• -
  • irishtimes.com - Posted: March 6, 2012 @ 5:08 pm

    Geneva Motor show: New Audi A3 and Bentley’s SUV

    Michael McAleer

    Volkswagen used the Geneva motor show to unveil its new Golf GTi cabrio. The smart looking convertible is the final hurrah of the current Golf model, ahead of the launch of a brand new Golf at the Paris motor show this autumn.
    The brand also showcased its new Cross Coupe concept to Europe, a strikingly good-looking crossover that would seriously challenge the likes of the Nissan Qashqai were it to go into production. All expectations are that it will indeed make its way onto our forecourts in the future.

    Audi's new A3: 1.6-litre TDi diesel will have emissions of just 99g/km

    Not to be outdone its sister brands Audi, Seat and Skoda also showcased new offerings. Audi has the new A3, which will come to Ireland later this year. Slightly wider than the current model, it’s more of an evolution in terms of looks, while retaining the brand’s reputation for interior fit and finish. It is based on VW Group’s new mid-size platform that will underpin the next-generation Golf and weighs in 80kgs lighter than the current model. The big news for Irish buyers is that the 1.6-litre diesel version will come with emissions of just 99g/km and fuel economy of 3.8L/100km. In 2014 a plug-in hybrid version will be added to the range.

    Seat's new Toledo family car

    <
    Meanwhile Seat introduced its new Toledo family saloon, alongside its own version of the VW Up!, called the Mii. The latter is a stylish take on the VW city car and fitting for what is supposedly a youth-orientated brand, but the Toledo leans more towards practicality than stylish appeal. It’s functional, if a little mundane.

    Bentley's new SUV: a concept for now but production due in 2015


    Amid a myriad of kooky concept cars Bentley created the most talked-about car on the Geneva show floor with its first impression of what the brand’s upcoming SUV will look like.
    Due in 2015 and based on a reworked version of Audi’s Q7 platform European visitors baulked at the bling and excess of the car, not to mention its downright ugliness. However, in a clear demonstration of the differing tastes of European and Asian markets, Chinese car fans seemed to love it. And there’s no doubt that Premiership footballers will be queuing up to buy.
    Kitted out with its own cutlery and delph for those picnic days at the Epsom Derby, it’s for buyers really eager to flaunt their wealth. An early contender for the ugliest car of the decade.

    The rear of the Bentley caters for those important away-day picnics


Search Motors