Geneva Motor Show 2015: Infiniti previews Q30 Concept, VW and PSA show model updates

Media activity has grown this week as global automakers prepare to show off their wares at the Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland) which opens to the press on 3 March. Among them is Nissan's Infiniti brand which has revealed images of the QX30 Concept, previewing its forthcoming premium compact crossover. According to the automaker, it "combines the sleek lines of a coupe with the distinguishing features and higher stance of a crossover" and uses the design theme "stylish protection." External features include pronounced aluminium front bumpers, rear skid plate, carbon fibre lower cladding and roof-bar supports, as well as 21-inch wheels with large profile tyres. The vehicle also features a large glass sunroof.

Underlining the popularity smaller crossovers, SsangYong has announced that it is planning to use the event for international launch of its B SUV (sport utility vehicle) Tivoli, which was launched on its domestic South Korean market last month (see India - South Korea: 13 January 2015: SsangYong launches Tivoli SUV).

There will also be plenty of vehicle updates on display, as well as new variants. Volkswagen (VW) will present the Sharan multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with new turbocharged gasoline (petrol) and diesel engines that are said to be 15% more fuel efficient. The former is available with 150PS and 220PS specifications, while the latter is available with 115PS, 150PS and184PS. All engines, with the exception of the 115PS, are available with six-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with coasting function. It also gains upgraded comfort and safety systems. Alongside its standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, it now offers as an option Front Assist with integrated City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), third generation Park Assist (supporting entry and exit from parking spaces) and Blind Spot Monitor. From an infotainment perspective it gains "App Connect" which combined MirrorLink, Google's Android Auto and Apple's Car Play to feature a wide variety of mobile phone applications. The interior has also been upgraded. Advance sales will begin in April.

Autocar also reports that VW will show the new Alltrack variant of the Passat estate that was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show (France) last year. This adds detailing that is more commonly seen on SUVs and crossovers such as plastic wheel arches and sill trims, as well as new front and rear bumpers to improve entry and departure angles. The under tray has been upgraded and ride height is 27.5 mm taller. The Alltrack variant is offered with two gasoline turbocharged engines with either 148 bhp or 217 bhp or a diesel engines with 148 bhp, 187 bhp and 237 bhp. Both manual transmissions and DCT are available on selected engines, while a Haldex four-wheel drive system is offered on all versions. Further additions include an off-road function in its drive modes which adjusts throttle response, braking input and the hill start and descent systems to support driving on rough terrain. There is also the provision of trailer assist systems as well. The vehicle is planned to go on sale in Europe in September.

PSA Peugeot-Citroën will also reveal enhancements to its B-segment 208. Externally, the vehicle receives new front bumpers, front lights and wider grille, while at the rear the lights have been redesigned. The vehicle is also offered with new wheel options. For the interior, greater connectivity options are being offered through Peugeot Connect Apps and MirrorScreen to display phone applications on the 7-inch touch screen. On the powertrain front, the 1.6-litre diesel is now offered with three power options - 75hp, 100hp and 120hp, all of which are offered with stop-start while the latter is offered with a six-speed manual transmission. A 1.2-litre turbocharged 110hp with stop-start and a five-speed manual transmission have been added to the gasoline range. There is also the option of the EAT6 six-speed transmission. The vehicle is also now offered with Active City Brake and reversing camera. Additional variants will also be made available with the GT Line offering many of the styling features of the GTi variant, while the GTi by PEUGEOT Sport features a lowered ride height, wider track, 18-inch wheels, sports "bucket" front seats, Brembo front brakes, Torsen differential and tuned suspension and steering.

Kia has revealed details of the Cee'd GT Line which will be available in three- and five-door hatchback or estate body styles. This vehicle will be the first in its range to feature a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 120PS and 172Nm of torque. It is available with a six-speed manual transmission. It is also offered with an upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine which produces 133PS and 285 Nm of torque. This will be available with the brand's new seven-speed DCT which can handle up to 300Nm. The new trim also gains daytime running lights and deeper bumpers, while new bumpers and twin exhausts are added at the rear. The interior uses new upholstery fittings offered in the GT model. It will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Outlook and implications

The announcements made during recent weeks highlight the wide variety of vehicles that we are expecting to see at the event. Many of them will come from upscale models and brands. In the luxury sedan field, Mercedes will show off the Maybach Pullman, a stretched high-end variant of the S-Class which is expected to sell for at least EUR500,000 (see Switzerland: 18 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Mercedes reveals Maybach Pullman). Rolls-Royce is intending to reveal the Phantom Serenity concept that is said to feature a bespoke silk-inspired interior with inspiration taken from contemporary interpretations of European furniture combined with Japanese Royal Kimono designs. Bentley is also planning to display facelifts for the Continental GT and Flying Spur. The former gains an upgrade in power for the W12 engine and styling tweaks. The VW Group-brand is also said to be planning on revealing a concept of a new two-seat sports car (see Switzerland: 17 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Bentley to reveal two-seat sports car study; Lexus to unveil city car concept). Ferrari's replacement for the 458, the 488, is already set for production (see Switzerland: 4 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Ferrari reveals new 488); Lotus will introduce an upgraded Evora (see United Kingdom - Switzerland: 19 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Lotus to take on 150 staff, reveals upgraded Evora) while at the top end of the sports car market both McLaren's (see Switzerland: 19 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: McLaren unveils track-only P1 GTR) and Koenigsegg's (see Switzerland: 11 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Koenigsegg to reveal two new vehicles) stands will feature new variants with boundary-pushing performance.

Nevertheless, as can be seen above, volume manufacturers will not be left out. It will be an important event for Renault which will show its Kadjar crossover to the public for the first time; set to compete in the important compact crossover class in the region (see France: 3 February 2015: Renault reveals new Kadjar crossover). As well as the technical advancements Kia will display with the Cee'd GT Line it will also showcase its D-segment model (see Switzerland: 19 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Kia concept to offer preview of next-generation Optima) and upgraded Picanto. Its Hyundai sibling will also use the event to reveal its new Tucson (see Switzerland: 18 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Hyundai reveals further details of all-new Tucson SUV). Of the Japanese automakers, Suzuki will reveal concepts of new forthcoming B-segment models (see Switzerland: 9 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Suzuki to show to compact concepts) and Toyota will have the heavily upgraded Avensis (see Switzerland: 17 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Toyota, DS to reveal facelifts of D-segment models). In spite of weaker demand for the D segment in the region, many manufacturers are out in force in this area, with Skoda featuring heavily with the new Superb (see Switzerland: 18 February 2015: Geneva Motor Show 2015: Skoda reveals new Superb).