The European passenger car market started 2016 on a positive note, with January marking the 29th consecutive month of sales growth. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), new car registrations in the EU rose by 6.2% at the start of this year, compared with January 2015, reaching 1,061,150 units.
This is, of course, a welcome sign for the automotive industry in the region, as the market trend, at least in the near future, appears to be stable. Among the trends that look to expand significantly in the coming years is that of automated and connected driving. The global market for automated vehicles is expected to reach 44 million by 2030. Working towards this end, the European automotive and telecom sectors launched an ‘EU Industry Dialogue on automated and connected driving’ in September last year. This agreement was updated with further co-operation between ACEA and the telecoms industry.
The Geneva show is the home of the European Car of the Year award. The 2016 COTY award went to the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, which took the title from a field of seven finalists. The Astra received a total of 309 points, with the second and third placed vehicles, the Volvo XC90 and the Mazda MX-5 receiving 294 and 202 points respectively from the 58-strong panel of judges.
Here, Automotive World looks at the key new model launches and concepts (scroll down) at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
This article will be updated throughout the show as announcements are made.
NEW MODEL LAUNCHES AT THE 2016 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
ASTON MARTIN
DB 11
The first product launched Aston Martin’s ‘Second Century’ plan, the aluminium-structured DB11 is powered by a new in-house designed 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine which makes it the most powerful DB model in Aston Martin’s history. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
BMW GROUP
BMW
M760Li xDrive
BMW’s offering for this year’s Geneva motor show, the M760Li xDrive, is the flagship variant of the latest 7 Series model range. The first ever M Performance TwinPower Turbo 12-cylinder gasoline engine generates 441 kW/600 hp and sprints from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
DAIMLER
MERCEDES-BENZ
C-Class Cabriolet
One of Mercedes-Benz Cars’ highlights at this year’s Geneva motor show is the unveiling of the C-Class Cabriolet, with its classic soft top. This model makes its world premiere at the show. With its classic soft top, the OEM feels this is an attractive entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz range. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
SMART
fortwo cabrio BRABUS
The smart brand’s offering at the Geneva show is the global debut of the new limited-edition fortwo cabrio BRABUS. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES
FERRARI
GTC4Lusso
Ferrari will unveil its new four-seater, the GTC4Lusso, an evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept with rear-wheel steering and four-wheel drive. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
JEEP
Cherokee Overland
The Jeep Cherokee Overland will have its debut at the Geneva motor show this year. This model features a 2.2-litre MultiJet II 200 hp turbo diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Jeep Cherokee Overland will be available in markets across Europe starting this summer. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
MASERATI
Levante
The 2016 Geneva motor show sees Maserati unveil its first SUV, the Levante. The Maserati Levante is built at the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line with the launch planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world later this year. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
FORD
Vignale
At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Ford will unveil an expanded Vignale vehicle portfolio as well as customer services for its upscale line. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
GEELY GROUP
VOLVO
V90
Volvo’s V90, which was unveiled in mid-February 2016, will have its public debut at this year’s Geneva show. The new V90 is the third car unveiled in Volvo’s top-of-the-line 90 series, all of which are built on the company’s specially-designed and fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which has opened up a range of new opportunities in terms of how Volvo cars can be designed, built and equipped. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
GENERAL MOTORS
OPEL/VAUXHALL
Mokka X
The Mokka X features a fresh interior and exterior design, a new powertrain, and OnStar and Apple CarPlay. The new Mokka X will be the first model to introduce the “X” segment identifier for future Opel/Vauxhall SUV and crossover vehicles. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP
HYUNDAI
All-new Ioniq
Geneva will play host to the all-new Ioniq line-up comprising the Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Electric and Ioniq Plug-in models. According to Hyundai, this is the world’s first model offering three electrified powertrains. This move extends the company’s product range to support further organic sales growth in Europe. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
KIA
Optima sportswagon
Kia’s first-ever D-segment tourer makes its debut at the 2016 Geneva motor show, featuring a design inspired by the 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept. According to Kia, this is an important product for the OEM in Europe, and is expected to increase its presence in this important segment. The Optima Sportswagon is due to go on sale across Europe in Q4 2016. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA
SSANGYONG
Tivoli XLV
At the 2015 Frankfurt motor show (IAA), Ssangyong showed its XLV Air concept, which met with positive feedback. As a result, the OEM has decided to produce a model based on this concept, the Tivoli XLV. This follows the launch of the OEM’s Tivoli, and the XLV will bring to the table more carrying capacity and practicality. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE
MSO
Paying tribute to the outgoing McLaren P1, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is unveiling a carbon fibre-themed 675LT Spider, claimed to be the fastest ever, street legal convertible McLaren. It may be recalled that the P1 recently ceased production. The 675LT Spider is limited to only 500 examples worldwide, with each model already accounted for. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN
CITROEN
Citroën C4 Cactus Rip Curl
Citroen is unveiling its new C4 Cactus Rip Curl edition at the Geneva motor show. This version introduces Grip Control for improved traction, along with new styling elements that emphasise its outdoor character. This model is scheduled to go on sale in the first half of 2016. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
SpaceTourer
Citroen is also presenting its SpaceTourer van, with three body lengths and various cabin layouts. Citroen says the SpaceTourer completes its range and demonstrates its ability to move up market in the van segment. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
PEUGEOT
Traveller
Peugeot’s version of the Citroen SpaceTourer van is the Traveller, which shares the same platform. Peugeot, too, has eyes on the combi space and VIP shuttle sector. The model is capable of multiple configurations up to nine seats and a wide range of equipment. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
RENAULT GROUP
RENAULT
Megane Estate GT
Geneva 2016 plays host to the global reveal of Renault’s new Megane Estate GT, the GT version, based on the new Megane. This model is Renault’s first C-segment Sport Tourer to feature its 4CONTROL technology. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
TATA MOTORS
JAGUAR
Jaguar F-TYPE SVR
The new Jaguar F-Type SVR (Special Vehicle Operations) will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show ahead of a sales launch in summer 2016. This first Jaguar SVR model, says the OEM, has been developed to exploit the two-seat aluminium sports car’s full potential while retaining its day-to-day usability. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
TOYOTA GROUP
TOYOTA
C-HR Concept-based production car
The Geneva show will see Toyota taking the wraps of a long awaited production car based on its C-HR Concept, last seen as a Scion model at the 2016 Detroit auto show, just weeks ahead of that brand’s closure. This model, Toyota hopes, will strengthen its presence in the C-segment crossover market. Design elements that the production version will carry include the five-door coupe design, and an elevated SUV-style cabin. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
New Proace Verso
The new, large size Proace Verso too will be unveiled at the Geneva show. This vehicle will have the capacity to carry up to nine people, and will be available in three different body lengths. Toyota is banking on this new model to expand its range into a new part of the market. The Proace Verso is the third of the model trio that also includes the Citroen SpaceTourer and Peugeot Traveller vans. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
AUDI
Q2
The fourth member of Audi’s Q family makes its world public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
BENTLEY
New Mulsanne
Bentley’s new Mulsanne range makes its global debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. This includes the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase model for the first time. The new range comprises the Mulsanne, the performance-focused Mulsanne Speed and the all-new, ultra-luxurious Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase. Bentley will also unveil the Flying Spur V8 S, which will slot in between the current Flying Spur V8 and the family flagship W12 model. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
BUGATTI
Chiron
According to Bugatti, the Chiron is “the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive” production super sports car. Another first for the Chiron is its output of 1,500hp, which makes it the first production car with this power output. This gives the car a top speed of 420kph, limited for road travel. The car will have its market launch in autumn 2016, and will start at €2.4m. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
LAMBORGHINI
Centenario
The Centenario is Lamborghini’s celebration of the centenary of its founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth. The car’s vital statistics: 20 coupé and 20 roadster versions will be produced; and all 40 cars are already sold, at a start price of €1.75m (US$1.89m) plus tax; 770 hp; 0-100 kph in 2.8 seconds; 0-300 kpi in 23.5 seconds; top speed of more than 350 kph.
PORSCHE
911 R
The 911 R (R for Racing) is being termed a puristic sports car in classical design. This car sports a four-litre, 500hp naturally aspirated flat engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It is being produced as part of a limited production series, which will see only 991 units being produced. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
718 Boxster
20 years after the first Boxster made its debut, Porsche is restructuring its mid-engine roadsters. The designation for the new generation of models is 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S. The two-seat convertibles feature a newly developed four-cylinder turbocharged flat engine. The market launch of the new mid-engine sports car begins on April 30 in Europe. 718 Boxster pricing starts at €53,646 in Germany, and the 718 Boxster S from €66,141, each with country-specific features and including VAT. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
SEAT
Ateca
SEAT has unveiled its first ever SUV model, the Ateca, at the Geneva show. This model is expected to help the SEAT brand advance in terms of image. According to the OEM, the Ateca shows a clear evolution of SEAT characteristic design language. The SEAT Ateca will be available before summer in Germany and Spain and progressively after in other markets. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN
Phideon
Volkswagen chose the Geneva motor show for the global debut of its new luxury China-only sedan, the Phideon, a newly developed model which will launch in China in Q3 2016. Positioned above the Passat and the Magotan in China, the car was developed in Germany with the assistance of VW’s Chinese partner SAIC Volkswagen. It’s worth remembering that Volkswagen had been expected to launch the next-generation Phaeton in 2016; this plan was put on hold in the wake of the diesel defeat device scandal, and that marque will now be used for an all-electric car to be launched in or after 2020. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
Caddy
Making its world premiere in Geneva, the Volkswagen Caddy TGI is the first city delivery van equipped with a CNG drive system and a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The Caddy TGI BlueMotion, a family/city delivery van, runs on either CNG or bio-natural gas. This vehicle is equipped with high-pressure tanks especially designed to hold compressed natural gas. These tanks are mounted under the floor, which means cargo space remains the same. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
CONCEPT CARS AT THE 2016 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES
SUBARU
XV Concept
The Subaru XV Concept will make its world debut at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show. Early in February, Subaru UK announced the updates to the current generation XV, which goes on sale throughout the network starting in March this year. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
GENERAL MOTORS
OPEL/VAUXHALL
GT Concept
Opel/Vauxhall will unveil its GT Concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, revealing a vision for the future sports car. This model features a classic front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive chassis. The OEM feels that this vehicle is a logical step on from the Monza concept from 2013. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
HONDA MOTOR COMPANY
HONDA
Civic Hatchback Prototype
With the worldwide debut of its Civic Hatchback Prototype, Honda is redefining its core European model. This prototype previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, scheduled to launch in Europe in early 2017. Produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), the car will be exported to global markets, including the US. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
MAGNA / W MOTORS
Lykan HyperSport supercar
Magna International, together with its customer, W Motors SAL, will showcase the Lykan HyperSport supercar at the upcoming 86th Geneva International Motor Show. It will be the first time that the futuristic supercar will be on full display in Europe. Magna was the engineering and manufacturing partner that designed and built the supercar’s prototypes. The vehicles were produced by Magna Steyr’s Engineering Center in Italy. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA
SSANGYONG
SIV-2 Development Concept
The Korean vehicle manufacturer will also showcase its SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) midsize premium SUV concept at the show. As the next iteration on from the SIV-1 concept which was shown at Geneva in 2013, this takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion.’ The SIV-2 is a mild hybrid, powered by a 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
MAZDA
RX-VISION concept
Mazda has come to the 2016 Geneva motor show with two European debuts. One of these is the award winning RX-VISION concept, which puts a new form to the OEM’s heritage of rotary engine sports cars. This concept won the ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ at the recent Festival Automobile International in France. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
MITSUBISHI MOTORS
eX Concept
Unveiled at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the acclaimed eX Concept hints at a future Mitsubishi Motors compact SUV where a sharp “shooting brake” bodystyle dresses up a new generation of high efficiency, electric drivetrain, fit for a real-life 400 km driving range. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
L200 and ASX
Aimed at ‘urban adventurers,’ Mitsubishi unveils these two all-new show cars to the European market. Based on the new L200 and 2017 ASX, these cars blend traditional Mitsubishi Motors SUV credentials with striking designers’ outfit with their unique mid-grey livery, bright orange accents and black alloy wheels. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN
CITROEN
SpaceTourer HYPHEN concept
Coinciding with the unveiling of its SpaceTourer, Citroen will also the SpaceTourer HYPHEN concept, a bright, vibrant 4×4 vehicle. This concept is the result of a collaboration between Citroen and French pop group HYPHEN HYPHEN. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
E-MEHARI Courrèges
One of Citroen’s offerings at the Geneva show will be its E-MEHARI Courrèges concept car, styled by French fashion House Courrèges. This concept examines space and functionality through the lens of liberty, with the play of colours and materials focused on White. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
PEUGEOT
Traveller i-Lab
With the Traveller i-Lab, Peugeot presents its vision of the future for business customer travel. The vehicle’s four individual seats are arranged opposite one another around a giant 32″ touch tablet, with the capacitive touchscreen and supported by an arch. With the Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, induction charging docks or virtual reality headset, all uses are possible. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
ŠKODA
VisionS
With the VisionS, Skoda provides an insight into how its future SUVs might look, with the model incorporating the brand’s new design language. The OEM is also presenting its most important future technologies with this show car. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB), this is ŠKODA’s first vehicle to feature six seats across three rows. Another highlight of the concept vehicle is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN
T-Cross Breeze
Volkswagen’s T-Cross Breeze concept car offers a first look at a newly developed SUV model series. What this means is that in future, the Tiguan and Touareg will be joined by three more SUV model series. A significant feature in this concept is that touch-sensitive surfaces and newly developed “by-wire” solutions replace conventional switches and buttons. LINK TO PRESS RELEASE
