irishcar.com - Geneva Motor Show Preview

There is a host of new cars being premiered at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, which promises to be more than interesting to even the most jaded of car buffs. What follows is just a few among the many we’ll see for the first time in the metal on this side of the world. The irishcar.com team will be there in force to bring you the best coverage of the show, but here’s a taster.

Venerable luxury sports saloon maker Aston Martin will have their V12 Vanquish. This is the most technologically advanced model to date from the marque with a maximum speed in excess of 190 MPH and formula 1 style paddle shift. Its body is constructed from aluminium, carbon fibre and composite materials bonded together.

Bertone are showing the new Cabrio version of its Astra Coupe, building on the smooth chic hardtop which has already won the mind of the irishcar.com writers. We’ll actually be driving the car this coming weekend, so will then be able to add hands-on experience to the impressions we get at the show.

BMW’s new version of its entry-level 3-Series Compact is also scheduled, along with the SMG M3 Coupe and a brand new B3 Alpina 3.3-litre with AWD. The engine is a six-cylinder in-line and outputs 280bhp.

The Citroen C5 Break (estate) version of the new car just previewed by irishcar.com will also be revealed, and going on our experiences last weekend with the C5 hatchback, it should look real good.

Fiat’s successor to the Bravo/Brava, the Stilo, due on sale from the autumn and currently code-named the 192, will also be on show officially for the first time. As also will be the Lancia Thesis, unfortunately not currently scheduled for Ireland (though we have heard rumours about a possible re-placing of the brand here).

Ford will be showing their high-powered version of the new Mondeo, the ST220, powered by an even more revised version of its excellent 2.5-litre V6 and pumping out 220bhp to its wide wheels. We’re also looking forward to seeing Jaguar’s new X-Type, due for release this summer.

Opel’s own stand will introduce the Corsa GSi, 125bhp from its 1.8-litre, and a compressed natural gas-powered version of the Zafira.

Star of the Peugeot stand is of course the new 307 which is due soon with a range of engines from 1.6-2-litres in petrol and diesel forms, though a 1.4-litre is likely necessary for Ireland.

Renault will be presenting a 4x4 version of its amiable and unflutterable Kangoo Kar, which promises to be interesting for Ireland if they bring it in in a similarly competitive manner as their basic model of this van-based spiritual successor to the 4L.

The X10 first runner under the MG brand from MG Rover is basically an aggressive version of the Rover 75, powered by a 200bhp 2.5-litre V6 which in the parent car is a model of decorum. We’ll also see the MGified versions of the smaller Rover cars, the X20 and X30. But almost more important will be the long-promised Rover 75 estate (below right).

Toyota has Versoed its Avensis into a compact MPV with 5, 6, or 7 seats ... bringing the Japanese giant late into a very competitive but growing segment.

And lots more ... including the concept cars we haven’t bothered to mention, because we do have to bring you something fresh when we report direct from the show.

Stay with us for what we promise you will be unbeatable coverage.

Geneva 2001 Preview	February 2001 by Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan.
There is a host of new cars being premiered at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, which promises to be more than interesting to even the most jaded of car buffs. What follows is just a few among the many we’ll see for the first time in the metal on this side of the world. The irishcar.com team will be there in force to bring you the best coverage of the show, but here’s a taster. Venerable luxury sports saloon maker Aston Martin will have their V12 Vanquish. This is the most technologically advanced model to date from the marque with a maximum speed in excess of 190 MPH and formula 1 style paddle shift. Its body is constructed from aluminium, carbon fibre and composite materials bonded together. Bertone are showing the new Cabrio version of its Astra Coupe, building on the smooth chic hardtop which has already won the mind of the irishcar.com writers. We’ll actually be driving the car this coming weekend, so will then be able to add hands-on experience to the impressions we get at the show. BMW’s new version of its entry-level 3-Series Compact is also scheduled, along with the SMG M3 Coupe and a brand new B3 Alpina 3.3-litre with AWD. The engine is a six-cylinder in-line and outputs 280bhp. The Citroen C5 Break (estate) version of the new car just previewed by irishcar.com will also be revealed, and going on our experiences last weekend with the C5 hatchback, it should look real good. Fiat’s successor to the Bravo/Brava, the Stilo, due on sale from the autumn and currently code-named the 192, will also be on show officially for the first time. As also will be the Lancia Thesis, unfortunately not currently scheduled for Ireland (though we have heard rumours about a possible re-placing of the brand here). Ford will be showing their high-powered version of the new Mondeo, the ST220, powered by an even more revised version of its excellent 2.5-litre V6 and pumping out 220bhp to its wide wheels. We’re also looking forward to seeing Jaguar’s new X-Type, due for release this summer. Opel’s own stand will introduce the Corsa GSi, 125bhp from its 1.8-litre, and a compressed natural gas-powered version of the Zafira. Star of the Peugeot stand is of course the new 307 which is due soon with a range of engines from 1.6-2-litres in petrol and diesel forms, though a 1.4-litre is likely necessary for Ireland. Renault will be presenting a 4x4 version of its amiable and unflutterable Kangoo Kar, which promises to be interesting for Ireland if they bring it in in a similarly competitive manner as their basic model of this van-based spiritual successor to the 4L. The X10 first runner under the MG brand from MG Rover is basically an aggressive version of the Rover 75, powered by a 200bhp 2.5-litre V6 which in the parent car is a model of decorum. We’ll also see the MGified versions of the smaller Rover cars, the X20 and X30. But almost more important will be the long-promised Rover 75 estate (below right). Toyota has Versoed its Avensis into a compact MPV with 5, 6, or 7 seats ... bringing the Japanese giant late into a very competitive but growing segment. And lots more ... including the concept cars we haven’t bothered to mention, because we do have to bring you something fresh when we report direct from the show. Stay with us for what we promise you will be unbeatable coverage.

Geneva 2001 Preview