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

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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.

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Why not read: America is making the world's most interesting sports cars... | Dodge, Cadillac & Chevrolet | Geneva Motor Show 2015

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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!)

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Why not read: New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015

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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..

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Why not read: 6-Wheeled Mentalist | Kahn Design Chelsea Tractor Co. Huntsman V8 | Geneva Motor Show 2015

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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.

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Why not read: Out Of Seemingly Nowhere, Ssangyong Produce A Timely Compact SUV - Tivoli | Geneva Motor Show 2015

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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!

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Why not read: Heady Times At Mitsubishi, More SUV's En Route! | XR PHEV II & L200 | Geneva International Motor Show 2015

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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.

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Why not read: Opel / Vauxhall's New Hot Hatch Could Be A Serious Contender | Corsa OPC / VXR | Geneva International Motor Show 2015

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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.

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Why not read: A Civilised & Commodious New Saloon | All-New Skoda Superb | Geneva Motor Show 2015

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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.

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Why not read: New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015

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Out Of Seemingly Nowhere, Ssangyong Produce A Timely Compact SUV - Tivoli | Geneva Motor Show 2015

The SUV craze continues.

Here is yet another small SUV, with economical 1.6 petrol or diesel engines, oodles of standard equipment and a dash of style. There's plenty of room inside too and the higher driving position that everyone seems to love right now. Look the picture below and you could be forgiven for thinking that this comes from any one of the major Japanese or European manufacturers.

Yet, this is actually a Ssangyong. The recently resurgent Korean brand, now in the hands of India's Mahindra, have produced their first truly all-new vehicle in several years. Bang on trend, the Tivoli is exactly the sort of shot-in-the-arm every maker is scrabbling to produce right now. Seemingly a similar size to the Nissan Juke and with sharp styling (which, from the rear at least, reminds us of the Mini Countryman, slightly), Ssangyong are poised to dramatically increase sales.

The interior looks good, especially upon first impressions. sadly, the ergonomics are a little off. There are so many different types of button, sprayed everywhere. The heater controls are too low-down, almost hidden, and almost every single button has a different texture to it. I image you will learn over the fullness of time, but it is definitely overly cluttered. On the flip side, for a car of reasonably small dimensions, there is plenty of space and remember, the Trivoli is set to be cheaper than an equivalent Nissan Juke.

Ultimately, this won’t increase Ssangyong’s pricing position in the market, but this timely product has more than enough style to win over people who have never considered one of the brand’s previous offerings.

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Why not read: Heady Times At Mitsubishi, More SUV's En Route! | XR PHEV II & L200 | Geneva International Motor Show 2015

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New DS 5 Is Not A Citroen, Honest... | Geneva Motor Show 2015

DS5. DS 5.

Citroen has grand plans for it's fledgling DS sub-brand. At least, it was a sub-brand (with cars called the Citroen DS5, par exemple) as now it has become something onto it's own. Simply called "DS", the famous double chevrons are to be gradually removed across the model range. The latest Citroen DS5 is the first to not be referred to as a Citroen. Which begs the question. Does the Citroen DS5 now become know as the DS 5 or DS5?

At the International Geneva Motor Show 2015, the cars weren't even on the French brand's stand, instead being on their own DS stall. Hidden at the back was a classic, original, DS (which was labelled a Citroen, just to confuse you some more) alongside a man live-upholstering leather onto a car seat. Je ne comprends pas.

Back to the new car itself, and personally I love the DS5. Or the DS 5. Either way, I think it is fantastic that a French car manufacturer has not only developed something striking, and large, but also pursued it. Usually, a large French car is for Parisian plutocrats only and then they are swiftly forgotten as sales dwindle. But here we are in 2015 and the DS5 has been given a new grille, new wheels, new colour options, BlueHDi engines and a 'Moondust' concept to highlight the changes. The Moondust version is simple fancy matte paint, an odd pattern printed onto the boot and a sick-coloured dashboard. Despite minimal changes, there was a security guard on stand by. Stricter than the Ferrari stand!

The rest of the striking design and weird proportions remains, which is no bad thing. No exaggeration, it is one of the finest looking cars on the road. You would still have to be mightily brave (or drunk upon purchase) to choose one over a BMW 3-Series, but I'm glad an antidote to Germanic subtleness is available.

So, there we are. Not so much news of a face-lifted car, but a new brand. Sort of.

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Why not read: Subaru Answer The Question No One Asked, But We Are Glad They Did! - Subaru Levorg, Geneva International Motor Show 2015

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Lancia Ypsilon 30th Anniversary & Elle Editions - Geneva International Motor Show 2015

Lancia.

Say that brand to any really car enthusiast and you will almost certainly fall asleep, such will the automotive fan's evangelising bore you. Go away, make a sandwich and a mug of Early Grey, and upon your return they will still be rabbiting on about consecutive world rally titles, crazed executive salons with Ferrari engines and oodles of pizazz that "you just don't get any more".

They're not wrong, sadly.

A quick visit to the Lancia (pronounced 'Lan-cha' and not to be confused with Dacia. At all. Ever.) stand at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show will see you will be greeted with not one, but two special editions, both premièring at the motoring event. These are the Ypsilon 'Elle' and the Ypsilon 30th Anniversary.

The former of which encapsulates, and I quote Lancia directly, "a special series that will act to boost the car which Italian women love more than any other". Crikey. They've shown this model before, but now it is in a fancy white colour with 16" diamond-cut effect alloy wheels (onus on the word effect, there), chrome flourishes and a "Houndstooth" pattern on the pillars. Quite.

Then, we move on to the 30th Anniversary which celebrates, oddly enough, 30 years of the Ypsilon model. Although, if we are being a bit anal, the stated 30 years includes 10 years of the Y10 model. But, we will let them off stretching the nomenclature a little because, rejoice, the 30th Anniversary Ypsilon features 4 wheel drive, a turbo, 250bhp and, oh, no, none of those. What you do get is a new lick of paint on an ageing supermini. Ultramarine Blue, to be precise. Otherwise, fairly standard here, with means a choice of 1.2 in Petrol or LPG guises, a 0.9 Turbo Multi-air unit with Petrol or Methane fuel and even the choice a 1.3 diesel.

The Lancia brand feels well and truly forgotten by it's FIAT/Chrysler overlords, thanks to a lack of new or exciting cars, and worse, the word on the street is that it may be boiled down to a single car range in the next couple of years.

So sad. The company represents so much, yet magazine-branded and newly-painted average small cars are all that is left. The stand at Geneva is a solemn reminder of how the mighty have fallen. I dearly long for a return to form. Please.

Why not read: FIAT Panda K-Way - A Tribute To The Waterproof Jacket... | Geneva International Motor Show 2015

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Cameron Glickenhaus Goes His Own Way With The Stunning SCG003 | Geneva Motor Show 2015

What do you do if a regular super-car just doesn't get your gears going?

Developer your own of course! Millionaire Cameron Glickenhaus did just that a few years ago, commissioning Pininfarina to design his own, modern-day, interpretation of a classic Ferrari. Based up the Enzo, the P4/5 was certainly a looker. But not content, Glickenhaus then commissioned a race car version, hired a team and drivers, took it to the Nurburgring and raced it at the 24 hour race.

It seems instead of quenching his thirst, it only fed it however. So now we end up with this, the SCG 0003s. Instead of being based on a Ferrari, or being a homage to one, this is a different beast entirely. Also, unlike the previous creations, it isn't for a personal collection. If you want one (and have the requisite funds), you can buy one. In essence then, the next step was setting up a new car company. You have to hand it to him. It exists, it is real, and it was at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show.

The design of the SCG 003s (Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus - Stradale) is inspired by a LeMans race car, but then adapted for the road. It sits on a carbon chassis and as you can see in the images, it looks simply incredible. Adding to the drama is the visible carbon weave. The mid-mounted engine is a 3.5 Honda V6 block, but with two turbochargers to boost power to 530bhp. Customers can also choose a (not yet specified) V12 however. Performance is set to be stunning too, thanks to a properly race derived suspension set-up and a low curb weight of 1350kg.

However, £1.6million is a fair chunk of change and for that the name 'SCG 003' has zero brand image, nor reputation to build upon. Worse, it is simply a rubbish title. If no one has heard of you, at least call in something crazy. Just look at Hennessey and their ‘Venon’. SCG003s is too nerdy. On the flip side, maybe people will be too busy taking pictures of the striking design to be worried about what it actually is.

We'll be keeping an eye out at this years Nurburgring 24 Hour race, where Glickenhaus with enter the SCG003c (‘c’ at the end for ‘Competitizione’ - The race car variant). A good result there could make or break the fortunes of this fledgling super-car brand.

Why not read: Opel / Vauxhall's New Hot Hatch Could Be A Serious Contender | Corsa OPC / VXR | Geneva International Motor Show 2015

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FIAT Panda K-Way - A Tribute To The Waterproof Jacket... | Geneva International Motor Show 2015

K-Way. In 1965, Leon Claude Duhamel invented the lightweight, nylon, pac-a-mac and thus the K-Way brand was born.

What has this got to do with a Fiat Panda? Well, absolutely nothing, which is why I’m a little confused as to why they have launched the FIAT Panda K-Way Special Edition. On show at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show, the K-Way celebrates 50 years of the pac-a-mac in all the ways you would expect and some you really wouldn’t.

I was anticipating some K-Way badging (check), the orange wing mirrors (check) and a special blue hue (check). But FIAT have gone over and above the usual name and a sticker limited edition sales technique.

Firstly, the top of the dash is also a similar shade of blue to the exterior and, oh-my-word, just look at those seatbelts! Coloured in the same way as the famous zip on a K-Way jacket, they are orange and yellow, striped. Certainly, you will stand out from the crowd!

In the rear, though, is something quite weird. I can’t quite decide if it’s cool or not. Clearly for children, there is a K-Way bag zipped on to the rear of the front seats. The kids can fill it up with all sorts of journey essentials, and no doubt un-zip, re-zip and un-zip again ad infinitum for the whole trip. In fact, for reasons I’m not sure why, the whole rear of the seats can also be zipped off (presumably to wash mucky fingerprints off..?)

So, in summary then. It’s odd, a bit gaudy, unrelated to waterproof jackets and yet I applaud FIAT for going the extra mile. The thing is, I can’t help but think the time and money spent on this could have been put towards a spiritual successor to the 100hp? Now that would go well alongside the upcoming 124 Spider! Be sure to check out the quick video below too.

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Renault Sport Clio Trophy - Hot Hatch - Geneva International Motor Show 2015

3 Pedals.

That's all we wanted, Renault. When the much anticipated Renault Sport version of the Mk4 Clio was released in 2011, no one cared that it had more power, more style and a gadget that pumped the noise of a Nissan GTR into the cabin. Whilst universally agreed to be a nice car, most verdicts preferred the Ford Fiesta ST, but over and above that, we all wanted a manual gearbox.

Part of the appeal of a small pocket-rocket was surely snicking through 6 cogs yourself. Instead, it had a flappy-paddle 'EDC' automatic gearbox, which was slow and numb. "The kidz will love it" Renault said. "When's the manual version available?" we asked.

Here, then, is Renault's big response at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. The leaner, meaner and more focussed Clio RS Trophy. Now we shall start by reminding you what that name entails. You see, the last Clio to bear the Trophy tag-line was a rather special rare beast. Small, light and nimble, it was all about fancy, actual race-derived, Sachs dampers. These were trick and utterly amazing.

So, on to this new model, which gets 10% more power over a regular RS (now 217bhp), 40% stiffer suspension and a gearbox that can shift 40% quicker in the normal modes and 50% quicker in Race setting. Lots of percentages floating around this car. The eagled eyed of you will also have noticed than no one ever quotes shift times for a manual gearbox which means, sigh, this is still an automatic.

It doesn't even particularly look special. Oh sure, it is has plenty of style, but I'm not sure most people will realise it is a super-quick Clio when compared to a regular Clio, and that means lots of explaining to do. Or as Renault puts it, "Immediately Recognisable....and Seductive". Right.

Consequently, the old Clio II Trophy is sure to see a bump in used values, right about now actually.

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