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Geneva motor show 2015: Top 10 new cars

Date: 05 March 2015

Paul Barker, Tom Seymour and Tristan Young take a look at the top 10 new cars revealed in Switzerland.

1 Renault Kadjar 203481. Renault Kadjar

An SUV based on the Qashqai platform from sister brand Nissan, but externally only the windscreen and door handles are carried over.

Why is it interesting?

After a few years in the wilderness, Renault is rapidly returning to fleet form. The Kadjar is seen by the brand as one of its three key models, the others being the Clio and Captur. CO2 emissions and official mpg figures will start from 99g/km and 74.3mpg respectively.

When is it on sale?

Autumn 2015.

Any other business?

Renault claims it is committed to keeping out of fast-turn business, and as a result of this expects fleets to take 40% of Kadjar sales.

2 Skoda Superb2. Skoda Superb

The third generation of Skoda's flagship model.

Why is it interesting?

Despite being 28mm longer and 47mm wider than the already huge Superb it replaces, the new model is claimed to be up to 75kg lighter, which will help improve efficiency.

When is it on sale?

September 2015.

Any other business?

Skoda predicts the registrations spit will be 65:35 in favour of the estate model that goes on sale by the end of this year, while 98% of models will be diesel, despite the company also offering two petrol alternatives.

3 Vauxhall Viva3. Vauxhall Viva

Vauxhall's new budget entry point to the range, replacing a combination of the Agila model and the Chevrolet budget brand no longer sold in the UK. It forms a three-car strategy in the small car arena alongside the more premium Adam and the mainstream Corsa.

Why is it interesting?

A three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine is the only power option, and while Vauxhall isn't expecting the Viva to be a big seller, it should appeal to local authorities and salary sacrifice schemes. Prices will start from £7995.

When is it on sale?

June 2015.

Any other business?

SL, the highest of three trim levels (the others being SE and SE aircon), will get Vauxhall's new Onstar connectivity and safety system as standard from early next year.

4 Mitsubishi L200 203304. Mitsubishi L200

The multiple What Van? Award-winning L200 pick-up is new from the ground up.

Why is it interesting?

Mitsubishi claims the new pick-up will be best in class for fuel efficiency (at 42mpg), manoeuvrability (with a turning circle of 5.9m), four-wheel drive, performance and load-lugging ability, with a combined towing and carrying capacity of 4090kg. The manufacturer also promises better driveability, cabin quality, safety features and specification in the new pick-up.

When is it on sale?

Summer 2015.

Any other business?

While the new, fifth-generation model goes on sale this summer, Mitsubishi plans to sell the outgoing fourth-gen vehicle alongside it for approximately a year.

5 Honda HR V 202565. Honda HR-V

A new small SUV from Honda, with a return for the HR-V name, giving the brand a rival to the Nissan Juke.

Why is it interesting?

User-choosers can't get enough small SUVs and the market is growing rapidly. Honda claims class-leading interior space and a boot of 453 litres.

When is it on sale?

Summer 2015.

Any other business?

The sector may be crowded, with almost all brands either already present in the market or about to be, but Honda has a strong reputation for good RVs and excellent reliability so it could be a user-chooser favourite. The Japanese firm has opted to give the HR-V 'coupe looks' by hiding the rear door handles.

6 VW Touran 6. Volkswagen Touran

The all-new version of Volkswagen's mini-MPV, the latest part of the extended Golf family to be renewed following the Golf's launch two years ago.

Why is it interesting?

As mainstream as mini-MPVs get, the Touran prioritises practicality, and VW is claiming emissions reductions of up to 19%, while the new model is 130mm longer and features 47 storage areas.

When is it on sale?

November 2015.

Any other business?

Volkswagen will offer both five- and seven-seat alternatives. The former will offer class-leading boot space of 1040 litres, VW claims, while the rearmost two seats of the latter fold flat into the floor.

7 Hyundai Tucson 202667. Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai has brought back the Tucson name in order to establish a group of lifestyle SUVs alongside its core i-branded model range.

Why is it interesting?

The small SUV segment is huge, and Kia has seen a lot of success with its Sportage. The Tucson has the looks to compete and will come with a choice of three diesel models (a 115hp 1.7 and 136hp or 184hp 2.0-litre units) and two petrol engines (135hp or 176hp 1.6-litre petrol units). Efficiency figures have not been released, but Hyundai said all engines have been "enhanced to offer improved driveability and fuel efficiency" and are Euro6-compliant.

When is it on sale?

In time for the September 2015 plate-change.

Any other business?

Hyundai insists the Tucson is not an ix35 replacement because that model will still remain as the brand's fuel-cell vehicle, while the firm said a decision on whether the fuel-cell technology would carry over to the Tucson has not been made.

8 Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake 203178. Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

The Shooting Brake adds some practicality to the CLA model while still retaining the sporty looks of the coupe-saloon version. Prices start at £25,755.

Why is it interesting?

Load capacity has been increased by 25 litres to 495 litres in total, rising to 1354 litres with the seats dropped down. This new model gives Mercedes an advantage over BMW and Audi because they
do not currently offer a model in this niche segment.

When is it on sale?

March 2015.

Any other business?

Trim and engine line-ups carry over from the regular CLA. All versions are equipped as standard with stop/start and are Euro6-compliant. The C200 CDI has emissions of 101g/km. See 24 March issue of BusinessCar for a first drive report on the CLA Shooting Brake.

9 Honda Fit Jazz 160489. Honda Jazz

The latest, and third, version of Honda's supermini.

Why is it interesting?

The Jazz has always had a reputation for being the most practical supermini in the market and the new version does not disappoint. Overall length is up 95mm, to help grow both leg room and the boot, which is now at 354 litres with the rear seats upright and 884 litres with the seats folded.

When is it on sale?

Summer 2015.

Any other business?

The car will go on sale with a 102hp 1.3-litre petrol engine, and while Honda promises impressive efficiency, official figures have yet to be revealed.

10 BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer 2022910. BMW 2-series Gran Tourer

The 2-series Active Tourer grows 21cm with this additional model and becomes a proper MPV with two extra seats, taking the total to seven, while changing its name to 2-series Gran Tourer.

Why is it interesting?

A BMW badge, great boot space (with rearmost seats folded), seven seats and ultra-frugal engines. The 216d Gran Tourer is priced from £25,110 and has emissions of 108g/km. The official fuel figure comes in at 68.9mpg. Fleets will lap them up.

When is it on sale?

June 2015.

Any other business?

The rearmost row of seats fold flat into the boot floor to give 540 litres of space, but when in use they are only suitable for smaller adults or children and boot space is seriously compromised. The Gran Tourer commands a £2000 premium over the equivalent Active Tourer.

 



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