for the price of a Porsche Cayman. Yes, you could prattle on all day long about how the Porsche embodies the very essence of a true sports car. How it has a wonderful manual gearbox, a delectable chassis and a finely tuned 6-cylinder engine mounted in the right place. But Seven. Hundred. Horsepower. There really is no replacement for displacement.
The single biggest crowd I witnessed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show was not around the crazy Aston Martin Vulcan, nor the GT3 RS, new R8 or even a bonkers Koenigsegg. No, it was around the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. It was big, green, called a HELLCAT and has 707bhp. Sat right behind it was the current Dodge Viper. A car that is, all things considered, terrible. But just look at it, all fire and brimstone. If Lamborghini used to make cars for bedroom posters, then the US of A has taken up that mantle. Preferably with a picture of a Dodge doing elevenses. Heck, they can't even make them fast enough!
Then we move on to General Motors. GM has had a torrid decade (I would argue 20 years). On the ropes as recent as 4 years ago, they a producing some wonderfully precise cars. No, really. Whilst Dodge are going down the mental power route, Chevrolet and Cadillac are going for handling par excellence.
Enter the new Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V. They have both been developed around the Nurburgring. Okay, so has every other car these days, but the previous generation CTS-V was considered quite the handler. This latest model, making it's Eurpean début, aims to build upon that. The way the cars behaves around the corners was the chief engineering objective. I have high expectations that it can out-drive a BMW M5. When has anyone ever said that about a Cadillac? The brand to me represents giant, pink, wallowing barges, not record lap times. Then someone couldn't resist going a bit crazy, and shoved a 6.2 V8 under the hood with 640bhp. It can do over 200mph!
It doesn't stop there, as alongside the CTS-V was the ATS-V. The regular ATS is a BMW 3-Series sized car, let down perhaps by a slightly low-rent interior. However, all the reviews have heaped huge praise on the car's driving dynamics. Now sharpen things up a bit (okay, a lot) and bolt two turbochargers on the V6 to give 450bhp. That is 20 more than the equivalent BMW M4. The car also looks a lot nicer than the Beemer too...
To cap it all off, the latest Chevrolet Corvette is the best Corvette ever. Which is completely selling it short. They are building a car that is not only cheaper than equivalent European sports cars, but can actually go around corners. At the top of this range is the, frankly mental, Corvette Z06. Now, it has a lot of power. But, again, GM's philosophy, is driving precision. Heck, you have the choice of 3 aerodynamic packages upon purchase. I don't just mean aesthetic spoilers, I mean 3 levels of actual, real, noticeable downforce levels which dramatically alter the handling behaviour. A deadly serious track car.
It's funny. In a world where we have often laughed at America's pile them high, sell them cheap ideology towards a quick car. With their big engines that produced measly power outputs and live rear axles. Whilst most European and Japanese cars are moving towards hybrid and electric power, safety regulations and environmental pressures mute the experience, we must turn to the USA to provide real drivers cars. They are on an absolute roll right now. The only sad thing is, most of these cars are not on sale in the UK. Over to you then Ford, who are bringing across the latest Mustang with right hand drive no less. I cannot wait.
EDIT: So many good, fast American cars right now, I seem to have forgotten the new Ford GT. May have to dedicate an entire post to that..
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: 6-Wheeled Mentalist | Kahn Design Chelsea Tractor Co. Huntsman V8 | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
A bold, perhaps brash, statement. Yes, Ferrari and Porsche for example make some pretty exciting cars. As a continent, Europe makes some pretty spectacular vehicles. Japan makes some happily off the wall drivers cars too. But, put your considerable prejudices aside and think for a moment.
We live in a world where you can buy a car with 700bhp. Over 700bhp, in fact, for the price of a Porsche Cayman. Yes, you could prattle on all day long about how the Porsche embodies the very essence of a true sports car. How it has a wonderful manual gearbox, a delectable chassis and a finely tuned 6-cylinder engine mounted in the right place. But Seven. Hundred. Horsepower. There really is no replacement for displacement.
The single biggest crowd I witnessed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show was not around the crazy Aston Martin Vulcan, nor the GT3 RS, new R8 or even a bonkers Koenigsegg. No, it was around the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. It was big, green, called a HELLCAT and has 707bhp. Sat right behind it was the current Dodge Viper. A car that is, all things considered, terrible. But just look at it, all fire and brimstone. If Lamborghini used to make cars for bedroom posters, then the US of A has taken up that mantle. Preferably with a picture of a Dodge doing elevenses. Heck, they can't even make them fast enough!
Then we move on to General Motors. GM has had a torrid decade (I would argue 20 years). On the ropes as recent as 4 years ago, they a producing some wonderfully precise cars. No, really. Whilst Dodge are going down the mental power route, Chevrolet and Cadillac are going for handling par excellence.
Enter the new Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V. They have both been developed around the Nurburgring. Okay, so has every other car these days, but the previous generation CTS-V was considered quite the handler. This latest model, making it's Eurpean début, aims to build upon that. The way the cars behaves around the corners was the chief engineering objective. I have high expectations that it can out-drive a BMW M5. When has anyone ever said that about a Cadillac? The brand to me represents giant, pink, wallowing barges, not record lap times. Then someone couldn't resist going a bit crazy, and shoved a 6.2 V8 under the hood with 640bhp. It can do over 200mph!
It doesn't stop there, as alongside the CTS-V was the ATS-V. The regular ATS is a BMW 3-Series sized car, let down perhaps by a slightly low-rent interior. However, all the reviews have heaped huge praise on the car's driving dynamics. Now sharpen things up a bit (okay, a lot) and bolt two turbochargers on the V6 to give 450bhp. That is 20 more than the equivalent BMW M4. The car also looks a lot nicer than the Beemer too...
To cap it all off, the latest Chevrolet Corvette is the best Corvette ever. Which is completely selling it short. They are building a car that is not only cheaper than equivalent European sports cars, but can actually go around corners. At the top of this range is the, frankly mental, Corvette Z06. Now, it has a lot of power. But, again, GM's philosophy, is driving precision. Heck, you have the choice of 3 aerodynamic packages upon purchase. I don't just mean aesthetic spoilers, I mean 3 levels of actual, real, noticeable downforce levels which dramatically alter the handling behaviour. A deadly serious track car.
It's funny. In a world where we have often laughed at America's pile them high, sell them cheap ideology towards a quick car. With their big engines that produced measly power outputs and live rear axles. Whilst most European and Japanese cars are moving towards hybrid and electric power, safety regulations and environmental pressures mute the experience, we must turn to the USA to provide real drivers cars. They are on an absolute roll right now. The only sad thing is, most of these cars are not on sale in the UK. Over to you then Ford, who are bringing across the latest Mustang with right hand drive no less. I cannot wait.
EDIT: So many good, fast American cars right now, I seem to have forgotten the new Ford GT. May have to dedicate an entire post to that..
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: 6-Wheeled Mentalist | Kahn Design Chelsea Tractor Co. Huntsman V8 | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Saturday 14 March 2015
From The Company That Brought You The Jaguar F-Type.. | Tata Bolt Sport & Hexa Concepts | Geneva Motor Show 2015
The Rover CityRover.
Remember it? Just to refresh your memory, the British owned and run Rover corporation was having money troubles. Specifically, they didn't have enough to develop desperately needed new cars. So, we got the CityRover, which as a dated and seriously cheap car from India, made by Tata. They were shipped across, Rover badges were stuck on and the price inflated. It was an unmitigated disaster.
The car was fine for India motorists, especially because it was very cheap. But, here, in the the UK with a normal price tag? Forget it. That was the last time we saw a Tata car. The Indian company must have took a shining to British car companies however, as the recent resurgent of Jaguar and Land-Rover is down to their new owners, Tata.
So, here we were at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and surprisingly, Tata had a stand. Not their big, fancy, Jaguar and Land-Rover one, but own brand products. Cheap as chips. Do they have anything to offer.
First up, is the Hexa concept. A large MPV, with SUV styling cues (Black body cladding) and modern touches (LED lights). As cars of this ilk go, is it certainly different and stand-out. If this had a diesel engine, long warranty and a cheap price, this could fill the popular budget-van-with-seats market that Kia used to service with the original Sedona.
Next to the Hexa, is something completely different. Called the Bolt Sport, it is a small city car with skirts and red paint. Yes, very sporting... Actually, the rear disc brakes and a 1.2 Turbocharged engine point to something akin to a FIAT Panda 100hp. Tiny, unassuming, almost laughable, but with a heart of gold. Inside it looks very European and quite impressive. Sadly, the fit and finish is sub-par. I haven't seen plastics this low-rent in a very long time. Mind you, again, if the price is right, this could be very interesting indeed.
So, there we are. The company that bought out Corus Steel, Tetley Tea, two of the most prestigious British car brands and created the world's cheapest new car, the Nano, still makes regular cars. The question is, are they suited to the European market? I remain to be convinced.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: Out Of Seemingly Nowhere, Ssangyong Produce A Timely Compact SUV - Tivoli | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Remember it? Just to refresh your memory, the British owned and run Rover corporation was having money troubles. Specifically, they didn't have enough to develop desperately needed new cars. So, we got the CityRover, which as a dated and seriously cheap car from India, made by Tata. They were shipped across, Rover badges were stuck on and the price inflated. It was an unmitigated disaster.
The car was fine for India motorists, especially because it was very cheap. But, here, in the the UK with a normal price tag? Forget it. That was the last time we saw a Tata car. The Indian company must have took a shining to British car companies however, as the recent resurgent of Jaguar and Land-Rover is down to their new owners, Tata.
So, here we were at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and surprisingly, Tata had a stand. Not their big, fancy, Jaguar and Land-Rover one, but own brand products. Cheap as chips. Do they have anything to offer.
First up, is the Hexa concept. A large MPV, with SUV styling cues (Black body cladding) and modern touches (LED lights). As cars of this ilk go, is it certainly different and stand-out. If this had a diesel engine, long warranty and a cheap price, this could fill the popular budget-van-with-seats market that Kia used to service with the original Sedona.
So, there we are. The company that bought out Corus Steel, Tetley Tea, two of the most prestigious British car brands and created the world's cheapest new car, the Nano, still makes regular cars. The question is, are they suited to the European market? I remain to be convinced.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: Out Of Seemingly Nowhere, Ssangyong Produce A Timely Compact SUV - Tivoli | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
6-Wheeled Mentalist | Kahn Design Chelsea Tractor Co. Huntsman V8 | Geneva Motor Show 2015
Mad. Insane. Nuts
These are all words that describe this vehicle absolutely perfectly. I'm going to go with, Absolutely Crazy.
A year or so ago, Mercedes-Benz went a Absolutely Crazy and made that 6-wheeler G-Wagon. Now they have sadly stopped producing it after a limited run. But fear not. If you thought you would missed out on the SUV-With-3-Axles marketplace, Kahn Design have plugged the gap. Just for you.
This is the Flying Huntsman and yes, you guessed it, Absolutely Crazy. Powered by a 6.2 Chevrolet sourced V8 engine (or a Ford V8, if you prefer, but I'm not sure why you would) and based upon a stretched Land-Rover Defender, it marks a new venture for the Yorkshire based tuning company. So much has changed under the skin, this is almost an original model in it's own right. Think of them in the same way RUF are to Porsche, but not.
Oh yes, and 6 wheels. You cannot miss it, can you? If road presence is your thing, this is your next car. Truck. Vehicle. Either way, seems odd to call it a car. A bit too extraterrestrial for that term perhaps.
Let's just get this straight. 6-wheel drive, 430bhp and a crazy 1200mm length. It shouldn't be possible, it certainly shouldn't exist, yet happily, it does. The price? Well, expect that to be well over £150,000. Forget those 'Limited Edition' Land-Rover Defenders the official company is doing before it halts production, this is the real send off!
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: Heady Times At Mitsubishi, More SUV's En Route! | XR PHEV II & L200 | Geneva International Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
These are all words that describe this vehicle absolutely perfectly. I'm going to go with, Absolutely Crazy.
A year or so ago, Mercedes-Benz went a Absolutely Crazy and made that 6-wheeler G-Wagon. Now they have sadly stopped producing it after a limited run. But fear not. If you thought you would missed out on the SUV-With-3-Axles marketplace, Kahn Design have plugged the gap. Just for you.
This is the Flying Huntsman and yes, you guessed it, Absolutely Crazy. Powered by a 6.2 Chevrolet sourced V8 engine (or a Ford V8, if you prefer, but I'm not sure why you would) and based upon a stretched Land-Rover Defender, it marks a new venture for the Yorkshire based tuning company. So much has changed under the skin, this is almost an original model in it's own right. Think of them in the same way RUF are to Porsche, but not.
Oh yes, and 6 wheels. You cannot miss it, can you? If road presence is your thing, this is your next car. Truck. Vehicle. Either way, seems odd to call it a car. A bit too extraterrestrial for that term perhaps.
Let's just get this straight. 6-wheel drive, 430bhp and a crazy 1200mm length. It shouldn't be possible, it certainly shouldn't exist, yet happily, it does. The price? Well, expect that to be well over £150,000. Forget those 'Limited Edition' Land-Rover Defenders the official company is doing before it halts production, this is the real send off!
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: Heady Times At Mitsubishi, More SUV's En Route! | XR PHEV II & L200 | Geneva International Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
What's In A Spoiler? | Honda Civic Type-R | Geneva Motor Show 2015
Someone at Honda visited a Halfords.
That's how I like to think what happened when they came to designing the new Civic Type-R. Take a normal, regular, Honda Civic and then bolt on every boy-racer appealing styling cue, ever. So, at the rear, giant exhaust pipes, a massive rear diffuser and an even bigger boot spoiler. White paint, black wheels, red flourishes and lines. Silly cooling vents on the front wings, plus side skirts. A humongous chin splitter finishes off what has to be the worst looking hot hatch in many years.
A bold statement, admittedly. I thought the last generation Ford Focus RS was a bit too outlandish for it's own good, but the new Type-R takes the biscuit. Absolutely hideous. That rear wing just looks super-glued on top of the boot, missing the wonderful integrated lights of the concept version.
Honda, being Honda, state that all the weird scoops, wings and additions all serve a purpose, so I will let them off, slightly. A Nurburgring record for a front-wheel drive vehicle is in the bag, so you would hope the downforce is key. Under the skin there are some extremely interesting developments too.
Here we have the first ever turbo-charged petrol VTEC Honda engine. That alone is very controversial. The internet is full of Honda enthusiasts that love a high-revving Japanese engine. A turbo changes all of that. The sound and temperament of this engine could make or break the new Type-R. That, or the electronic power-steering. Or the cheap torsion-beam rear suspension.
Yes, the front end has some trick RevoKnuckle-esque set-up to quell understeer and the torque from ripping your hands off, the engine produces a staggering 306bhp and the top speed is 167mph. But feel is everything, both in terms of feedback through the wheel, to the sensations the car gives you through adjustability and engine characteristics. Only time will tell if Honda's gamble has paid off with this new car.
I guess the internet will tell us soon enough via the myriad of Honda forums and fan sites.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: Opel / Vauxhall's New Hot Hatch Could Be A Serious Contender | Corsa OPC / VXR | Geneva International Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
That's how I like to think what happened when they came to designing the new Civic Type-R. Take a normal, regular, Honda Civic and then bolt on every boy-racer appealing styling cue, ever. So, at the rear, giant exhaust pipes, a massive rear diffuser and an even bigger boot spoiler. White paint, black wheels, red flourishes and lines. Silly cooling vents on the front wings, plus side skirts. A humongous chin splitter finishes off what has to be the worst looking hot hatch in many years.
A bold statement, admittedly. I thought the last generation Ford Focus RS was a bit too outlandish for it's own good, but the new Type-R takes the biscuit. Absolutely hideous. That rear wing just looks super-glued on top of the boot, missing the wonderful integrated lights of the concept version.
Honda, being Honda, state that all the weird scoops, wings and additions all serve a purpose, so I will let them off, slightly. A Nurburgring record for a front-wheel drive vehicle is in the bag, so you would hope the downforce is key. Under the skin there are some extremely interesting developments too.
Here we have the first ever turbo-charged petrol VTEC Honda engine. That alone is very controversial. The internet is full of Honda enthusiasts that love a high-revving Japanese engine. A turbo changes all of that. The sound and temperament of this engine could make or break the new Type-R. That, or the electronic power-steering. Or the cheap torsion-beam rear suspension.
Yes, the front end has some trick RevoKnuckle-esque set-up to quell understeer and the torque from ripping your hands off, the engine produces a staggering 306bhp and the top speed is 167mph. But feel is everything, both in terms of feedback through the wheel, to the sensations the car gives you through adjustability and engine characteristics. Only time will tell if Honda's gamble has paid off with this new car.
I guess the internet will tell us soon enough via the myriad of Honda forums and fan sites.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: Opel / Vauxhall's New Hot Hatch Could Be A Serious Contender | Corsa OPC / VXR | Geneva International Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Friday 13 March 2015
Stunning New Volkswagen GTE Sports Coupe Concept Wows Crowds | Geneva Motor Show 2015
Wow.
Despite looking relatively plain in the pre-show images, the Volkswagen GTE Sport Coupe Concept (quite the mouthful) is stunning. Maybe it was the bright, reflective, yellow hue under the motor show lighting. Or the brightly lit, spinning, stand. Yet, I think that one of the best looking cars of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, was indeed a dressed up Passat.
Ah, yes, the elephant in the room. Just what is the GTE Sport Coupe? Well, it is a strong hint (read, the same but with some weird wing-mirrors) to the upcoming, all-new VW CC, which is based on the current Passat. But it isn't called a Passat, remember. Launched originally in 2008, the Passat CC was Wolfsburg's response to the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but on the cheap.It took a dowdy saloon, added curves and upped the prestige. Then, a few years after launch, the 'Passat' title was removed and we had the 'Volkswagen CC'. This is the replacement to that car.
Sadly, little details were revealed, other than this concept had a plug sticking out of the side. So, some sort of plug-in hybrid then, simply because as a manufacturer at a motor show in 2015, you cannot be seen without a plug. You simply must have one darling, they are sooo this season, especially in futuristic white. In a year from now, the production version of the GTE Sport Coupe will be shown, and expect it to be available with the same, familiar, VW engines as the saloon/estate brethren. So 2.0 Turbo petrol and diesel engines, at least 280bhp, manual or DSG gearboxes and 2WD or 4Motion. Potentially, a the hybrid model will run with a 3.0 Turbo V6, which could be very interesting indeed.
Boring technical stuff aside, this is a really attractive design that should add some much-needed spice to the Volkswagen showrooms. I hope some of the design details make it through the final version. If so, Volkswagen has a hit on it's hands.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: A Civilised & Commodious New Saloon | All-New Skoda Superb | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
Despite looking relatively plain in the pre-show images, the Volkswagen GTE Sport Coupe Concept (quite the mouthful) is stunning. Maybe it was the bright, reflective, yellow hue under the motor show lighting. Or the brightly lit, spinning, stand. Yet, I think that one of the best looking cars of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, was indeed a dressed up Passat.
Ah, yes, the elephant in the room. Just what is the GTE Sport Coupe? Well, it is a strong hint (read, the same but with some weird wing-mirrors) to the upcoming, all-new VW CC, which is based on the current Passat. But it isn't called a Passat, remember. Launched originally in 2008, the Passat CC was Wolfsburg's response to the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but on the cheap.It took a dowdy saloon, added curves and upped the prestige. Then, a few years after launch, the 'Passat' title was removed and we had the 'Volkswagen CC'. This is the replacement to that car.
Sadly, little details were revealed, other than this concept had a plug sticking out of the side. So, some sort of plug-in hybrid then, simply because as a manufacturer at a motor show in 2015, you cannot be seen without a plug. You simply must have one darling, they are sooo this season, especially in futuristic white. In a year from now, the production version of the GTE Sport Coupe will be shown, and expect it to be available with the same, familiar, VW engines as the saloon/estate brethren. So 2.0 Turbo petrol and diesel engines, at least 280bhp, manual or DSG gearboxes and 2WD or 4Motion. Potentially, a the hybrid model will run with a 3.0 Turbo V6, which could be very interesting indeed.
Boring technical stuff aside, this is a really attractive design that should add some much-needed spice to the Volkswagen showrooms. I hope some of the design details make it through the final version. If so, Volkswagen has a hit on it's hands.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: A Civilised & Commodious New Saloon | All-New Skoda Superb | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
A Civilised & Commodious New Saloon | All-New Skoda Superb | Geneva Motor Show 2015
Taxi Drivers Rejoice!
This is likely to be your new steed. The all-new Skoda Superb is a thing of wonder. Subtle, sure, but as large saloons go, this is a looker. Better resolved than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, more interesting than an Audi A6. Yet, despite it's enormous size, the Superb is not a rival for those prestigious cars. No, it starts from around £18,000 and that puts it firmly in Mondeo tertiary.
The classy looks and large size will give buyers something on par with much, much, more expensive models. Top of the line models have 280bhp, a DSG gearbox, 4-wheel drive and will be nudging £30,000. Whilst that is a huge amount of money for a Skoda, it is extraordinary value. Sitting inside the L&H (Laurin & Klement, the companies original founders) the experience is a smorgasbord of fresh technology, high quality materials and superb (sorry) ergonomics. Everything feels right. I was at home within seconds.
On the flip side, the interior is not any great improvement on the current generation Superb (with the possible exception being the bigger touch-screen). Somehow, despite being even larger than before, the rear felt a little more claustrophobic. That been said, you would be hard press to find a larger boot on the market. From the outside, the design very much looks like a saloon, but it is indeed a hatchback. Gone, however, is the previous car's clever dual-opening boot, where you could choose to open with or without the glass lifting.
On the front of the Skoda stand at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show was one painted in a hideous greeny/yellow. Urgh. Despite that hideous choice, the new Superb is no doubt set to see even more aggressive growth for the burgeoning brand.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
This is likely to be your new steed. The all-new Skoda Superb is a thing of wonder. Subtle, sure, but as large saloons go, this is a looker. Better resolved than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, more interesting than an Audi A6. Yet, despite it's enormous size, the Superb is not a rival for those prestigious cars. No, it starts from around £18,000 and that puts it firmly in Mondeo tertiary.
The classy looks and large size will give buyers something on par with much, much, more expensive models. Top of the line models have 280bhp, a DSG gearbox, 4-wheel drive and will be nudging £30,000. Whilst that is a huge amount of money for a Skoda, it is extraordinary value. Sitting inside the L&H (Laurin & Klement, the companies original founders) the experience is a smorgasbord of fresh technology, high quality materials and superb (sorry) ergonomics. Everything feels right. I was at home within seconds.
On the flip side, the interior is not any great improvement on the current generation Superb (with the possible exception being the bigger touch-screen). Somehow, despite being even larger than before, the rear felt a little more claustrophobic. That been said, you would be hard press to find a larger boot on the market. From the outside, the design very much looks like a saloon, but it is indeed a hatchback. Gone, however, is the previous car's clever dual-opening boot, where you could choose to open with or without the glass lifting.
On the front of the Skoda stand at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show was one painted in a hideous greeny/yellow. Urgh. Despite that hideous choice, the new Superb is no doubt set to see even more aggressive growth for the burgeoning brand.
See more pictures from the Geneva Show on our Instagram
Why not read: New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015
We have moved. Oh yes. You can now find our motor show related ramblings over at https://theautoshowvisitor.com/
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