Geneva Motor Show kicks into gear

It's that time of year again when the motoring world descends on that small, land-locked confederation which has no motor industry of its own – Switzerland. Yes, it's the 84th running of the Geneva Motor Show, motoring's most significant (if not its physically largest) show and the one at which we get our first glimpses of the metal (and plastic, and carbon) which will be filling up your driveways in the next few years. Here then is a quick runddown of what we know and suspect will be in attendance ahead of the official press and media days.

Alfa Romeo

Alfa will be bringing along its recently face lifted Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks to the show, even though all reports have it that those cars are on borrowed time – Alfa is set to abandon its front-drive traditions in favour of a return to BMW-challenging rear-drive for its future models. There are minor styling nips and tucks for both car, as well as the fitting of the newer 240hp 1.75-litre turbo engine to the range-topping Giulietta Cloverleaf. That engine comes from the critically acclaimed new 4C mid-engined sports car and that will of course be also appearing, alongside the first sight of the much-anticipated convertible version, which will be making its global debut at the show.

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The T-ROC concept previews an entire new family of VW SUVs.

Audi

Biggest news on the Audi stand will be the unveiling of the all-new TT coupe, although you'll be doing well to tell it apart from the old one – Audi clearly believing that careful evolution, not revolution is what the TT buyer wants. There's also a mid-life update for the small A1 hatchback (and the red-hot S1 version), super-efficient new Ultra diesel models of the A4, A6 and A5, a natural-gas-compatible A3 and a special 'Nogaro' edition of the RS4 estate.

Bentley

Bentley will be showing off the V8-engined version of the Flying Spur saloon, an updated (and even more powerful) W12-engined Continental GT Speed and a special edition of the Mulsanne saloon named after legendary 30s Bentley raver Tim Birkin. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a noter outing for Bentley’s much-derided SUV concept to keep anticipation up ahead of the arrival of the production version in 2015.

BMW

The Bavarian giant hasn’t yet announced what concepts it will be showing in Geneva, but there will be debut public outings for the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the updated (and even more frugal) X3 SUV and the controversial front-wheel-drive 2 Series Active Tourer.

Citroen

Citroen has already made an early bid for star of the show with the reveal of the production version of the new C4 Cactus. A compact hatch-cum-crossover, the Cactus lays down a new marker for Citroen's C-badged range, all pared-back in terms of weight and complication, but majoring on practicality, simplicity and efficiency. It stands a chance of being a defining car for the brand in the way that the original 2CV and DS once were. Citroen will also be debuting its new C1 city car and a rugged 'Adventure' version of the C4 Cactus which is almost certain to go into production. There will also be a first look at a high-riding crossover-style version of the C5 estate and the cabriolet version of the 200hp DS3 Racing.

Ferrari

Ferrari's big noise of the show is its return to turbocharged road-going cars with its updated California convertible sporting a new, more efficient 3.8-litre V8 turbo engine. Don't be surprised to see some sort of crowd-pleasing concept though, as Ferrari may well seek to steal the limelight from rival Lamborghini which is launching its new Gallardo replacement.

Fiat

Another quiet motor show for Fiat? Sadly, it would seem so. There will be the updated 500 with its new engines and instruments and the crucial 500X, a genuine rival to the Nissan Qashqai, might make an appearance but there is, as yet, no confirmation that this will happen.

Ford

Ford will be bringing its updated Focus to the show. The new Focus gets the Aston-Martin-ish front grille and lights from the Fiesta, an updated (and higher quality) interior and new 1.5 diesel and EcoBoost petrol engines. There will also be further outings for the European version of the Mustang muscle car, the new Vignale-badged range which is supposed to be Ford's return to the premium and executive market, and potentially a first glimpse at the super-hot Fiesta RS.

Honda

The biggest star of Honda’s stand will undoubtedly be the debut of the new Civic Type-R. This much-anticipated new hot hatch will get at least 280hp from a new 2.0-litre turbo engine and is already apparently setting new standards for front-drive performance at the legendary Nurburgring. Expect a dramatic, big-winged bodykit and lots of nods to Honda’s performance heritage.

Hyundai

Hyundai's Intrado concept isn't supposed to show off a particular new model, but it's significant enough in that it displays both the next evolution of Hyundai's 'Fluidic Sculpture' styling and, underneath, runs a developed version of Hyundai's production-ready fuel-cell system, an earlier version of which is already on the road in a limited run of ix35s. Also present, in model form only sadly, will be a mid-engined sports car concept called the PassoCorto which Hyundai has developed with Italian design house IED and a possible European version of the US-only Genesis rear-drive V8 luxury saloon.

Jaguar

Jaguar will be unveiling the 550hp R-S version of the XF estate, so expect to see lots of lurid blue paint on the Jag stand. There will also be a European debut for the slinky new F-Type Coupe and, just possibly, a concept car to preview Jaguar's all-important new 3 Series-sized saloon, which is due to go on sale next year.

Jeep

Two crucial new models from Jeep; first up is the European version of the new Cherokee, a car which has divided many with its avant-garde styling but which is getting strong early reviews in its US-guise. The other new model is Jeep’s first ever mini-SUV, the Renegade. Based on the same chassis as Fiat’s 500X, the new car is likely to be offered in certain markets with four-wheel-drive as standard to give it a marketable edge over the hordes of compact crossover rivals.

Kia

The sportier of the two Korean brands (thus far) will launch its all-electric Soul EV at Geneva, alongside a hybrid version of the Optima saloon for Europe (it’s previously been a US-only model), an updated Sportage SUV and the gorgeous GT4 Stinger concept that was shown in Detroit in January.

Koenigsegg

Swedish supercar nut-job Koenigsegg will be bringing its new One:1 supercar to Geneva. The name refers to its monstrous power-to-weight ratio – one horsepower for every kilo of weight, giving it a faintly ludicrous 1,341hp. Top speed is said to be in excess of 280mph (450kmh)…

Lamborghini

A potential show-stopper, Lambo will be showing off its new Huracan, the long-awaited replacement for the Gallardo. Keeping a V10 engine, it will blitz the 0-100kmh run in just 3.2secs thanks to 602hp and four-wheel-drive. Lamborghini will also be highlighting its new customisation service, Ad Personam, which for a hefty fee will allow you to specify the paint, styling and interior of your new Lambo just the way you want it.

Land Rover

Two special edition versions of the venerable Defender will star on the Land Rover stand – a mix of silver and black paint jobs and an upgraded, more luxurious interior will hopefully keep interest alive in this most rugged of cars ahead of a possible replacement in 2017 – if Land Rover can make the sums add up. Of more contemporary interest will be the unveiling of a high-performance version of the Range Rover Evoque. Called Autobiography Dynamic, it gets chassis tweaks and a new 281hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, but it's not the much-anticipated RS version. Will we also get a peek at the all-new Freelander? It's just possible…

Lexus

A busy show lies ahead for Lexus with European debuts for its updated CT200h, the all-new RC coupe (taking a bow in F-Sport RC350 form as well as a new GT3-spec racing version) and we will also get a look at Lexus' new baby SUV, the NX, which is set to rival the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Maserati

A concept version of Maserati's new replacement for the GranTurismo coupe could shake things up at Geneva. The current car is a big, lazy four-seat V8 coupe to rival the likes of the Jaguar XK and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. The concept is rumoured to be a mid-engined V6 and V8 rival to the Porsche 911, with an ultra-light carbon-fibre chassis shared with the Alfa Romeo 4C. With Maserati sales booming thanks to the new Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, Maser's confidence is up and a tilt at the all-conquering rear-engined German would be a major statement of intent.

Mazda

The Hazumi will be the star of Mazda's show stand, and while Mazda swears blind it's a concept car, it's really the new 2 hatchback in all but name. The new downsized 1.5-litre versions of Mazda SkyActiv diesel engine will also be there.

McLaren

As its Grand Prix team preps for the opening races of the 2014 season, McLaren will attempt to fill a perceived hole in its range with the new 650S. It’s effectively a more expensive, more powerful (by 25hp) version of the existing MP4-12C, only with the headlights and front styling of the insane hybrid 900hp P1 hypercar. The MP4-12C stays on sale pretty much unchanged though. Confused? We are…

Mercedes-Benz

Both the production version of the S-Class Coupe and the new V-Class large MPV (well, van-based MPV) will take a bow and we’d expect to see at least a concept (if not the actual) version of the SLS replacement and quite likely a first glimpse at the presidential-spec Pullman version of the S-Class. The new C-Class will also make its first appearance on European shores.

Mini

The new Clubman will take the headline status on Mini’s stand, although it’s officially only a concept for now. It’s really the production version in all but some spangly details though, and shows that the new Clubman grows significantly in size over the current model, gains proper rear doors (on both sides this time) and keeps the sixties-style ‘clap-hands’ boot doors. Interior space is massively improved and the engine range mirrors that of the new Mini hatch – 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrols and diesels for the Cooper, 2.0-litre petrols and diesels for the Cooper S. We may also get a look at the new five-door hatcbhack Mini.

Nissan

Nissan could yet generate some serious headlines at Geneva. It is already riding high on a tide of critical acclaim for the new Qashqai and three new models will make their debuts at the show. The Nismo-spec version of the GTR supercar (more power, more performance) is perhaps not the most relevant to us, but a heavily face lifted Juke crossover certainly is. And then there’s the biggie – the new Golf-sized five-door hatch which, apparently, features properly striking styling inside and out. Can Nissan really challenge VW for hatch supremacy? We’ll start to find out here…

Opel

The most significant debut on Opel's stand is not any one car but the arrival of its much-needed new range of 1.6-litre diesel engines which, at long last, replace the shonky, rattly old 1.7 CDTI. Elsewhere there will be a hard-core version of the Astra OPC hot hatch with more than 300hp and a 100kg weight loss (which Opel says it will build in limited numbers) and a plastic-clad faux-SUV version of the Adam mini car called the Adam Rocks.

Peugeot

Peugeot will let its new 108 city car (which once again is to be built alongside the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo in the Czech Republic) out for the first time, and it will be joined on the stand by the new 308 SW estate and Peugeot's new range of low-emissions petrol turbo 1.2-litre engines. There will also apparently be a concept which will foreshadow the styling of future new models such as the next-gen 508 and RC-Z.

Porsche

This will be a European audience’s first chance to get a look at Porsche’s new Macan compact SUV, a car which has been the subject of little short of adulation in the motoring media. The face lifted version of the larger Cayenne will also take a bow, as will yet another spin off from the evergreen 911. We may also get a look at what Porsche has in mind for its second four-door saloon model, the so-called Pajun; a rival to the BMW 5 Series. Definitely there will be the new 911 RSR race car and Porsche’s hybrid Le Mans 24hrs contender, the 919.

Qoros

In many ways, this could be one of the most significant stands in Geneva. Qoros, the Sino-Israeli car maker became the first Chinese car brand to score a full five-stars on the EuroNCAP crash test last year. More than that, the Qoros 3 saloon was noted as being the safest family car NCAP tested in all of 2013. Geneva will see the public reveal of the five-door hatch version of the car and we should also get a better look at what Qoros’ plans for the broader European market are. Are the Chinese finally, seriously coming?

Renault

The cute new rear-engined Twingo (paired with the next-fen Smart ForFour) will be the big production car reveal on the Renault stand, and we can expect to hear more about its proposed sporty RS and Gordini versions as a bonus. Renault will also show off its new family of 1.6-litre diesel engines and a more hardcore version of the new Clio RS. There will also be an intriguing new concept – Renault's first plugin-hybrid electric vehicle, possibly based around the existing all-electric Zoe. Renault has been a champion of pure electric battery cars, but is this new hybrid version an admission that EV sales are going nowhere slowly and hybrid is a better solution for now?

Rolls-Royce

Riding high on record sales, Rolls-Royce will introduce a face lifted and updated version of its Ghost saloon as well as a special edition version of the Phantom Drophead Coupe which celebrates the use of Rolls-Royce engines to set Sir Malcolm Campbell’s water speed record in 1937. And a possible debut for a concept to herald the arrival of Rolls’ first-ever, and much-discussed, SUV? Unlikely, but you never know…

Seat

So far, all Seat will confirm for Geneva is an outing for its new 280hp Leon Cupra, but the Spanish brand is also likely to bring along a concept version of its much-needed new SUV.

Skoda

Skoda will have a lot of new production models at Geneva, including a Scout version of the Octavia 4x4, a posh Laurin and Klement-spec and a natural-gas fuelled Octavia and Monte Carlo special editions of the Yeti, Rapid and Citigo. Those however are as nothing compared to what Skoda is bringing in concept form. First off there is a concept small car that signals the styling and capabilities of the next-generation Octavia, but on the bright green section of the stand, things are getting really intriguing. The VisionC is a sleek, swoopy four-door coupe which shares its structure with the next-generation VW Passat CC. It’s still practical (spacious inside, says Skoda and with a sizeable boot) but could this 1.4-litre petrol-turbo coupe be the first Skoda that sells on sex appeal?

Suzuki

Suzuki’s only confirmed debutant thus far is a European-spec version of the Thai-built Celerio, the car which will replace both the Alto and Splash in the Japanese car maker’s lineup.

Subaru

Subaru will be showing off the new Viziv concept car, which is a likely signpost to the styling of the next-generation XV crossover. We will also get to see the European version of the long-anticipated new WRX Turbo (neé Impreza) which should be arriving on these shores later in the year and potentially the new Legacy, although that model is not yet confirmed for Europe.

Toyota

Toyota will hopefully be bringing along the stunning FT-1 concept supercar that it showed in Detroit in January, while on the more sensible front, it will also give a debut to the new Aygo city car, which is touted as being much more sophisticated and comfortable than the outgoing model.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s eve-of-show Monday night preview will doubtless throw up some surprises (and you can read about it as it happens here) but confirmed for Geneva already are the plugin-hybrid Golf GTE hot hatch, the face lifted Polo including the new CrossPolo SUV-alike and the 1.4 TSI petrol Polo BlueMotion, an updated Amarok and a reworked version of the venerable Scirocco coupe. On the futuristic front, VW is showing yet another concept SUV – this time it’s the T-ROC, a compact Nissan Juke-sized car, with striking front styling (narrow headlamps, massive spot lights) which previews a new expanded VW-badged SUV lineup.

Volvo

Could Volvo pull of a Swedish coup and lift the car of the show award out from under the nose of all the Italian super cars and German muscle saloons? Just maybe… Officially, the Concept Estate is there to preview the styling of the next-generation XC90 SUV (which lands in production form at the Paris motor show later this year) and which also introduces Volvo’s new (almost)button-free cabin environment where most of the major controls are taken over by an iPad-like tablet screen. But the styling of the car is such that it could easily be simply the coolest car at the show – all understated Scandinavian curves and angles with a shape that harks back to the classic P1800 ES of the sixties.

And that’s not all…

Believe it or not, that’s just a taste of what the mainstream car makers will be showing at Geneva. Even this close to the kick off, several debutants have yet to be revealed or even hinted at, and there are always, always surprises.

Even then, there will be the usual mutants and monsters from the tuning companies. A 600hp V12 Mercedes S-Class with gold leaf in the paint? A V8 TDI VW Amarok pick up? A hot Range Rover? Yet another slew of supposedly Ferrari-challenging mid-engined super cars with names you don’t recognise and can’t pronounce? Yup, all of the above and more. Stay tuned to www.irishtimes.com/motors and we will reveal all…