Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2013: Strike a pose with Frankfurt's finest business car models
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FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW 2013: Strike a pose with Frankfurt's finest business car models

Date: 07 October 2013

Jack Carfrae, Rachel Burgess and Tristan Young attended the world's biggest motor show in Frankfurt to take a look at the fleet car highlights, as well as the most interesting concepts and model updates.

Top 10 new cars

1. Mazda3

What is it? Mazda's answer to the Volkswagen Golf.

Why is it interesting? Mazda hopes to make big in-roads into the conventional lower medium segment with the latest 3. Continuing the trend for small saloons set by recent launches of the Audi A3 saloon and Merc CLA, the 3 will be offered as a saloon, as well as the hatchback.

When is it on sale? January 2014.

Any other info? The 150hp 2.2-litre diesel will be the most fleet-friendly, emitting 104g/km of CO2 and starting from £19,245.

2. Nissan X-trail

What is it? All-new version of Nissan's large 4x4.

Why is it interesting? The X-trail has always been known as a tough, dependable 4x4, but the new version is taking on a sleeker crossover-style look. It will have a seven-seater option, distancing it further from the forthcoming five-seat-only new Qashqai. A more efficient version of Nissan's 2.0-litre diesel engine is expected to feature and there's the possibility of cleaner, entry-level front-wheel drive models.

When is it on sale? Early 2014.

Any other info? Nissan wants to steal some sales from the upper medium segment with the new X-trail, poaching Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo types. 

3. Mercedes GLA

What is it? A compact SUV, falling loosely into the crossover segment.

Why is it interesting? As car segment lines increasingly blur, the GLA brings a compact SUV offering to the premium brand's game, creating a competitor for the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Priced from around £25,000, it will be offered in two- and four-wheel drive, although the latter is expected to be most popular in the UK market. Its relatively low price point is set to attract businesses, reckons Mercedes, while the GLA is also aimed at young families.

When is it on sale? April 2014.

Any other info? It's built on the same platform as the brand's A-class, despite being 125mm longer, 24mm wider and 61mm taller.

4. BMW i3

What is it? The official public debut of BMW's electric and plug-in hybrid city car.

Why is it interesting? It's the first of BMW's cars to bear the 'i' badge, denoting its new ultra low-emission/alternative fuel sub-brand.

When is it on sale? Late 2013.

Any other info? The full electric version has a 100-mile range and will cost £30,680 before the £5000 Government grant, and lease rates from £369-£480. There's also a range-extender, which has an additional 34hp 650cc petrol engine, giving the i3 an extra 80-100 miles of range.

5. Honda Civic Tourer

What is it? This is the estate version of Honda's existing lower medium Civic.

Why is it interesting? It will be fitted with the firm's 120hp 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, previously seen in the Civic hatch and more recently the CR-V SUV, offering a highly impressive 99g/km and an expected 74mpg official figure. Being an estate offshoot of a lower medium model, it's aimed very much at the fleet market, too.

When is it on sale? Early 2014.

Any other info? The boot is huge at 624 litres with the rear seats in place and 1668 litres when they're folded flat.



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