Geneva Motor Show '19

JEEP E-VOLUTION

Jeep has always been an automotive pioneer, starting in 1941 with the Willys-Overland, the first 4x4 vehicle, followed in 1946 by the Willys Wagon, which introduced the concept of the Sport Utility Vehicle. Its legendary reputation for off-road capability has lasted ever since.

Today, Jeep is making another major evolutionary step by presenting its new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models. A no-compromise hybrid solution, which integrates the unmatched technical layout of each Jeep SUV, will power both the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass and turn them into vehicles that provide absolute freedom while taking their capability to the next level through eco-friendly technology.

Working in synergy with the new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, both the Renegade and Compass will have a pure electric range of approximately 31miles and about 80mph.

For the Renegade, the power sits in the 190hp and 240hp range resulting in outstanding on-road performance: zero to 62mph is reached in approximately seven seconds. The same figures (still pending approval) are achieved by the first plugin hybrid Compass, which is also the fastest example of the model ever.

The Electric ID. BUGGY

I

’m not sure how I feel about this, an electric, and more to the point, silent beach buggy? We all know that automotive law dictates that all beach buggies should have a VW air-cooled engine, and a ridiculous loud exhaust, don’t we? Please, someone tell Volkswagen.

The ID. BUGGY is a zero-emissions high-tech vehicle for summer, on the beach, or in the city, based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). Ralf Brandstätter, COO of the Volkswagen brand explains “The ID. BUGGY demonstrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB within the Volkswagen brand, but we want to open up the platform for third-party suppliers”.

The parallels between the Californian dune buggies of the sixties

and the new ID. BUGGY are apparent. All beach buggies from back then featured a high degree of modular variability - based on the chassis of the legendary Beetle, with a four-cylinder boxer engine running at the rear. Small series manufacturers stretched a cover made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) over the chassis and engine of the Beetle, thus writing automotive history.

The ID. BUGGY is tied to the past with the technical possibilities of the modern age. The basis here is the progressive chassis of the MEB. A lithium ion rechargeable battery is integrated in the vehicle floor, which supplies the electricity for the ID. BUGGY’s 150 kW/204 PS electric drive motor in the rear, and an additional electric motor in the front axle is also conceivable in order to realise an all-wheel drive with an 'electric propshaft'.

Will this concept car ever see the light of day, probably not, which is a real shame.

Mazda launches new CX-30

This has me very excited; too much in fact. The new

CX-30 sits between two wonderful SUVs, the CX-3 and CX-5, both cars I’ve driven for extended periods, and I love them both.

The CX-30 will be rolled out to global markets, with sales starting in the UK later this year and combines the bold proportions of an SUV with the elegant styling that embodies Mazda’s Kodo design language.

Mazda say that it will comfortably seat four adults, and was designed to be easy to drive. The increased height over a saloon car provides excellent visibility and makes getting in and out a breeze, whilst the body size makes it easy to manoeuvre on any road, and into any parking space. Basic performance attributes such as accelerating, turning and braking have been dramatically enhanced.

If the CX-3 is just too small for you, and the CX-5 a little too big, the CX-30 appears to be the answer - just why they didn’t call it the CX-4 is beyond me!

MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER

The name may make us Brits think of a famous

60s crooner, but that one letter difference means that this Twin Motor, 4WD, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is named after a famous ski resort in the central region of Switzerland, best known for its panoramic views and challenging off-piste skiing.

The Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer delivers high levels of performance in the most challenging weather conditions, and on all road surfaces. It combines this with the long cruising range inherent to hybrids allowing journeys to places with no charging infrastructure.

Mitsubishi, renowned for their reliability, have designed it as an elegant, functional, all-purpose crossover SUV, with strong looking body lines.

It's fitted with LED fog lamps that are located on an auto-open/close roof box, and skid plates for front and rear bumpers. The interior offers generous cabin space for passengers seated in all three rows, with an emphasis on comfort, quality and functionality with a good attention to detail.

It’ll use Mitsubishi’s Twin Motor full-time 4WD system, with high-output, highefficiency motors driving the front and rear axles.

It has an EV cruising range of over 43 miles/70 km (WLTP cycle), and with a fully charged battery and full fuel tank it has a total cruising range of over 434 miles/700 km (WLTP).

ALFA ROMEO TONALE CONCEPT CAR Electrification meets Beauty & Dynamism

Alfa Romeo is breaking into the electric car world at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale mid-size SUV concept. The Tonale is the first plug-in hybrid and the first mid-size utility vehicle from Alfa Romeo.

They claim that it rewrites the rules of today's fastest growing segment using the manufacturer's trademark combination of unique Italian style and unparalleled driving pleasure - I’m not going to argue with, just look at it for heavens sake!

The Tonale concept vehicle is equipped with the highest standards of technology to ensure a connected, comfortable

and dynamic user experience, while keeping the pleasure of a sporty drive at the forefront. The driver's attention will remain on the road, with the peripheral focus on a 12.3-inch full digital cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen central head unit. The new infotainment features a seamless and fluid multitasking interface that allows the driver to have all the latest features and functionality readily available at their fingertips. The Tonale allows the driver to be fully connected to the Alfa Romeo lifestyle and social communities, realised and presented through the new infotainment features, “Alfista” and “Paddock”.

Seriously though, I can’t wait to get it muddy!

OR SHOW '19

The new SsangYong Korando SUV is the fourth-generation model to carry the name and follows on from the SIV-2 design concept first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016.

SsangYong say that the Korando sports a new-look throughout which has been designed to maximise the car’s robust character with a distinctive new grille and headlight treatment, which I reckon looks similar to an Ateca.

They go on to say that its contemporary exterior design is complemented by a refined and premium quality interior, with enhanced driver assistance and safety systems along with stateof-the-art connectivity. Inside, the spacious interior provides better head-room and rear seat space than its competitors, with a high-tech premium feel throughout.

It is also extremely driver-focused with a range of features such as a 9” AVN and 10.25” full colour LCD cluster with dual navigation to provide all the information needed, along with a four-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumber support for comfort.

This all-new C segment SUV will be powered by new 1.5 litre turbo petrol and updated 1.6 litre diesel Euro 6d engines, with an EV to follow. Longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces, the new Korando measures 4,410mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm high, and with a wheelbase of 2,650mm, one of the longest in its class for increased comfort.

SsangYong currently has the best warranty in the business offering buyers a 7 year, 150,000 mile peace of mind.

SsangYong unveil all-new Korando

MOPAR'S Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 1941

The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 1941 designed by Mopar made its European debut at the show with a 100% street legal trim, especially designed for the off-road vehicle, that makes anyone with a taste for adventure salivate.

The vehicle is also enhanced with other Authentic Accessories selected from the range of over 200 Jeep Wrangler accessories: matt black Seven Slots front grille, mudguard, off-road lights, mirror caps, all contrasting with the Hella Yella paintwork.

The Jeep Authentic Accessories are designed to provide maximum functionality, safety, style and performance because they are created with the same team that designs the original Jeep vehicles.

Fitted with the Jeep Performance Parts that enhance the legendary off-road capability of Jeep Wranglers. Look no further than the kit with suspension raised by 2 inches, the snorkel, rock rails, black door sill, black fuel door and allweather mats.

The finishing touch to this tough configuration is a 1941 livery that commemorates the year the Willys Jeep first appeared, which is also on other details of the vehicle such as - the wheel, gear knob and tailgate table.

The Mopar customisation continues inside, with black mesh sun bonnet and front grab handles. Mopar not only does off-road, as there are the Urban versions, such as the Jeep Wrangler Sahara in urban trim with chrome fuel cap and door sill guards that stand out on the Ocean Blue colour body.

Finally, there's the Jeep Renegade Limited, sporting the all-new Bikini body colour, is also characterised by a special urban look, featuring door sill guards with Jeep logo, front dam, new sill trims and rear scuff plate in Subshine Grey, which is the same colour as the specific mirror caps and front grille. The cabin offers a cargo organiser and carpet mats.

Yup, we're drooling here too.

LAGONDA reveals the FUTURE of the LUXURY SUV - if you’re rich!

Aston Martin Lagonda showcased the Lagonda All-Terrain

Concept, continuing the journey towards a new range of state of the art, luxury vehicles driven by zero emission powertrain technologies.

Lagonda production is planned to start in 2022 at a new state of the art facility in St Athan, Wales - AML’s ‘Home of Electrification’.

Built around near-future technologies such as its advanced Battery Electric drivetrain, the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is an ultra-stylish, supremely luxurious, fully electric emissionfree vehicle that can transport its passengers to remote and spectacular locations.

Lagonda aims to be the world’s first zero emission luxury brand and take full advantage of the latest advances in both electrification and autonomous driving technologies, which amount to the biggest revolution in land-bound transportation since the invention of the car. A bold statement indeed. other’s most desirable characteristics. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda's President said

"This is a car that would be at home whisking someone straight from a glamorous red carpet event to a remote scientific research lab. It shows the bold possibilities for Lagonda and demonstrates how the company will push to expand horizons in every area, whether it be technology, design or scope of travel.’"

I’d still want to see it up to its axles in mud, that’s if it even has axles…