Well, one is that there’s still style to be found in cars, both on the actual production models and among the concepts.
We have already mentioned the very sexy new Nicole ... sorry, Clio, from Renault. But at a different level, there’s also the Opel Adam, a city car set below Corsa that is a decidedly trendy little runabout. Don’ expect it to be cheaper than its familiar supermini sibling, but do plan to be able to customise with an awful lot of colour and glitz.
Kia’s latest Pro_cee’d, the 3-door variant of its very successful compact hatch, shows really fine lines that lift it even further from its sibling, itself a smart looker. The Korean maker was also showing off its new Carens, amrevision of the compact MPV which will also repalce the larger Carnival.
The coupe treatment given to the Mini Countryman to make it the Paceman fills out further the BMW's brand, much more than any of us ever thought was possible. It looks very good indeed, though we couldn’t help saying ’Evoque’ when we saw the line of the roof first.
Honda has restyled its CR-V, and though we were a bit dubious about it when we saw the first pictures, it actually looks very well in the metal. A bit more presence than before.
And then there was one of the most eagerly awaited cars of the show, the production Jaguar F 2-seater. It lived up to expectations, without a doubt. And will be much sought.
And what about the Porsche concept Sport Tourer? Have to say that we’ve never particularly lusted after Porsches (well, one of us anyhow), but here’s one we’d like a lot if it went into production. Thing is, it likely will.
At the other end of the price scale, the 4x4 version of the latest Fiat Panda was rolled out by no less a lady than Miss Italy. Talk about flash ... and we mean the photographers! Sweet leggy looking car too.
Enough for now. We’ll be putting all the pictures and all the facts in the upcoming issue of Irish Car+Travel magazine. Keep an eye out for it.
