Mokka SUV

Vauxhall is set to unveil a brace of stunning new models at this year’s Geneva Show, including the world premiere of the Mokka SUV, Astra VXR and Insignia BiTurbo.

Astra VXR – the ultimate coupe

The Astra VXR is based on the GTC’s platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine. This  stunning coupe produces 280PS of power which is enough for it to achieve a top speed of 155mph (where permitted).

Astra VXR

It has had a raft of bespoke chassis modifications and has a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels. Working in conjunction with the GTC’s sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), the Limited Slip Differential (LSD) provides the new Astra VXR with exceptional grip and traction through bends.

It also features Vauxhall’s fully adaptive FlexRide system and in the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only has a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.

Vauxhall’s Mokka – new SUV for the brand

Vauxhall’s new small SUV, the Mokka, will take the company into new market territory when it’s unveiled at Geneva and will enter the growing sub-compact SUV B-segment. Although it is only 4.28 metres long it can still accommodate five adults in comfort.

It will be available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, with the all-wheel drive system automatically transferring power to the wheels that need it most when grip levels are tested to the extreme.

The Mokka will come with three fuel-efficient engines, all equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol range comprises a 115PS, 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 140PS 1.4-litre Turbo or there is a diesel with a 130PS 1.7 CDTI turbo. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The Vauxhall Mokka also brings latest technologies to the SUV B-segment, for example the Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) which increases driving safety and is based on the third-generation bi-xenon lighting system that includes High Beam Assist (HBA). Vauxhall’s front camera system is also available on the car, giving you access to a number of other functions including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The Mokka has a muscular, rugged look about it and has a high ground clearance as well as a 1540mm track, with 18-inch alloy wheels standard on most models. It should be in Vauxhall showrooms by the end of 2012.

Insignia BiTurbo

The Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo is Vauxhall’s most potent diesel car ever, producing 195PS and emissions as low as 129g/km and is available with a choice of five-door Hatch and Sports Tourer bodies in SRi, SRi Vx-line and Elite trims.

The twin-sequential turbocharged diesel is based on the existing 1956cc unit which powers key models in the Insignia, Astra and new Zafira Tourer range. However when in BiTurbo form, this engine produces up to 35PS more power and a significant 50Nm of extra torque, reducing the 0-60mph time by nearly one second, to 8.2 seconds (Insignia FWD Hatch). It has a range of eco features, including standard Start/Stop across the range, with the FWD Hatch achieving a combined 57.6mpg for example.

Vauxhall’s FlexRide adaptive damping is also standard on all Insignia BiTurbos and on four-wheel drive models, FlexRide is integrated with the car’s Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and the rear axle’s electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD), offering you exceptional levels of traction, grip and control.

Nissan INVITATION

Nissan has revealed the details of a new hatchback concept which previews the company’s next mainstream B-segment contender, to be sold alongside their Micra city car and the innovative Juke crossover. 

The concept is called INVITATION and is set to be unveiled at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, with a UK launch date from 2013.

The side of the concept car has a distinctive character line, known internally at Nissan as the ‘Squash Line’, which adds a powerful dynamism to its profile ,with distinctive sculpted front and rear wings. Inside, the open cabin environment combines modern-day practicality with impressive levels of quality and technology features.

Inside INVITATION

Nissan is aiming for an ultra-low CO₂ emission target of under 100g/km for the most economical model in the range, with all versions eligible to wear Nissan’s Pure Drive badge.

Among the innovative features of the car is Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology. This will be seen for the first time on a B-segment car and makes reversing and parallel parking a vehicle as stress-free as possible. 

INVITATION also incorporates Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.

New Peugeot Expert Van

The new Peugeot Expert Tepee will be unveiled as a world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in March and will be available in the UK, along with the new Peugeot Expert Van from around mid-March 2012. The new Peugeot Expert incorporates the new Peugeot style codes, has new equipment and a range of Euro 5 engines which position it as a market leader in its segment, for lowest CO₂ emissions.

New Peugeot Expert Tepee

The new Peugeot Expert will be available as a Compact Van or Combi (Tepee) and here are some of the headlines for this new model.

• The Peugeot Expert has a modern appearance, introducing a new front face
• It comes with high-performance and efficient Euro 5 engines
• Offers best-in-class low CO₂ emissions for the Expert Tepee – 172g/km
• The 2.0l HDi Expert Van delivers the best power/CO₂ emissions ratio -168g/km
• Introduces a 6-speed automatic gearbox on the 2.0-litre HDi 163bhp engine.

SKODA Citigo

SKODA is going to showcase their new Citigo city car as a five-door version for the first time at the Geneva Auto Salon. This five-door version will be launched in European markets together with the three-door version from around mid-May 2012.

The Citigo represents SKODA’s entry into the fast growing subcompact segment and is already being used in the Czech Republic. This new city car has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test and is also the first SKODA model to sport the brand’s new logo.

The Citigo is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine in two versions with 60 hp or 75 hp and in its most efficient Green tec variant, the new Citigo achieves CO₂ emissions  of just 96 g CO₂/km.

New Kia c'eed

The new Kia c’eed is set to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012 and in the meantime Kia has just released the first image of the new car.

The styling resembles a sporty coupe and has design features like chrome framed windows and muscular lines on the bonnet. The new Kia c’eed will be available in Europe from the second quarter of 2012 and in the UK by June.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota has released the first pictures of Yaris Hybrid ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2012. The new model brings together the packaging and agile handling of the Yaris, with Toyota’s innovative Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.

Yaris is Toyota’s best-selling car in Europe and the Yaris Hybrid follows the launch of Auris Hybrid in 2010 as the second core Toyota model to feature full hybrid technology. The intention is to now introduce the powertrain to the largest volume segment in the European market. As the new flagship car of the Toyota Yaris range, it shares the same new-design “face” of Toyota but places greater priority on aerodynamic efficiency.

New Toyota Yaris Hybrid

Toyota has downsized its Hybrid Synergy Drive for Yaris, combining a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with a more compact electric motor, transaxle, inverter and battery pack and the result is a system that is 20 per cent lighter than that used in the Auris Hybrid.

The location of the fuel tank and hybrid battery is under the rear seat and the Yaris Hybrid offers the same occupant space and 286-litre luggage capacity as conventional petrol and diesel Yaris models. Automatic air conditioning and e-CVT automatic transmission are fitted as standard on the car, signalling that customers do not have to compromise on comfort in order to achieve low CO2 emissions performance.

Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Edition

Mazda is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their iconic roadster with their Mazda MX-5 20th Anniversary Limited edition model being launched at the Geneva Motor Show. Other models on show will be the new Mazda6 with its facelift, the all-new Mazda5 and various SKY Concept technologies.

The limited edition of the Mazda-5 will have a production run of only 2,000 units and will have its own special edition scuff plate, with its serial number engraved on (1-2,000).

The car is based on the 1.8-litre SE soft-top roadster and has a special exterior styling package with chrome grille, door handles and headlight fascia. It also gets silver-look fog-lamp surrounds, unique 17-inch alloy wheels and 20th Anniversary logos. Three colours are on offer, namely True Red, Crystal White and Pearl, however Mazda has also released a new unique colour called Aurora Blue, with matching body coloured painted elements in the interior.

Peugeot Lion

Peugeot is celebrating its 200th anniversary with the unveiling of a new styling direction and a new visual identity. The Lion badge has been updated and will be first seen on the launch of the new RCZ in the Spring of this year.

The new look that Peugeot is promising is best seen in the stunning new SR1 concept car which has a more extreme, stronger and pure expression of the “Peugeot Style” of tomorrow.

The SR1 has a 1.6-litre THP petrol engine at the front with a power output of 218bhp which is also combined with a rear electric motor developing 95bhp.

In electric only mode, the car becomes a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV). The car in the combination however has a combined fuel cycle consumption of 57.5mpg and CO2 emissions of only 119g/km.  The combined maximum power output of 313bhp is driven by a four wheel drive system and the new SR1 will be officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March.  

Peugeot SR1

Nissan Juke

Nissan is planning to officially launch their new small Crossover vehicle , the Juke, to the global market at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year. The car, which will be built at the Sunderland plant, will go on sale in October and will inject some dynamism into the small-car segment of the market.

The new Juke was inspired by the Qazana concept car that was shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and will fit into the Nissan range between the Nissan Note compact family car and the Qashqai crossover.

Guilietta

Alfa Romeo will unveil their exciting new Guiletta at the forthcoming Geneva Motor show in Maarch 2010. This exciting and sporty looking car looks set to offer a dynamic driving experience with a distinctive look and style.

Four Euro 5 turbo engines will be available at launch and all are fitted with the Start&Stop system for reducing consumption and emissions.

The engine line up is two petrol engines ( 1.4TB -120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir -170 HP) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM- 105HP and 2.0 JTDM -170HP). To cap off these models however, Alfa Romeo is also offering a lively 1750 TBi version producing 235HP with an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration.

The technologically advanced electronic systems fitted in the car include VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) ,Q2 electronic differential and Alfa DNA selector. All have been designed to offer the driver, safety, dynamism and performance in the Alfa Romeo tradition.