Our Hannah Gordon selects the best cars of the Geneva Motor Show, the biggest international Motor show of the year
McLaren 720S
Just by the crowds gathered around the McLaren stand you could immediately tell how well the new McLaren 720S was received at Geneva. The 720S boasts impressive figures to match its equally beautiful styling, a 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 produces 720ps and pushes the McLaren to 100km/h in just 2.6 seconds. The top speed is an eye watering 341km/h and the research and testing has resulted in a very aerodynamic car, even the doors have been redesigned and integrated into the roof. Expect prices to be in excess of €250,000.
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai
Europe’s best selling crossover has got a new style, the ‘V’ grille design and new headlights help to keep the Qashqai looking fresh. There have been no changes to engine and transmission choices but tweeking of the suspension and damper system help to give a better driving experience. Nissan have concentrated on refinement and better soundproofing should mean a quieter ride for all occupants. The new Nissan Qashqai is likely to be just as popular as recent models when it goes on sale in the summer.
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Civic Type R
I was a huge fan of the previous Type R so the new model has plenty to live up to. The new Honda Civic has pretty awkward styling but the Type R body extensions help it to look just that little bit better. A 2.0 litre turbo charged VTEC engine produces 316bhp and is paired again with the superb 6-speed manual. The previous model rode extremely hard so Honda have introduced a comfort button to take the harshness away. the interior also gets a spruce up. Prices are expected to be similar to the outgoing model.
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60
Carrying on from the award winning XC90, Volvo have upgraded the XC60 to include new ‘Thor Hammer’ headlights and portrait style touchscreen just like its big brother. The new XC60 should also include the T8 plug in hybrid in its range. Volvo’s new compact SUV goes on sale later this year.
Audi Q8 Concept
The Audi Q8 concept has gained an electric motor, already housing a mighty 3.0 litre, twin turbo V6 petrol Audi have decided to attach an electric motor and take power output up to 462bhp. This very fast SUV is claimed to get to 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and have a top speed of 275km/h. The impressive statistics don’t stop there though as Audi claim that the range could be over 1,000kms. It still remains to be seen whether the Q8 will go into production, but certainly the hybrid tech will be used on other models.
Range Rover Velar
Range Rover Velar
The JLR group can’t seem to do any wrong at the moment and the Range Rover Velar certainly seems to have the winning formula. Sitting nicely in-between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport the Velar fits the gap very nicely. The design has a typically bullish Range Rover front end but a sweeping roof line to the rear separates it from other models. The pop out door handles are also new and give the design a very uncluttered look, expect the Velar to go into direct competition with the Porsche Macan.
BMW 5 Series Touring
BMW 5 Series Touring
The new BMW 5 Series Touring has grown a bit and the larger dimensions mean that the boot space has increased to 570 litres, or 1700 litres with the seats folded down. The 5 series has also had a bit of makeover with subtle touches to the front end, a superb looking estate car that is sure to be a great success. The range is also available with BMW’s all wheel drive system X-drive which will mean going head to head with Audi’s Quattro set up.
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford Fiesta ST
For the first time ever the Fiesta ST is available in 3 and 5 door options having previously only been a 3 door. The hardcore fans may be slightly taken aback by the engine choice however. Ford are incorporating a 1.5 litre turbo petrol which only has 3 cylinders but does produce 200bhp. The engine also features cylinder shut down to aid in better economy figures. The ST goes on sale later this year.
Renault Koleos
In partnership with its sister company Nissan, Renault have built the Koleos. The Koleos sits on the same platform as the Nissan X-Trail and also shares engine and transmission choices with the same car. The Renault Koleos will be available with both front wheel or all well drive options.
Lamborghini Huracan Performante
Lamborghini Huracan Performante
There was huge speculation surrounding the Huracan before Geneva over its extremely quick Nurburgring time and the car drew in big crowds at the show. The Huracan Performante runs a 5.2 litre V10 engine that throws out 631 bhp and gets the car from 0-100km in a staggering 2.9 seconds. Lamborghini have been busy making this car highly aerodynamic and this includes new body styling with cooling ducts in the bonnet and high mounted exhaust exits. The Huracan is swathed in carbon fibre which reduces weight and the technology of the car produces impressive amounts of downforce.
Hannah Gordon
10th March, 2017
