Reach harvest by the Leman Lake
By Bruno Kuzmin
(Delo, 7.3.1998)
List of car factories mentioned in the overview:
[Alfa Romeo]
[Aston Martin Lagonda]
[Audi]
[BMW]
[Cadillac / Chevrolet]
[Chrysler / Jeep]
[Citroen]
[Daewoo]
[Daihatsu]
[Daimler-Benz]
[De Tomaso]
[Ferrari]
[Fiat]
[Ford]
[Honda]
[Hyundai]
[Jaguar / Daimler]
[Kia]
[Lada]
[Lancia]
[Lamborghini]
[Lexus]
[Maserati]
[Mazda]
[Mitsubishi]
[Nissan]
[Opel]
[Peugeot]
[Porsche]
[Renault]
[Rolls-Royce]
[Rover]
[Saab]
[Seat]
[Smart]
[SsangYong]
[Steyer-Daimler-Puch]
[Subaru]
[Suzuki]
[ Skoda]
[Tatra]
[Toyota]
[Venturi]
[Volkswagen]
[Volvo]
Alfa Romeo
At the showrooms of Milano factory nothing new. Undoubtedly, most interesting is still Alfa 156, shown here also in its racing form, prepared for Italian Supertouring Racing. This model has a 2-litre twin spark 300 hp engine and a 6-speed sequential gearbox.
Aston Martin Lagonda
Greatest attention is dedicated to a 6-litre 12- cylinder project vehicle Vantage, shown already at the Detroit Show and predicted to replace at the dawn of new millennium the DB7 model, which still found the place here with the Alfred Dunhill limited edition model (150 cars only).
Audi
"Nice caravans are called Avanti", one have to agree with this Audi's slogan, when he sees the new A6 Avant seizing most of the show floor. Audi's greatest caravan will be sold at the beginning with four petrol 150 - 230 hp engines and two diesel 110, 150 hp engines. Its luggage compartment can be expanded from 455 to as much as 1590 litres. Besides this model, interesting are also two A4 models, one with 2,5-litre 6-cylinder 150 hp turbo diesel engine and the other S4 265 hp sports car. Slightly separated is Audi's partner, Quattro GmbH booth, exposing S8 model with tiptronic automatic gear change allowing also manual changing on the steering wheel. There is also a lot of add-on equipment displayed at the show giving more personal note to default models.
BMW
Their offer will be remembered by many visitors mostly for the new series 3 sedan and "adrenaline bomb" M5 limousine. The former very popular model will be available at least at the beginning with 4 petrol 118 - 193 hp engines and a 136 hp turbo diesel engine. Those who will prefer M5, actually racing sedan, will get very powerful engine boosting 408 hp of power and 500 Nm torque, getting at 100 km/h in 5,4 sec. Among fast cars one must certainly count on the new roadster Z3 based 3,2-litre 6-cylinder 321 hp M coupe. It reaches top speed 250 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in some 5 secs. It will be put to the market in autumn. BMW is showing also other models having only minor novelties.
Cadillac / Chevrolet
Nothing especially new can be seen on their booth. Nonetheless, there are models worth mentioning, such as Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette convertible (Cabrio), Trans Sport, Tahoe, Suburban, C/K pickup or S10 pickup.
Chrysler / Jeep
Attention deserves the new model 300 M more than 5 metres long limousine with 2,7-litre 200 hp or 3,5-litre 254 hp petrol engine. European premiere is 3.8 LX Voyager with more generous factory series outfit and all-wheels drive. On their booth there are also many other known models but above all there are futuristic prototype Pronto and GT-class racing car Viper GTS-R with its new sponsor Mobil.
Citroen
In addition to the well known Xsara family combi-sedan and the dynamic coupe there is a world premiere Xsara break. Caravan is 19 cm longer (4,35 m) and has greater luggage compartment, expandable from 517 to 1512 litres that places it among the biggest caravans in its class. Xsantia has also got some improvements, such as new 2-litre turbo diesel engine with common rail fuel injection system. Four cylinder diesel engine, available in autumn, will have 110 hp and 250 Nm torque.
Daewoo
The new little daewoo, known before as D'Arts, is now called Matiz. A 5-door car has 3- cylinder 800 ccm 52 hp petrol engine is with its length (only 3,5 m) among the smallest city cars. Nevertheless, it will offer some comfort as bigger cars do. Namely, more demanding customers could order both airbags, air conditioner and ABS. Besides, Daewoo counts also on other, more widely known models.
Daihatsu
The newest model is about 3,7 m long 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine Sirion. With 4 doors and 235-litre of luggage compartment it is promoted by the factory as its most suitable city vehicle. As such can be declared also Move EV-H with ecological hybrid engine, comprised of two electrical motors propelling the car and a combustion aggregate for charging batteries.
Daimler-Benz
Their booth is weakening under the load of novelties. There is a lot of them. Charm of the new CLK cabrio will seduce many visitors. Similar is true for E 55 AMG, which is at disposal for more demanding customers as a combi. The model with more powerful engine is for instance CLK 430 with 8 cylinders and 279 hp. Pleasure of "only sky above" is offering a series of roadsters SL. Now or renewed, there is a small Mercedes A. For the first time in Europe is shown Mercedes M, a land wagon, born overseas. There is also extremely luxurious limousine Maybach on the show, still with uncertain future.
De Tomaso
Auto manufacturer from Modena has used the occasion of the Geneva exposition to sign the distribution contract with English distributor company British Motor Car Distributors, that will from now on take over the international distribution of the De Tomaso cars (Mangusta and Guara).
Ferrari
Slightly changed is their Ferrari 456 M (M stands for "modified"). Otherwise technically and stylistically unchanged coupe declared for up to four persons has now an engine bonnet made from kevlar and some changes in the interior. The house of the "Rising Horse" had brought to the show also all other cars from Maranello, including 355 F1 and 550 Maranello.
Fiat
This is again one of the companies which have not brought to Geneva anything specially new. We have been missing the new Seicento ("600") that is going to replace old "Cinquecento" ("500"). A little bit more interesting were only two studio prototypes based on Punto and Marea. The former seems to important for its low fuel consumption (3,6 l/100 km) and Marea Bipower for interesting options: it can be either petrol or methanol driven.
Ford
The newest result of Ford's recognised New Edge Design is new Focus that is going to be a replacement for the aged Escort. Its engines 1,4- , 1,6- , 1,8- and 2,0-litre petrol engines and new 1,8-litre turbo diesel injection engine will mean greater variety in so-called "Golf" class. In the showrooms among various Ford studio models there is one quite interesting, namely, new Cougar Coupe with either 2,0-litre 4-cylinder 130 hp or 2,5-litre V6 170 hp engine. Mondeo served as a base for it as well as for the prototype P2000 with hybrid aggregate (shown also in Detroit) with only 3,5 l/100 km consumption (diesel).
Honda
Civic Aerodeck is a new model of the Civic though shown before already. Again, more attractive than classic cars were prototypes, such as: J-WJ, J-VX and J-BX. First of these, designed more like a land vagon, gives an inkling of new proportions in space vs. design ideas, searching for convenience of the passengers offering also all-wheels drive, switchable on demand. Prototype J-VX emphasises sportsmanship, combined with ecological hybrid engine, while J-BX is intended to be primarily a family vehicle. Future safe investments, indeed.
Hyundai
Atos announces new trend of small city cars, too, attracting attention with its 1,0-litre engine and 3,5 m length as well as with amazingly lot of space inside and besides, being quite easily to manoeuvre with., especially in the town. Hyunday's view of a roadster at home is presented by the model Euro-1, powered by 2,0-litre turbo 380 hp engine.
Jaguar / Daimler
Sporting spirit in XK8 Coupe or Cabrio is ensured with the 4,0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine (similar as in the limousine). The model XKR delivers 370 hp, accelerates to 100 km/h in 5,4 secs and has a top speed 250 km/h (limited electronically). Besides the described "cats" also all other available models have been exposed.
Kia
Kia has prepared three new models. First is called Shuma or Sephia II. It is 4,75 m long and has 5 doors. Next, there is Parktown which is a combi derived from Clarus, and the third is monovolume vehicle, called Carnivall. Unfortunately, the names were nearly all that was available to reporters.
Lada
Again, there was aging series 2110 presented and really not much more. That is true for any of the potential successors of Niva, Samara or Caravan.
Lancia
Nothing really new, we could say. Both models, Delta and Dedra have been through minor changes, on bodywork particularly, such as coloured bumpers.
Lamborghini
"Diablo for less than 400 million Liras!" are saying at Lamborghini (395 M, to be more precise, i.e. 12-% reduction off), for the roadster SV. Cheaper and at the same time with more efficient brake system and adaptive cams timing control giving even more refinement to powerful 12-cylinder 530 hp engine with 605 Nm torque.
Lexus
In addition to known models GS300 and LS400, a new model IS200 has been introduced, smaller than others. With its 4,4 m it is entering BMW series 3 class. The car has 2,0-litre engine, rear wheels drive, and either 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gears. Its market appearance is scheduled for the second quarter of next year.
Maserati
There is a new car prepared for fans of fast sports cars, Evoluzione, derived from Quattroporte. It is improved in many respects: colours, outfits, workmanship, technically. 6-cylinder engine delivers 280 hp and 8-cylinder one 335 hp. Ghibli remains unchanged and is present at the show.
Mazda
Those who fancy draught will be overwhelmed by MX-5in design close to its predecessor but seeming more mature, though. For caravan admirers there is new 626. There is also Demio at the moment as a concept car, but expected soon on the market, anyway. MV-X is MPV while SW-X is monovolume vehicle.
Mitsubishi
Concept car Spacestar has met here the world premiere. It will serve as a basis for smaller monovolume vehicle. The car is supposed to be fabricated in Holland end motorised with 1,3- and 1,8-litre petrol aggregate. Mitsubishi is spreading its technical solution concerning direct fuel injection GDI to a variety of its models, from only 660 ccm 3-cylinder to 4,5-litre 8-cylinder aggregate.
Nissan
Four their models have ben renewed: Micra looks more nicely, it comes with a better outfit and more powerful 1,5-litre diesel engine. Similar thing holds forAlmera, model 98. In addition, safety has been improved. Primera Wagon and Patrol GR are also considered as freshly baked. Hipermini is a two seat prototype electrical vehicle.
Opel
Among the stars of the show there is for sure Astra, that comes with 3-door, 5-door and caravan bodywork. Derived from Astra, there is Zafira, monovolume vehicle with higher roof. It will affect the sales of Renault Scenic and other similar cars. Important improvements are hidden also under the engine hood, land vehicleMonterey being the leader, having new 3,5-litre 215 hp petrol engine or optional 3,0-litre turbo diesel engine with common rail fuel injection system, first of a kind to achieve 159 hp among land vehicles. The company has developed a new 1,2-litre 16-valve 64 hp petrol engine, at first for Corsa and later also for Astra. There are also some prototypes on the floor with ecological hybrid or gas engines, the result of co-operative work with General Motors.
Peugeot
The 205 model is going to be replaced by the new 207, that is forecasting prototype convertible called 20-hearth. It is equipped with the self-powered metal top, transforming coupe into cabriolet. Some are even calling it "small SLK". In case the interest of the customers will be shown, it may happen to go into regular production. A new 110 hp common rail fuel injection turbo diesel engine has also been demonstrated.
Porsche
911, still tempting as the sweetest French "croissette" is now also available as a convertible. Its self powered top open and closes in 20 delightful seconds. Besides this model, there are also other cars, including classical Boxter and 911 and other racing models which promote legendary Zuffenhausen factory around the world.
Renault
Renault celebrates centenary of its first car also by first public appearance of Clio II. Somehow futuristic seems prototype Zo with direct injection petrol engine. Kangoo pampa can also be counted among the new models, with slightly higher chassis allowing for riding even bad country roads. As far as Safrane is concerned, here comes new navigation system. Megane and Clio II are promised also the new PRS Airbag protection system.
Rolls-Royce
Silver Seraph, absolute novice of the Geneva show is probably also the most famous one. The car, replacing twenty years old Silver Spirit, has 5,4-litre 12-cylinder BMW 322 hp engine, pushing 2302 kg car to 225 km/h. $220.000-priced car has only 374-litre luggage compartment. Do rich men, owing such a car, really need the boot, otherwise insufficient for a demanding four-member family?
Rover
English manufacturer Rover, allied with MG and Land Rover has presented among novelties sportily remodelled roadster MGF, accompanied by other models already known like the most fresh land vehicle Freelander for instance .
Saab
Saab's most important exhibits have been the two recently introduced models, 9-5 and 9-3 the latter having a new 2,2-litre 115 hp turbo diesel engine.
Seat
The results of their development efforts could be seen mostly under bonnets. Ibiza cupra II and Toledo Sport can be bought with a 2,0-litre 16-valve 150 hp engine. New are also 1,8-litre 150 hp turbo engine in monovolume Alhambra and a1,9-litre 4-cylinder 110 hp turbo diesel engine in Cordoba Vario GT TDi and a 1,9-litre 64 hp engine SDi in Arosa with fuel consumption as low as 3,6 l/100 km. Cabrio fans can admire (and buy, too) Ibiza Open Air with soft top. On the booth there is also a prototype announcing Seat's future design trends.
Smart
After having experienced stability problems similar to those at Mercedes-Benz A vehicle company Micro Compact Car AG has announced that until October when the car will be launched to the market the problem will be solved by lowering the gravity centre and by setting the wheels wider.
SsangYong
For windy summer days quite appropriate seems their convertible Corando with soft top, but otherwise with unchanged mechanics and engines (2,9-litre 100 hp Mercedes-Benz diesel engine and 3,2-litre 6-cylinder 210 hp engine). Similar finding holds for the bigger Musso, also shown.
Steyer-Daimler-Puch
The wheel of history is turning, are saying at Puch cheerfully toasting to the new 5-litre 8-cylinder petrol engine delivering 296 hp to Puch G 500 V8 whose top speed is 195 km/h . The same engine will be mounted in 3-door, 5-door and cabrio models.
Subaru
Nothing new at this Japan all-wheel drive expert house, could be the shortest statement. But they are offering AWD in all models, including the smallest Vivio with 660 ccm 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 44 hp at most.
Suzuki
Visitors enthusiastic about Japan fancy land vehicles will be glad to see the newest 5-door Grand Vitara whose 3-door release will come by the end of the year. The vehicle with softly curved bodywork will hit the market with 2-litre 4-cylinder 130 hp aggregate and with 2,5-litre V6 144 hp engine.
Skoda
The smallest Felicia got a new outlook after three years, from the front similar to Octavia. The latter has also new combi model, 4,51 m long and with 548-litre boot expandable to 1512 litres. The caravan has besides the same engines as in combi model also 1,8-litre 150 hp petrol turbo engine.
Tatra
Their otherwise somehow boring assortment has been enriched with two novelties even. First one is 5-door 4WD land vehicle Safari with surprisingly fresh design having 7 seats and 2-litre engine in two options, 16-valve petrol or turbo diesel. Second novelty is concept city car with 1,4-litre petrol or diesel engine.
Toyota
Toyota put more emphasis this time on prototypes, for instance hybrid Prius and a bit futuristic Yaris which will soon come to market, though. Besides other known models there is also bigger Land Cruiser 100 completing the offer.
Venturi
This French manufacturer of sporting 2-seat cars is showing for the first time Atlantique 300 with automatic 4-speed transmission and with the new 3-litre bi-turbo 24-valves 302 hp engine.
Volkswagen
The star of their booth is still considered to be Golf IV. As a convertible its mechanics is based on the old model but its design follows the new one. The new 1,7-litre 60 hp direct injection diesel engine has been developed for Polo, whose optional outfit includes luxury leather seats. Passat has now optional ESP active stability control system. Passat Syncro is offered also with permanent all-wheel drive. Monovolume vehicle Sharan can be equipped with 1,8-litre 150 hp turbo engine. A lot of attention has been given to the new roadster, based on W12 prototype, having been introduced in Japan.
Volvo
The only novelty in addition to known models are S40 and V40 models with the new 1,8-litre direct injection petrol engine. Otherwise taken from Mitsubishi Carisma GDI in this car the aggregate delivers 125 hp with lower emission and lower consumption also.