The Geneva Motor show is one of the most important dates in the automotive calendar. While any increasing number of manufacturers pull out of motor shows around the world Geneva continues to attract some of the biggest names around. This year will be no different with the likes of Audi, Skoda and Honda all showcasing world debuts at the event in March. There will also be a host of new brands such as Polestar and Pininfarina debuting new metal, too. Audi bosses confirmed to Auto Express that a new Q3-sized all-electric crossover is on the way. It will be built on VW Group’s dedicated pure-electric MEB platform (the same underpinnings as VW’s I.D. BMW’s latest flagship saloon will be debut at the Geneva Auto Show. Recent images show a few styling updates, chief of which being the grossly enlarged kidney grilles, slimmer headlights and a flatter bonnet. In terms of powertrains, we’re expecting a range of diesel engines, a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid and a range-topping petrol-powered V12, with a choice of either rear- or four-wheel-drive.
Late last year we spied a road-going prototype of the Urban EV and were disappointed to see that Honda had drastically toned down its styling from the concept. The three-door layout has been ditched in favour of a more practical five-door design, while the sharp lines and upright windscreen were axed for more rounded, pedestrian-friendly proportions. The covers will come off the ‘close to production’ model in March. Mercedes will debut its latest CLA Shooting Brake at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. Like the previous model it will prioritise sporty styling over outright practicality. The engine range will be identical to the current generation A-Class hatch, with a 1.5-litre diesel, a pair of 1.3-litre turbos and a 221bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol forming the lower end of the range. A hot AMG CLA 35 will potentially follow, borrowing the A 35’s 302bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor. Mercedes will also give its BMW X4 rival a mild facelift, with a new LED headlight design, fresh tail-lights, efficiency updates for its conventionally-powered engines and a potential plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Inside, expect a fresh set of digital dial, a new infotainment system and support for Apple CarPlay. Polestar will bring an all-electric Tesla Model 3 rival to the Geneva Motor Show. Joining the company’s plug-in hybrid Polestar 1, the pure-electric saloon will hit showrooms in 2020 with a claimed range of 310 miles and a price-tag of £35,000. Renault looks set to debut its latest Ford Fiesta rival. The newest model will feature updates such as a new 48V hybrid powertrain, reduced kerb weight, basic semi-autonomous driving systems and evolutionary styling update. Based on the existing car’s CMF-B platform, a revised edition of the 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo will also be available, along with a new 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. Due to the current movement away from diesel engines, we’re still unsure whether Renault will offer the Clio with any dCi engines. Skoda will unveil a compact SUV tasked with rivalling the Nissan Juke in the ever-expanding crossover market. Based on an extended version of Volkswagen’s MQB A0 platform, it will follow the brief of the company’s Vision X concept from last year’s Geneva Motor Show and will launch the company’s new 20-model-strong SUV offensive. It’ll be offered with the VW Group’s latest batch of engines, including a range of 1.0-litre three cylinder petrols, a 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol from the latest Golf and a 1.6-litre diesel. A plug-in hybrid remains highly unlikely, at least initially. The new Toyota Supra will make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Quite possibly the worst-kept secret on this year’s automotive calendar, the new Supra is built in tandem with the new BMW Z4, sharing its engine and interior components. It’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six produces 335bhp and, thanks to its eight-speed ZF gearbox, it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 4.3 seconds. Toyota also recently confirmed that the top speed would be electronically limited to 155mph. Prices will start at £52,695 when it goes on sale in summer this year.
Myk Belmonte gives you a suggestion. A product of Volvo's P2 platform (it is under Ford's D3 platform) is the S80 sedan, which was launched in 1998 to replace the S90/960. With Volvo's core philosophy being safety, numerous safety features were thrown including Whiplash Protection System (or WHIPS) and the SIPS (or Side Impact Protection System). Sales ceased in 2006 with the launch of the second generation S80 in that year. Viking Cars Philippines, the one who distributes Volvos in the Philippines, brought in the S80 in 1999 to replace the aforementioned S90 line. From launch, the 2.0T and the V6 were made available while the 2.5T was launched in 2005 to replace the V6. The good thing is that, luxury can be attained for the price of a budget car. Volvo S80s are priced between P250,000-P450,000, definitely a bargain to be honest. And for those who are quiet and low key, a Volvo is a great choice.
Understated luxury at its finest for less. Volvo (and European) specialist shops are on the rise physically and online, so purchasing your parts isn't trouble. With both engines possessing turbos, make sure they work properly and are cleaned. No known problems, so you get a reliable vehicle that you will enjoy. Boxy lines that afflicted Volvos of old are no more. The new styling is more sleek and distinct, with smooth lines from the front down to the rear area. So sleek we shall let the design speak for itself. The best place to be in the S80 is the rear, since accommodations is generous. Front space is also decent, too. Controls are of high quality, which is definitely expected. The audio and climate controls are placed in the center, with some of them placed close to one another. Still, you'll love to spend time inside the cabin. Well, with the help of the turbo, both I5 engines are able performers but the power can be lacking for some. The 2.9 V6 is powerful, but since finding one is a challenge forget about it. Isolation from the outside world is the theme of the S80. It pleases the passenger more than the driver since steering isn't great and the body quivers at curves. Road ruts are absorbed by the suspension and you can sleep soundly. If you want something fun to drive head to a BMW review in my website. There are two types of rich people: the ones who have arrived in a loud manner and the established ones. Low profile people belong to the latter category and the prudent choice is the Volvo S80. It does not handle like a sports car but it rides like a limo. Definitely a used car bargain.
