One of the biggest events in the motoring calendar is almost upon us, with the 88th Geneva Motor Show set to open its doors to the public on March 8th.
The Geneva Show is one of the biggest and most important global motor shows, with the cream of Europe’s car manufacturers using it as a platform to reveal new models.
Here are some of the ones to look forward to in 2018:
Audi A6
The fifth-generation A6 is set to make its first public appearance at the show, with styling resembling that of a scaled down A8 and the very latest technology, including heat seeking cameras and Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ driver display.
Bentley Bentayga PHEV
A plug-in version of the Bentayga is due to appear, using technology developed for the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera, which are Bentley’s sister brands in the VW Group portfolio. The model is key to Bentley hitting its 2021 emissions targets.
BMW 8-Series
The 8-Series is expected to make its first public appearance at the show, with BMW having already released pictures of it in camouflage undergoing testing at the Aprilia proving ground. The new coupe brings back a famous name from the past.
Ford Edge Facelift
Ford premiered the facelifted edge at the Detroit Motor Show in January, and the European specification version is expected to be seen for the first time at Geneva. The large SUV is one of the most luxurious cars that Ford has ever made.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Another SUV taking a bow at the show will be the new Hyundai Santa Fe – the fourth generation of the Korean company’s full-size 4x4. Expect plug-in and hybrid versions to follow.
Jaguar I-Pace
Geneva will see the debut of the production version of Jaguar’s all-electric coupe-SUV crossover – a car that takes the British brand in a completely new direction. The production car is expected to be visually similar to the concept shown last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Kia C’eed
The popular Kia hatchback will be replaced at Geneva, with the newcomer promising even better quality and more technology than ever before. Crossover, estate and mild hybrid versions are also expected.
Mercedes-AMG GT four-door coupe
Stuttgart’s answer to the Porsche Panamera will appear in production form at Geneva. Expect a hybrid-assisted twin turbo V8 and a price tag of well over £100k for the performance executive halo car.
Range Rover SVR Coupe
A smaller and more sporty version of the Range Rover Sport SVR has long been in the offing, and the rumour mill suggests that it will be seen as a concept vehicle at Geneva. The SVR Coupe will sit between the Evoque and Velar in terms of its size, but will have a sleek, low-cut roof line.
SEAT Cupra
Cupra will appear as a badge of its own at Geneva, in the same way that DS became a spin-off of Citroen. Expect hot versions of SEAT’s SUVs, the Ateca and Arona, to spearhead the Cupra brand’s new direction.
Skoda Fabia
One of the most eagerly awaited new superminis will also make its debut at the show. The next generation Fabia is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Polo, so expect similarly good dynamics and the same range of engines.
Volkswagen Touareg
With angular styling reminiscent of the smaller T-ROC, the new Touareg moves the big Volkswagen SUV up a notch. It’ll be built on the same platform as the new Audi A8, and share similar technologies including multiple autonomous drive functions.
Volvo V60
Another one to watch at Geneva will be Volvo’s new mid-size estate, the V60. Smaller than the V90 and sharing much of its architecture with the XC60 SUV, the new model will include a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid variant, along with class-leading in-car tech and the brand’s innovative ‘Care by Volvo’ ownership package.
The Geneva motor show runs from 8-18 March 2018 at the Palexpo exhibition centre, adjacent to the main airport. Its proximity to the airport, along with regular cheap flights from most UK airports, means it’s possible to visit the show and return within a day.
You can find out more about the show here.
