Car makers who would have been rolling out new product at the Geneva Motor Show this week have been instead doing on-line launches, with the cancellation of the event,
writes Brian Byrne. Here are a few of them.
Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV will start production later this year as the ID.4 (above). The car will have a claimed range of up to 500kms, and is evolved from the IC.Crozz 02 showcar. Initial cars will have rear wheel drive, and an AWD version is in the pipeline.
Still on electric news, BMW has revealed details of its Concept i4, a Gran Coupe with a range of up to 600kms and a rated power output of up to 530hp. The 4-door concept features a number of design elements which will appear in the production version and other BMW electric models.
Mercedes-Benz is tweaking the E-Class styling as the model reaches its mid-life place. New headlights and tail lights designs and a more pronounced grille feature and improvements to the MBUX infotainment system which also gets a touchscreen ability. A new steering wheel adds further touch-sensitive control capability. The company has also revealed plug-in hybrid versions of its compact cars.
Audi's fourth generation A3 is upcoming in Sportback format, due in Ireland in late Spring, and design innovations add greater presence to the model. The interior technical elements of the infotainment system have come from the recent larger Audi models. Engines will be 1.5 petrols and 2.0 diesels. Suspension refinements will provide improved handling and ride characteristics.
SEAT's Cupra brand has presented its first unique model, the Formentor, which will go into production towards the end of the year. A crossover, it will come with a plug-in hybrid option, as will the SEAT Leon that is already being built at Martorelli. The PHEVs have a claimed electric range of 60kms.
Dacia, Renault's budget brand, has shown a concept electric car, the Spring, which is expected to go on sale in 2021. The lighting design of the concept previews a new style for the front of all future Dacias. The Spring's range is said to be around 200kms, and is designed particularly as a city car.
Suzuki's Ignis has been facelifted, getting the brand's current front grille and some other details to emphasise the SUV character of its small car. The interior has been substantially restyled.
(We'll catch up on some more no-show news over next while.)
