‘IS IT OR ISN’T IT A TRUE LEXUS’
Over the past several months I have heard from other journalists that the all-new 2010 Lexus ES350 is not a real Lexus but a Toyota Avalon wearing Lexus sheet metal.
After walking around, getting behind the steering wheel and firing up the engine for a drive, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  From the tucked-in headliner at the leading edge of the windshield, to the smooth and precise ride and handling, I can say with confidence that the all-new 2010 Lexus ES350 is 100% Lexus.  The only cross-sharing between the two is the 3.5 liter DOHC V6 and the smooth shifting, six-speed, front-wheel-drive automatic transmission.

Now in its 5^th generation, Lexus’s best selling ES350 continues to blur the line between ‘entry luxury’ and ‘prestige luxury’.  Revised headlamps, a new Lexus grille, new grille surround, chrome body side molding below each door, a full perimeter chrome strip runs around the greenhouse, big, chrome door handles make opening any door easy and convenient.  The new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated foglamps underscore the all-new 2010 ES350’s refined character and sleek styling.  Side mirrors now feature integrated turn signals and the tail lamps are redesigned.  New exterior metallic paint colors further accentuate the distinctive design.
Inside, the renowned Lexus luxury is boosted with revised steering wheel controls, as well as new wood trim choices.  A revised center console offers more storage than before, and an array of new user technologies expands navigation capability and music playing options.  The updated optional navigation system features improved Voice Command casual-language voice recognition to increase owner convenience.  The new standard Lexus memory system controls and stores settings for the driver’s seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel.  Also, rain-sensing wipers are now standard.

The all-aluminum alloy 3.5 liter DOHC V6 produces 272hp at 6,200rpm and 254lb.ft. of torque at 4,700rpm.  The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Time with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.
That’s enough power to jet the new ES350 out to 60mph from a standstill in just 6.8sec.
The super-smooth shifting automatic Electronically Controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift for more driver involvement when you feel the urge to take the engine up to redline or when dicing through curving roads.  The automatic shifting strategy adapts to the driver’s input with rapid kick-down response.  The all-new ES350 is a fun and easy to drive sedan and the unique fully independent only adds to the fun and enjoyment.

A quiet, smooth ride is at hand thanks to a rigid unibody structure that allows the front and rear MacPherson strut suspensions to be tuned to provide response, crisp handling agility and ultra-smooth ride quality.  The low 0.28 coefficient of drag helps to minimize wind noise while also help to maximize highway fuel economy.  The ES350 rides on 17X7 inch aluminum alloy wheels with a new split five-spoke design wrapped with 215/55R17inch all-season radial tires.
The standard vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control virtually eliminates any evidence of torque steer, and these systems also integrate with the ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EDB) and brake assist (BA).  A new VSC cut-off switch for 2010 is useful if it becomes necessary to extricate the car from deep snow or other difficult situations, such as mud or sand, if that should ever occur.
The all-new ES350 goes where you want it go thanks to the engine speed-sensing power-assisted rack & pinion steering that gives good feedback from the road and is easy to turn at slow speed and more weighty as you increase your speed.  On-center feel is right-on.

Built on a 109.3 inch wheelbase, the midsize ES350 provides a roomy and inviting interior for up to five adults.  The driver and passengers are treated to intelligent, elegant luxury, with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond fluidly.  The high level of Lexus craftsmanship is immediately evident in the ES350 with bright, clear Optitron gauges, premium rear wood trim as well as real polished aluminum and chrome plus leather accents that echo prestige luxury inside.  For 2010 Parchment leather replaces Cashmere, new Walnut trim replaces Medium Brown Walnut and Dark Brown Bird’s Eye Maple trim is added.
Lexus craftsmanship and attention to detail is further evidenced with standard leather-trimmed seating that is available in three colors.  For 2010 the Ultra Luxury Package adds double-contrast stitching for the seats (my tester), console and door trim, a feature seen only in other prestige-luxury models, and perforated semi-aniline leather, also in my tester.
A one-touch tilt/slide power glass moonroof is standard, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with standard driver’s memory, and a power tilt/telescoping leather steering wheel.  The standard multi-information display, located in the combination meter is easy to operate.  Its main feature is a trip computer that provides outside temperature, driving range, fuel consumption and average speed readouts.  A new Eco Driving indicator is very useful to extend your mpg by lighting up when you are coasting or giving the car light throttle.  The display also includes an oil maintainance reminder and system warnings.

Standard leather-trimmed steering wheel integrates easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer, and multi-information display, as well as voice control for the optional navigation system.  The standard auto-dimming mirror features an integrated digital compass.  Heated exterior mirrors help melt away morning fog or frost, and an illuminated entry system lights the interior footwells and the side mirror puddle lights.
The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-to-start ignition system allows you to enter and start the car without having to take the ignition keyfob from your pocket or purse.  The standard HomeLink transmitter can control compatible garage door openers and home-security systems.  Convenience details abound throughout the ES350, including illuminated front dual cupholders and an interior lighting system.  Using the new Lexus Memory System feature, you can now tailor numerous vehicle preferences, including lighting, power windows, moonroof, steering wheel and door lock control.
The standard Lexus Premium Audio system includes AM-FM, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, automatic sound levelizer and an integrated satellite radio receiver.  New for 2010, the system adds iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth and music streaming through 10-speakers.
That is a lot of standard equipment for a base price of $35,800.00, but I am not through with other standard equipment not mentioned above including 10 new exterior colors (mine was smoky granite mica), PVC sealer and undercoating, use of sound dampening paint type and asphalt sheet in the floor pan, rain-sensing variable speed intermittent wiper with mist cycle, aluminum kick plates at each door, power windows with each having express up/down, heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer, grab handles above all four doors, carpeted floor mats, fabric sun visors and headliner, metallic and leather-trimmed shift knob, metallic and wood-trimmed glove box, 2-rear coat hooks, wood trim for the center console and doors in Walnut or Dark Brown Bird’s-Eye Maple, front seatback map pockets, rear-seat pass-through to trunk, cruise-control, auto-diming reaview mirror, first aid kit, interior spot-lamp illumination in front and rear, tool kit, dual map lights, sunglass holder, thick cut-pile carpeting, rear pull-down armrest with dual cupholders and storage plus air-vents located behind the center console and under each front seat for rear seat passenger enjoyment.

Besides all of these standard features, you can ‘layer’ luxury in the ES350 by adding the Ultra-Luxury Package, or by selecting from a number of stand alone options which include heated and ventilated front seats, HID headlamps with Adaptive Lenses, and Intuitive Park Assist (IPA).  The IPA system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car’s front and rear bumpers, alerting you and showing distances to objects in   the multi-information display.  The available touch-screen Lexus Navigation System rear back-up camera, revised in 2010, allows you to enter a destination using the updated Voice Command casual-language voice recognition.  The system integrates control for the Lexus Personalized Settings feature and adds Bluetooth phonebook download.  Voice command, a casual-language-based voice recognition feature is standard on navigation-equipped models.  This new technology allows you to give fewer and more flexible, conversational commands in a specific order for easier access to audio, climate, and navigation system functions to help you focus more on the road ahead.  The optional Mark Levinson Audio System is available in conjunction with the navigation system.  This leading-edge design uses 10 channels of amplification with 300 watts total output at only 0.1% total harmonic distortion.  The system plays through 14-speakers in a 7.1-channel surround sound speaker architecture.  The system can play CDs, DVDs, MP3-formatted CDs.  DVD movies can be viewed on the navigation system’s seven-inch touch screen when the car is parked and the parking brake engaged.  The Ultra-Luxury Package includes a panorama glass sunroof, perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating, power rear sunshade, passenger memory, HID/AFS lighting, and a wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.  Exclusive Liquid graphite-finish 17X7in. 10-spoke alloy wheels add a very distinguished touch.  With all of these standard and optional luxury features you have to say that the all-new ES350 is ‘on-par’ with all of the other Lexus vehicles.
For standard safety, the reinforced front-and-rear-structure passenger compartment forms the foundation for passive safety in the new ES350.  In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint system includes rear seat-mounted side airbags (previously optional, now standard), side-curtain airbags that extend from A-pillar to C-pillar and a knee airbag for both front seats, for a total of 10-airbags throughout the cabin.  Five 3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters up front, LATCH child anchors, steel beams in each door round out the safety features inside.  The optional Pre-Collision system (PCS) can help reduce collision damage.  The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.  The multi-information display within the combination meter will show a car icon with the selected following distance.  If, based on a variety of inputs, PCS determines that a collision is unavoidable, the system preemptively retracts the front seat belts and pre-initializes BA so that increased braking will be applied the instant you depress the brake pedal.  Active Braking can automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration rate of 0.3g if you fail to react to system warnings.

The new ES350 offers an all-new telematics system, Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, available by subscription.  Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purchase of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features.  Both the Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week-every day of the year.  Safety Connect is available on both the non-navigation and navigation-equipped ES350 and offers four safety and security features: automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locations, emergency assistance button (SOS) and enhanced roadside assistance, which adds GPS data to the already included warranty-based Lexus roadside service.  Lexus Enform, available only on navigation-equipped vehicles includes all of the Safety Connect features and builds up them with the premium services of Destination Assist and eDestination.  Destination Assist agents are available via the on-board cellular equipment and can help you find a specific address, a business by name, or a type of business.
The all-new 2010 Lexus ES350 has what consumers are looking for when shopping for a fun and easy-to-drive mid-size, luxury sport sedan that is loaded with standard luxury features and a long list of extra luxury available to make the car fit you special needs and wants, at an affordable price compared to many of the other American, Asian and German models.
Test drive one and you’ll agree that this is pure Lexus at it luxury best.

SPECIFICATIONS
Price: Base $35,175 As-Tested $44,848
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Midsize Cars
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 191.1 in.
Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 56.3 in.
Wheel Base: 109.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3605 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.4 in.
Front Hip Room: 55.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 57.3 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room: 52.8 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 15 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 272 hp
Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm
Torque: 254 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4700 rpm
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 36.7 ft.
0-60mph: 6.8 seconds
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 19 mpg / 27 mpg / 22 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 351.5 mi. / 499.5 mi. / 407 mi

$11,990 for a car? Are they kidding. I’ve seen options for car stereos priced higher than that!

Model Tested:

• 2010 Proton S16 GX; 1.6-litre, four cylinder, petrol; five-speed manual; four-door sedan – $11,990 (drive away)

The cheapest Ferrari in Australia costs $459,650 plus on roads, you can drive that around on Sundays, be worried about where you park it, make sure no one scratches etc etc… or you can buy 38 new Proton S16s drive away, leave one in each Suburb that you may (or may not) ever visit and you’ll never have another worry.

Okay, that was a ridiculous comparison but it gives you some perspective on how two objects which at their core, do the exact same thing, as in, get you from A to B can vary in price so much.

The same goes for pretty much everything else, sunglasses, audio visual equipment and clothing, you can buy a pair of jeans from Jeans West for about $50, or a pair of designer Jeans that start hitting the $1,000 mark.

Nonetheless the old saying of you get what you pay for still applies, so if you’re paying $12,000 for a car you may not be expecting much, but you’d be surprised.

The Proton S16 is one those cars that is designed to be exactly that, a car that will get you from A to B. Nothing more and nothing less. It does exactly what it says it will do and it does it rather well considering.

My previous reviews of Proton vehicles have been filled with complaints of excessive cabin noise, lack of power and comfort. So I expected more of the same when I arrived at the Proton dealership in Brisbane to collect my red S16.

The first thing I noticed is that the S16 isn’t actually that small, it’s 4256mm long and 1680mm wide which means there is actually enough room for a good interior.

It was time to get in the cheapest car in Australia.

It had been some time since I’ve had to use a key to start a car, with most cars now having moved to smart keys and start/stop buttons. Of course such a feature (which really is not a necessity when you think about it) would no doubt add another $500+ to the price of a car and remember this is about the bare essentials of A to B travel.

Key in the ignition and the 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine springs to life confidently. With 82Kw at 6,000rpm and 148Nm of torque on tap  you would think the S16 is relatively unpowered, not so. The car weighs just 1070kg which means it has a power to weight ratio of 77kW per tonne.

In laymen’s terms that means it’s just like most cars on the road today, for example a Suzuki Swift has a power to weight ratio of 76kW per tonne and a Subaru Impreza has a power to weight ratio of 82kW per tonne. If you must know, that ‘cheap’ Ferrari I mentioned before has a power to weight ratio of almsot 210kW per tonne, so, yes you do get what you pay that extra $447,000 for.

As I drove out of the Proton dealership the very first thing I tested was the S16’s acceleration, grab second gear and flatten the accelerator. The specifications say it gets from 0-100km/h in 12.5 seconds but it sure as hell feels quicker than that. You have to rev it hard if you want the most out of it but given it gets away with using just 6.3L of fuel per 100km, it’s pretty darn good.

Speaking of fuel economy, my (ridiculous) comparison car, the Ferrari California uses 13.1 litres/100 km and emits 306g of carbon emissions per kilometre. The S16 uses half the fuel for the same distance and emits just 148g/km. You win all around.

Now you might be thinking a car that costs $12,000 must have some short falls and yes it does. My main complaint with the car is the lack of dual-front airbags (currently only driver-side airbag), ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). That will partially be fixed when the S16 GLX arrives mid 2010 (priced above the GX tested here). The GLX will feature dual-front airbags and come with ABS standard. As for ESC, that may be some time away.

The biggest issue reviewing the S16 is the price, every time I think, it would be nice if… I remember it only costs $12,000 drive away.

It would be nice if the stereo would connect to my iPod, it would be nice if the steering wheel was leather, it would be nice if it had alloy wheels, it would be nice if it had reverse sensors, it would be nice if it had remote boot release, it would be nice if…

Wait! It’s only $12,000 drive away. Actually if you must know, given that the stereo is not integrated, it’s easily upgradable for a few hundred dollars, you can put a leather cover on the steering wheel yourself, you can option it out with alloy wheels, reverse sensors and also get the remote boot release kit all from Proton themselves.

Ride & handling is where the S16 stands out. Of course there is nothing in its price category that I could compare it to but even putting it against cars costing $10,000 more it still comes out ahead. Proton makes a big deal about their cars benefiting from Lotus ride & handling technology and you only ever really notice its validity when you’re going around a corner at speed in a car with tiny 13-inch wheels and it’s not missing a beat.

Driving dynamics are a treat for a car so cheap. You know the feeling of being in a small nimble car with a lively engine that just wants to be revved and thrown around corners? It’s a bit like that. It may not be that quick but it’s rather fun to drive. Packed with a few adults in the car there is no longer that sense of the car struggling, sure if you have five adults in the S16 it will not feel as nimble as before… but did I say it only costs $12,000?

As for the interior it’s nothing special really, but then again it’s not suppose to be either. The stereo runs through a Clarion head unit with two rear speakers, the air conditioner controls are typical and the dash layout is pretty standard. As for the seats themselves, they are comfortable for getting around town.

Despite near 40-degree heat in Brisbane, the air-conditioning system works quickly and effectively (Malaysia is humid so they definitely get the air-conditioning units right in these cars).

It’s worth noting that rear leg room is enormous for a car this size. I am nearly 180cm tall and with the driver’s seat adjusted for my height I can still sit comfortably behind the driver and have enough room to move my legs around. I probably wouldn’t take five adults for long distance drives but four adults can comfortably travel anywhere in the S16.

The Proton S16 is the cheapest car in Australia and as a result there is now a waiting list for buyers. You can be critical of all the features it lacks, but if you have about $12,000 to spend on a new car either as your first or a second get around car, it’s hard to be critical of such a genuine package that does exactly what it says.

Having now spent four days with the S16, it has started to grow on me. The car has a lot of character, it feels alive and willing to do what is asked. I liken it to a small puppy, you can’t help but to love it, despite its few flaws (plus its probably cheaper than a puppy over its lifetime!).

Specifications:

• Engine: 1.6-litre DOHC four-cylinder (16 valve)
• Power: 82kW @ 6,500rpm
• Torque: 148Nm @ 4,000rpm
• Transmission: Five-speed manual
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Top Speed: 170km/h (Claimed)
• 0-100km/h: 12.5 seconds
• CO2 Emissions: 148g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 6.3L/100km (ADR)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 40L
• Fuel Type: 91RON Unleaded Petrol
• ANCAP Rating: TBC
• Airbags: Front (Driver Only)
• Safety: N/A
• Spare Wheel: Full-size
• Cargo Capacity: 413L
• Tow Capacity: N/A
• Turning Circle: TBC
• Warranty: Three-Year / Unlimited kilometre
• Weight: 1070kg (Tare)
• Wheels: 13-inch Steel

2010 marks the 80th edition of the Geneva Motor Show, which will bring more than 30 world premieres and many other debuts in Europe. 

The Geneva Motor Show is one of the most important auto events of the year and one of the three auto shows the car makers should not miss if they want to build themselves a name on the market in Europe. Despite the assumptions that announced a difficult year for the automobile industry, 2 and 3 March will bring a high number of car debuts, some of them global and others in Europe, all following the same ecological trend of the recent years. Also, the car makers will continue to apply the worldwide trend of downsizing, which is focused on reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption while the models on which this strategy was implemented will provide the same power level, if not a level power even higher than the units they replace.

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo will present the new Giulietta and new three concepts which prefigures his 159 replacement. While Giulietta is ready for production, the three concepts made by Bertone, Pininfarina and Giugiaro will be subject to public vote to choose the design direction that will follow 159’s replacement.

Aston Martin

The Britain’s Aston Martin will present their  smallest and environmentally friendly model of the Gaydon brand. The new Cygnet is based on Toyota’s new iQ. The differences between the two models lies in the design and the interior, which was entirely rebuilt with the Aston Martin hand style.

Audi

Audi brings the new Audi A1 at the Geneva Motor Show alongside with a full-hybrid version of its A8. The three-door version of the Audi A1 will make its debut this year and five-door version of the minicar is expected to begin during the next year. The hybrid version of its A8 has the capacity to move only with electricity over limited distance and is part of Audi’s strategy to avoid partial hybrids on the way to 100% electric cars. Besides the new A1, the guys from Audi the new Audi RS5, a performance model that develops 450 hp and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

Bentley

The guys from Bentley will bring to Geneva the fastest and most powerful convertible ever built by the brand in Crewe. Continental Supersports Convertible is equipped with a twin-turbo W12 engine of 6.0 liters, which offers 621 HP and is able to accelerate to a speed of 202 mph. The Italans of Touring Superllegera will present the prototype of a limited edition of the Continental GTC, which will be built in only 20 copies, each with a price of $796,000.

BMW

The Bavarians from BMW bring two models at Geneva Motor Show – the new 5 Series F10 and a hybrid concept named ActiveHybrid 5. The new 5 Series will be available in Europe starting March, while the hybrid version will make its debut early next year. The launch of 5 Series F10 is an important event for those of the BMW, because this model means about 50% of the profits from Munchen brand.

BYD

The Chinese from BYD have a stand at the Geneva Motor Show for the third consecutive year. Although not begun marketing cars in Europe, the Chinese have the slogan “Build Your Dreams” and will become the strongest automaker in China and also sell cars on the market of The Old Continent. At The International Auto Show in Detroit, in January, BYD came with an electric vehicle and a hybrid one.

Cadillac

The Americans from Cadillac, were heavily hit in the March 2009 collapse of their official dealer in Europe, the Kroymans Group, back in 2010 in Geneva with the new CTS Coupe, CTS Sport Sedan, CTS-V and CTS Sport Wagon. Along with these models, they will also present a redesigned version of the Cadillac SRX. With the exception of CTS-V and CTS Sport Sedan, other Cadillac models appearing in Geneva are presented for the first time in Europe.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet have an at least goal for 2010, seeking to double its car sales in Europe this year. The Americans brought to Geneva the Aveo RS concept presented in Detroit in January, along with Orlando’s production version and European version of their Camaro.

Chrysler

Chrysler will share the booth with Italy’s Lancia and will have a joint press conference. The Americans are still recovering after the year in which they declared the insolvency in 2009 and signed the alliance with Fiat, so they will not submit any new model at the Geneva Motor Show. However, it seems that the Sebring, Town & Country and 300C models will hit the market in Italy in 2011 with the Lancia logo, while the rest will be sold in Europe with the Chrysler logo.

Citroen

The French from Citroen come to Switzerland with DS High Rider concept that anticipates the future DS4 and DS3 Racing. The High Rider concept has the task of combining compact dimensions with a generous interior, sophisticated design with outstanding dynamic performance. The performance version of DS3 will be built in just 1,000 copies and develops 200 HP from a 1.6-liter THP engine.

Dacia

Dacia brand will bring to Geneva the most important automotive world premiere for Romania this year, the Duster SUV. Dacia Duster is based on the Logan’s platform and will be the cheapest SUV on the market, to overpass their Korean rivals and to bring new clients to the Romanian brand.

Ferrari

The supercars builder from Maranello will reveal an exotic prototype of a hybrid based on the 599 GTB Fiorano at the Geneva Motor Show. It benefits from a chassis called Hykers and is inspired from the KERS system used in Formula 1. According to the Italians from Quattoruote, the model will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries and will have 35% lower fuel consumption than the 599 GTB.

Fiat

The Italy’s Fiat will present their new masterpiece of the Fiat Power Train Technologies department at the Geneva Motor Show, the TwinAir engine with two cylinders, which has a 0.9-liter displacement and develops 65, 85 or 115 hp. The three versions of this engine will be introduced on the Fiat 500, Panda and Punto EVO.

Fisker

Fisker comes at Geneva with Karma’s platform of ASF. This platform is used by Audi and provides high rigidity and resistance, along with low costs and an extremely low wight. The Fisker Karma will enter production at the Finnish plant of Valmet Automotive later this year. Valmet will present an electric car at Geneva this year, which is called Eva and starts at Fisker stand.

Ford

Ford will present in European premiere the new Focus, a global model which will enter the market in January 2011. Ford hopes for an world wide the success with the new Focus, and expectations are at a high level for the famous American compact car producer. Also, Ford presents the new C-Max and Grand C-Max at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside two new engines for the Kuga and Mondeo.

Honda

Honda will present the new CR-Z at the Geneva Motor Show. The model will be available in Europe starting June and is the first hybrid with a manual transmission in the world. The model offers four seats and is equipped with a 1.5-liter VTEC engine and with an electric engine. Both propulsion units are taken from the Insight and improved to provide a better performance level. CR-Z is presented as CRX’s spiritual successor.

Hyundai

The Koreans from Hyundai will present a concept that anticipates a rival of the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia. The model will be launched in Europe next year and the concept that prefigures it is called iFlow and represents the future Sonata, which will bear the name of i40. Design language used by Hyundai for this model is the same Fluid Sculptures, used for the creation of ix35.

Kia

Kia Motors will present at Geneva the third generation of the Sportage, which in 17 years turned from an off-roader in a crossover. The European sales of this model start in September, and the production will take place at the plant in Zilina. Kia Sportage is produced “shoulder to shoulder” with the new Hyundai ix35, with which it shares the platform.

Lamborghini

The italians from Sant’Agata will present a version of its Gallardo Superleggera. The model is equipped with a V10 engine of 5.2-liters that develops 570 HP. Three years ago, people at Lamborghini have presented a version of its Gallardo that was 7% lighter than the standard model.

Lexus

The Japanese from Lexus will present the new CT200h, a compact hybrid models that will rival any premium car in this segment. According to Lexus, CT200h is the first full-hybrid of the premium compact segment. The model is driven by the second generation of hybrid technology of the Japanese automaker.

Mazda

The new generation of Mazda5 debuts at the Geneva Motor Show with a range of more efficient engines and is the first model Mazda for which the Nagare design philosophy is adopted. This philosophy of design is characteristic of a set of side stripes applied to the model profile that gives the feeling of an air flow. Mazda5 will be available in Europe in the fall. Along with the new Mazda 5, the Japanese automaker also brings an anniversary edition of the MX-5 and the facelift applied to their Mazda6.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes will present the F800 Style concept at the Geneva Motor Show, the way towards the future CLS. The model has the new rear-wheel drive platform of the Mercedes-Benz, which is suitable for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and for vehicles powered by fuel cells. Unlike a conventional model, the F800 Style has a type of doors that slides towards the back of the car.

Mini

The Brits from Mini will present their first crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. The model is called Mini Countryman and is the first four doors model of the brand in Oxford. It will be available with three Otto versions and two diesel versions. The Europeans will benefit from a kinetic energy regeneration and stop-start system for reducing CO2 emissions.

Mitsubishi

The Japanese from Mitsubishi will present the ASX’s European version at the Geneva Motor Show. The model will be launched in Europe by the end of spring and is a crossover that is part of the new strategy of Mitsubishi brand shifted their SUVs orientation on market of The Old Continent. ASX gets a 1.8-liter diesel that meet the Euro 5 regulations and benefits from a direct injection system.

Nissan

Nissan presents the new Juke at Geneva, a model which they called a “global compact car”. Juke will be produced in plant in Sunderland, United Kingdom and debuts on the European market in late September. Nissan hopes to sell about 140,000-150,000 Juke units per year, on the European market, representing about 60-70% of the volume. The Japanese will bring at Geneva the facelift operated on the Pathfinder and Navara models, but also the new Micra.

Opel

The brand of Rüsselsheim brings at Geneva the compact MPV-production version, named Meriva along with the Flextreme GT / E concept. The new Opel Meriva benefits from reverse opening rear doors, a premiere for a volume producer. The only automaker that has applied such a technical solution for a car cheaper than $100,000 was Mazda with the RX-8, but the rear door opening Japanese model requires opening the front door. Flextreme concept prefigures a future production model with a hybrid drivetrain borrowed from Ampera.

Peugeot

The French from Peugeot will present a prototype of the future 508 almost ready for production. The concept is called 5 and prefigures the replacement of the Peugeot 407 and 607 models and is expected to debut in 2011. This model comes in Geneva with a hybrid version, which presents HYbrid4 system. Peugeot 5 Concept debuts alongside with SR1 and both announce the new French brand’s design philosophy.

Porsche

Porsche will present the new Cayenne, with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and entry-level version of its Panamera. Both models have a hybrid drive train, but it has a different purpose for every model. In the case of Cayenne, hybrid drive train is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while it increases and improves acceleration performances of 911 GT3 R.

Renault

Renault brings the new Wind and Megane CC at Geneva. The Wind has a foldable glass roof, which pivots towards the trunk in just 12 seconds and provides extra luggage space compared to an equivalent hinges system. On the other hand, the Megane CC starts with the first dual-clutch box of Renault and a foldable glass roof.

Seat

Seat will present the concept of a spider model called Tango, which presents the new architecture of the Volkswagen small models. Nine years ago, the guys from Seat had another concept called Tango, which never entered production. Also, Seat will present the Seat Ibiza ST version, which will be available starting this summer.

Subaru

Subaru comes to Geneva with a crossover based on the Impreza, called XV. The model is available with boxer, Otto and diesel engines and will make its debut in front of the European public with the electric Stella concept and Hybrid Tourer.

Suzuki

Suzuki brings a hybrid version of the Swift at the Geneva Motor Show, which is presented for the first time in Europe. It can go through about 12.4 miles using 100% electric power mode, then the internal combustion engine starts doing its job. Along with the hybrid based on the Swift, Suzuki will present Kizashi and the new Grand Vitara in three and five door versions.

Toyota

Toyota will present a production version of Auris HSD Hybrid along with the facelift applied on the Auris. FT-86 concept will be presented at the Toyota stand at Geneva, with the new RAV4 facelift and the production version of its Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The Japanese will present the FT-EV II and FCHV-adv concepts and for the first time in Europe.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen comes at Geneva with the new Touareg and Sharan. The Touareg will be the first hybrid of the Volkswagen, while the new model of Sharan replaces the model developed alongside those from Ford which was produced in the same form since it was launched. Although Ford’s Galaxy was replaced in 2006 with an internally developed version, those of Volkswagen did not changed the Sharan of over the years. Sharan is based on the new Passat’s platform and is longer and wider than the current model. Along with Sharan and Touareg, Volkswagen presents the new Polo GTI and the CrossPolo at their stand at Geneva.

Volvo

The Swedes from Volvo are coming at Geneva Auto Show with a production version of the S60. The model is the first in range to receive the Pedestrian Detection System and promises an exciting range of engines. The production of the S60 sedan starts this summer at the Belgian factory in Ghent.