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The 2018 Geneva motor show – your car-by-car guide

The Alpine A110 range now includes the Légende and Pure models, which sit below the Premier version we awarded five stars to at the end of 2017
The Alpine A110 range now includes the Légende and Pure models, which sit below the Premier version we awarded five stars to at the end of 2017

Tthe Geneva Motor Show is now underway. This is the largest event of its kind in the world, bringing together car manufacturers and associated hangers-on from all over the planet. For years it's been the traditional location for global product launches and significant industry announcements, as well as a forum for the discussion of technology, regulation and the future of the automobile. 

So while the OEMs send out their press releases, largely pretending that nothing's wrong, we turn our attention to the enormous halls of Geneva's Palexpo exhibition centre. Because while the public days run from the 8th of March to the 18th, they're preceded by two 'press days' on the 6th and 7th. It's on these two days that most of the main events take place – grand unveilings and debuts of brand new models, hitherto unseen.

Geneva Motor Show 2018 | countdown
Geneva Motor Show 2018 | countdown

Geneva is neutral ground, especially compared to neighbouring France or Germany, as Switzerland has never really had a car industry. For more details on the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, and information on how to attend, please visit our article here.

Most of the planet's car brands will be there, from the tiniest specialist firms up to giants such as the Volkswagen Group. Here's an alphabetical summary of what we know (and what we think) will be at the show.

Alpine

We gave the A110 sports car a full five stars when we drove it in 2017, but that was the limited-edition 'Premier' launch version. At Geneva this year we'll get to see the A110 Pure and A110 Légende versions, which are the minimalist and luxurious models respectively. Both sit below the Premier in the range and are expected to cost less than £50,000.

Alpine - Credit: BROSSARD, Yannick 
A very cool machine set to reappear in Geneva Credit: BROSSARD, Yannick

This will be the second Geneva Motor Show since Alpine's resuscitation by parent company Renault. In 2017 it was one of the stars of the show, with critics fawning over its good looks and clear allusions to the classic Alpine. The new car has a 1.8-litre engine producing 252bhp, and, according to Andrew English, "goes like blue blazes".

Aston Martin

In 2017, Aston Martin dominated the show with several hugely impressive launches. These included the frankly epic Valkyrie hypercar (née 'AM-RB 001') and their very own real-life Q branch.  

This year we're expecting to see the new Vantage  twin-turbocharged V8 sports coupé up close, a car which is a bit of a step down in terms of price but hugely important to Gaydon – the outgoing Vantage was Aston Martin's most successful model ever.

The Aston Martin Vantage – a brand new British classic, in pictures
The Aston Martin Vantage – a brand new British classic, in pictures

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s president and chief executive officer, said: “It’s always a proud moment to see the fruits of the company’s efforts on show in one place, but this year’s Geneva show promises to be extra special. Who knows, we may even have one or two surprises in store.”

Audi

The main event on Audi's stand is the fifth-gen A6. This executive motorway prowler will be available in both estate and saloon forms, and judging by some of the spy shots will have more aggressive styling than ever. The incumbent A6 is an incredibly competent machine, but is starting to feel a bit old; the new model is likely to borrow heavily from the new range-topping A8 limousine.  

Next to the saloons will be the Q8, a full-sized (read: enormous) SUV roughly the same size as a Range Rover. It's likely to compete with parts of the Jaguar Land Rover fleet as well as punching up: the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Maserati Levante and Porsche Cayenne are all likely to be sometime rivals to upmarket versions of this Audi. An SQ8 is anticipated, though not at launch. 

Audi is likely to bring a production version of its long-awaited all-electric SUV, too. This will be one of the first proper attacks on the Tesla Model X from an established premium car manufacturer, and will position Audi in direct rivalry with Jaguar's i-Pace at some point later in the year.

Bentley

We'll have actually driven the Bentayga V8 by the time the Geneva show rolls around, but this British brand is expected to add a hybrid version of its first SUV, too. This will be the bunny-hugging brother of the brutish diesel Bentayga, a distant cousin of the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.

Continental GT people grid
Continental GT people grid

Bentley's wonderful EXP 12 Speed 6e has been around for a while but we wouldn't be surprised if it was at Geneva. It actually won a Good Design Award in January, and we can see why – it looks tremendous. And it's about time Bentley got closer to a full EV.

BMW

It's only about 400 miles from Munich to Geneva, and we expect a number of BMW models to make that journey. The M8 is likely to get an outing in some form or other (though probably not the coupé we've already seen) and will serve as a preview of production metal to come. Part of us hopes it'll be a drop-top or a shooting brake. 

In pictures – the stunning BMW Concept 8-series
In pictures – the stunning BMW Concept 8-series

The X4 could be another of the Bavarian debuts at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It's another of those slightly bloated Beemers that sits half way between a saloon and an SUV, while retaining the aesthetic niceties of neither. But it's sure to be a commercial success when it goes on sale later in 2018.

Bugatti

Who doesn't want to see the Chiron again? Despite having been unveiled many years ago, the 'fastest production car in the world' has yet to actually prove its worth in terms of sheer velocity. But it's still an amazing thing to look at, and we look forward to the possibility of a special edition being unveiled at Palexpo this year.

Bugatti Chiron facts gallery puff
Bugatti Chiron facts gallery puff

Citroen

Citroen and Peugeot will be attending the Geneva Motor Show; DS, Opel and Vauxhall will not. The huge expense of appearing at this sort of event means that PSA is quite understandably reluctant to fork out for five stands, especially when brands like Vauxhall don't have much going on at the moment. 

Citroen Berlingo
Bask in its majesty

The main entrant here is the Berlingo. This used to be a profoundly uncool vehicle anywhere except rural France, but it's gradually being given international credibility with chunky styling borrowed from the C3 Aircross. We never thought we'd be excited about a Berlingo, but that's what's happening.

Ferrari

There'll be an upgraded, track-focussed version of the 488 GTB coupé called the Pista (Italian for track or racing circuit), which continues the series of tweaked, mid-engined V8s such as the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale.

Ferrari 488 Pista
Expect a large crowd around the Ferrari stand to see the 488 Pista, a performance-tweaked version of the V8-engined 488 GTB coupé

Ferrari says that the Pista’s development evolved from its experience with the 488 in the GTE class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. So it is 90kg lighter, with enhancements to the twin-turbo V8 liberating another 49bhp to deliver a maximum of 710bhp. It also has greater torque at all engine speeds compared with the standard 488 GTB.

Aerodynamic trickery includes increased downforce at the front and rear, while the electronic control of the suspension has been tweaked “to enhance driving pleasure and make the car’s full potential available to all drivers, to make the car’s performance on the limit easier to reach and control”.

The Ferrari Portofino – pictures, prices and specs
The Ferrari Portofino – pictures, prices and specs

We've driven the Portofino, which is pretty much all-new rather than revised. It's the 'entry-level' Fezza and is a colossal improvement on the outgoing California, which people grumbled about but which was already pretty good. 

Fiat

The sheer range of vehicles that Fiat sells is a spectacle in its own right. While we aren't necessarily predicting a brand new model, we're struck by just how many relatively competent ones are already on offer. The Fiat 500 has dominated its segment for a decade, the Panda is terrific, the Tipo is cheap, and even the Fullback pickup truck is alright. The only car we're not excited to see anymore is the Punto, which has not aged well – it just scored zero stars in Euro NCAP testing.

Fiat Tipo
The Fiat Tipo is one of the nicest-looking cars in its segment (we think)

As for fresh metal, we anticipate a few trim upgrades and possibly a 'sporty' version of the Tipo. This is already a good-looking car, and even a mildly souped-up version would be very welcome indeed.

Ford

We didn't much like the Edge when we drove it, and nor did any of the other British auto titles. That could be because it's just not a UK-friendly car, or because it's lacking an ST Line trim level. Ford UK are clearly hoping for the latter, as the ST Line version of this SUV will be unveiled at Palexpo this year. 

Ford Edge - Credit: James Lipman 
Ford is one of the few manufacturers that can't do SUVs Credit: James Lipman

The jacked-up Ka+ Active looks quite fun, though what we reckon this model is crying out for is safety and comfort kit rather than a raised ride height. It doesn't even get an inch of lift but is apparently set up for rough surfaces, and gets a few bits of black plastic cladding over the wheel arches. This could be a fun car.

There's an outside chance that Ford will unveil the new Focus at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. This will be the fourth generation of the ubiquitous family hatchback, which has been consistently one of Britain's favourite cars since its introduction two decades ago. We've heard rumours each way about this so don't hold your breath, Ford fans. 

Honda

There's a new CR-V in town. And by town we mean Europe, which is somewhere the new CR-V hasn't really been yet. Expect a hybrid and a smallish petrol of this SUV, but no diesel. Petrol cars will arrive at the end of this year and the hybrids will probably get here at the start of 2019.

Honda's all-electric concepts stole the show at Frankfurt a few months ago, most notably the Urban EV. This boxy little car clearly drew on the Mk1 Golf and the Mk1 Civic, and we hope that those same retro-futuristic design vibes inform whatever Honda brings to Geneva. We're looking forward to seeing the Urban EV again, too.

Honda Urban EV - Credit: TOBIAS SCHWARZ /AFP
This car was probably the unofficial show favourite at Frankfurt 2017 Credit: TOBIAS SCHWARZ /AFP

This Japanese brand will also be making a song and dance of its sporting machinery. Expect a Civic Type R TCR debut ahead of the inaugural WTCR season, plus some bikes (MotoGP and World Superbikes) and hopefully the CRF50 Rally.

Hyundai

The Santa Fe has always had a ridiculous name but as a model it's been getting progressively more serious with each generation. This will be its fourth, and we're expecting great things from this no-nonsense Korean family chariot. 

Hyundai Santa Fe long-term test
Hyundai Santa Fe long-term test

More excitingly, the Kona will be shown off in its all-electric configuration. This little SUV met with lukewarm praise, the market and motoring press weary from a near-relentless procession of anodyne B-segment soft-roaders, but it'll be a real contender when it gets an EV powertrain. The more expensive of two versions will have an electric range of up to 292 miles, which we're taking with a pinch of salt for now. 

Even more excitingly than that, Hyundai will be bringing its Nexo hydrogen fuel cell car to Geneva as well. The many advantages to hydrogen FCVs have been covered at length by Telegraph Cars, but the Nexo represents the second generation of H2-powered (relatively) mass-market passenger cars. It's coming to the UK in right-hand-drive next year.

Jaguar

The i-Pace is probably the most eagerly awaited British car of 2018. That's partly because it's a significant step towards zero-emission SUVs, but mainly because JLR is such a proficient hype generator. This will be a high-performance car, with a 0-62mph time of under five seconds, and its battery-electric powertrain represents a significant change for the Jaguar brand.

Jeep

We like the Jeep Wrangler. It's not a car we recommend very often, or indeed at all, but we're pleased that this oddball is still being produced. After all, it's pretty much one-of-a-kind, and unless we're much mistaken is the only five-seat convertible currently for sale

This chunky off-roader is in Europe for the first time, and while we've never been particularly keen on the model, it's still Jeep's halo car the world over. It looks basically the same as it has for years – a little bit silly.

Kia

Perhaps the most significant improvement to the Ceed is its name. It's lost its apostrophe, which is a huge step forward in the de-stupidifying of car names. While the up! remains typographically awkward, we feel as though the Proceed (officially 'Pro_cee'd') was the pinnacle of ridiculous model designations. The new Ceed is apparently so-named because it's for the Community of Europe with European Design. The car is indeed made in Slovakia and was designed in Frankfurt, though we're still not convinced about the name. 

Kia Ceed
Note the lack of apostrophe

Either way, this is the third generation of Kia's family hatchback and looks set to compete directly with the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf when it arrives in the UK either late this year or early 2019.

Kia will also be bringing a facelifted Optima to Geneva. New engines (one petrol and one diesel) join the range, and the interior and exterior both receive attention. It's far from the most exciting thing to show up at Palexpo but we reckon more of you will buy an Optima than...

Lamborghini

... the Lamborghini Urus. This is a slightly clumsily-named late-entrant to the SUV scene, but it's poised to become a brand bestseller and, despite its price tag, probably a familiar sight in Central London. 

Lamborghini Urus in pictures - Cars
Lamborghini Urus in pictures - Cars

We're not the target demographic for this car, which is why we think it looks a bit naff, but there's clearly demand for the 'super-SUV'. The main benchmark in this segment is arguably the Bentley Bentayga, but there are similarly high-sided vehicles on their way from Ferrari and Rolls-Royce too.

Land Rover

The biggest news is the SV Coupe, an ultra-luxurious limited-edition two-door version of the Range Rover. JLR's 4x4 products have always been fairly upmarket but as every other luxury brand begins to produce SUVs, the British firm is losing its USP. 

Range Rover
An interesting pseudo-2+2 configuration

Land Rover is only going to build 999 of these cars, and it'll probably sell them for around £250,000. As well as a done-up interior the SV Coupe will come with a 5.0-litre V8 and a commensurate 0-62mph time of around five seconds.

Lexus

Below the RX and NX is a gap in the Lexus line-up. We're not sure what the Japanese brand has lined up to occupy it, but the smart money is on the UX Concept unveiled in Paris a couple of years ago. Lexus actually trademarked the UX name back then, which leads us to assume that the new model will actually inherit the same designation. 

We also think it'll be based on the Toyota C-HR, a hybrid SUV that we rather liked. That's a new-ish hybrid platform and Toyota will be using it across both brands for the next few years, and frankly this is a segment we're keen to see Lexus expand into; its recent saloons and performance cars have been a trifle underwhelming.

Mazda

Mazda unveiled some rather exciting concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show a few months back. Both the Vision Coupe and the Kai concept are thought to be precursors to a new-generation design language for this Japanese brand, with the Kai apparently a preview of the upcoming Mazda3 hatchback. Both are expected to be in Europe this March. 

Kai concept - is this the next Mazda3 hatchback?
Kai concept - is this the next Mazda3 hatchback?

In terms of production models, we're most excited about the new Mazda6 estate, which gets updates already shown to us on the regular Mazda6 saloon. This will be a world debut for the wagon. There's also a chance that Mazda will bring examples of its SKYACTIV-X engine tech, too.

McLaren

The McLaren Senna will make its motor show debut at Geneva this year. Costing three quarters of a million quid and reaching 62mph in just 2.8 seconds, this car is at the cutting edge of British automotive engineering. Its controversial use of Senna's name and the strange, bulbous design are two main sticking points, but this hardcore Macca is as close to a real pin-up car as we've had for a while. 

Mercedes-Benz

We think the new A-Class is one of the most striking hatchbacks in years, and we hope that it heralds a new era of more exciting Mercedes-Benz designs. Inside is a big improvement too, with two monitors dominating the dashboard. We'll be interested to see how the world reacts to the changes to this model – it's changed a lot since it first wobbled into the world in the Nineties.

Mercedes A-Class
The new A-Class looks great

The C-Class is a mainstay of British motoring and we anticipate a facelift of this endlessly popular model, as well as the inclusion of some new tech on the inside. There'll also be a refreshed Maybach S-Class, which is one of the most luxurious cars in the world.

And in terms of performance, we're excited by the prospect of the Mercedes-AMG GT4, a four-door four-wheel-drive V8-powered monster set to compete with the RS7 and Porsche Panamera. Expert a top speed of nearly 200mph.

Mini

Is this the ultimate Brexitmobile? Mini will include more Union Jack motifs on its cars (as an option) following a facelift of the range, which includes hatchback and convertible models. This is an update to the range rather than anything revolutionary but we're slightly surprised that Mini is getting more twee, while BMWs are becoming increasingly ferocious.

Union Jack Lights on a Mini - Credit: Fabian Kirchbauer 
Look at the patriotic rear lights Credit: Fabian Kirchbauer

Mitsubishi

The Eclipse Cross has begun to arrive on British shores, and the Outlander PHEV remains one of the leading cars of its type. Mitsubishi has always been a bit of an outsider here and lacks the cache of some equivalent European brands, but its no-nonsense product design has earned it a firm following. 

Outlander PHEV
The updated Outlander PHEV offers two new driving modes

The 2019 model year Outlander PHEV features a complete redesign of its powertrain, with sharper dynamics, a more refined interior and a subtle design evolution, according to Mitsubishi. New LED 'tech-look' headlamps and a revised dashboard should enhance the overall feel of the car, while two new driving modes (sport and snow) will be the main dynamic alterations.

We expect to see the e-Evolution concept car make its European debut after its unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show a few months ago. This is an all-electric SUV with an off-road bent, and yes, of course, suicide doors.

Morgan

A teaser image of the Morgan Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition
A teaser image of the Morgan Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition

Plucky British underdog Morgan will be bringing a brand new toy to Geneva. As well as a 50th anniversary special edition version of the Plus 8, which is losing its BMW V8 engine, there's a race-inspired model called the Aero GT. Morgan describes this as a "gloves off" variant of the Aero 8, which is coming to the end of its life. Only eight of these machines will be made.

Morgan Plus 4 in pictures
Morgan Plus 4 in pictures

Nissan

Nissan converted their 370Z into a snowmobile for the Chicago Auto Show, so frankly if they bring anything less than an NV200 Combi hydrofoil then we'll be disappointed. We do know that the Japanese brand will debut its concept Formula E livery, but are hoping for some more exciting news too.

In pictures, the Nissan 370Zki – a 'winter sports car' for the ski season
In pictures, the Nissan 370Zki – a 'winter sports car' for the ski season

Peugeot

The big news for Peugeot is an all-new 508, which is due on sale this summer. The existing version hasn't sold well in the UK, which is a shame as it is a comfortable, understated saloon with everything going for it, but it just never made financial sense in a marketplace dominated by better-value rivals.

Peugeot 508 2018 MY
It's claimed to have 'a radical new aerodynamic design', but the new 508 looks a bit like a BMW to us from this angle

The resurgent French brand bullishly claims that the new 508 raises the bar in the D-class (executive) sector by doing away with the traditional four-door saloon format in favour of a five-door coupé-style look. The hatchback accesses a 487-litre boot.

Peugeot also claims that its beautifully appointed, premium interior will lure buyers away from the German 'big three' and Jaguar.

There will be six petrol or diesel engine/transmission combinations, with between 128 and 222bhp.

Renault 

One of the more exciting car of the year so far has been the Volkswagen Up GTI, so we're pleased to see Renault applying similar principles to its little Zoe electric car. This remains one of the easiest EVs to recommend, and it gets even more impressive on the second-hand market. But the addition of a mildly warm model will only broaden this appeal.

Renault Zoe picssss
Renault Zoe picssss

Seat

Expect the debut of the Tarraco, the Spanish company’s new, small SUV. Apparently, the name was the most popular of those in a public poll. 

Meanwhile, Seat has announced a series of interior upgrades for its Ibiza supermini, which was launched only last year.

The car, which was the first to debut the Volkswagen Group’s MGB AO platform, has been been widely praised for its design and dynamics, but not for its bare cabin which uses a lot of untextured matt-black plastics.

Luca de Meo, Seat’s chief executive, says the digital cluster will receive an upgrade as well as a host of new cabin materials including more Alcantara man-made suede, soft pads and visible stitching. 

Skoda

A facelifted Fabia will be the most important car on the Skoda stand. Brits buy around 20,000 of these Polo rivals, representing around a quarter of UK sales, though how that will change as the Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs gain traction remains to be seen. 

There'll be a range-topping L&K version of the Kodiaq revealed at Geneva too, as well as a 'Vision X' small SUV concept that seems to suffer from every show car cliché imaginable. 

The Superb will be shown with a new 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine developing 268bhp, along with an Octavia vRS with same engine in 242bhp form. Skoda has also confirmed that all TSI engines will be fitted with petrol particulate filters, while and Audi TT-like digital instrument panel is now available for in the Octavia, Superb and Kodiaq.​

SsangYong

The Korean firm will unveil a new C-segment (family hatchback) electric SUV concept, called the e-SIV. It is said to illustrates the firm's approach towards future electric vehicles, connectivity and autonomous driving. The name e-SIV stands for Electronic Smart Interface Vehicle, in case you wondered.

The e-SIV is based on the design selected for SsangYong’s next generation C-segment SUV. The show car has a 140kW electric motor and features fast charging of up to 80 per cent in 50 minutes, with SsangYong claiming a range of up to 280 miles and a top speed of 93mph.

SsangYong Musso
The SsangYong Musso in what appears to be Positano

Also at Geneva will be the all-new Musso pick-up truck, receiving its European launch. This no-nonsense five-seat vehicle has been the value alternative to more mainstream models from Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi since its introduction, and this update promises to build on the brand's success. It's expected to have a segment standard one-tonne payload and four-wheel-drive available.

As the pickup truck market expands it will be interesting to see whether SsangYong can capitalise on any newcomers. With brands like Mercedes-Benz trying to establish a premium pickup segment, outliers SsangYong may find their stand popular at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

Subaru

A lot has changed in the twenty years since Subaru's rallying heyday, but from time to time the brand alludes to its special stage heritage through the medium of concept cars. We're particularly excited about the Viziv tourer, which apparently previews a possible WRX estate car, and by any other futuristic oddities brought to Geneva by this oft-forgotten Japanese brand. 

Viziv
This is a glimpse of what the Viziv might look like

Toyota

The Supra returns. One of the definitive Japanese coupes is being reincarnated this year and next, destined to sit above the slightly underpowered GT86. We've seen some spy shots and it looks brilliant, though it'll almost definitely be a hybrid – expect widespread grumbling about a lack of a manual option.

Volkswagen

One of the perennial features of European motor shows is Volkswagen's ID concept. Our particular favourite was the ID Buzz, an all-electric reimagination of the iconic VW bus, and we'd love to see it in Geneva. 

Volkswagen VW I.D. Buzz id Detroit microbus
Volkswagen VW I.D. Buzz id Detroit microbus

Apart from that, the Volkswagen production vehicle range is pretty complete. That includes the GTI sub-brand, which consists of the Golf, Polo and now the tiny Up souped-up city car. Expect to see all of them at the show.

A week ahead of the Geneva show, Volkswagen has announced that it will make a new cabriolet based on the T-Roc SUV, which will enter production in the first half of 2020.

Volvo

As Volvo gets closer to modernising its entire range, attention is drawn to the V60. This family-sized estate will sit just above the V40 hatchback and below the V90 wagon in the Swedish manufacturer's model line-up when it goes on sale in the year.

The range will start at £31,810. The engines are conventional petrol and diesel units, with a pair of plug-in hybrids. Read the full story here.

Volvo V60 2018
The V60 range will include a couple of plug-in hybrids

We're extremely excited by this model, as everything else Volvo has done for the past few years has been wonderful.

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