Geneva Motor Show & New York Auto Show – New Releases

The Geneva Motor Show unveiled a collection of new releases, concept cars and technology on the way from major car manufacturers. The reveals ranged from updated existing models and completely new vehicles to add to ranges and line ups. The excitement doesn’t stop there though as the longest running motor show in the world is about to get under way. The New York International Auto Show kicks off on March 25^th until the 3^rd April and will preview some of the hottest new releases.

The Geneva Motor Show was an action-packed ten days of fun. There were many releases from European brands. Although the main reveals were from Ford including the additions to the Vignale range and the rather exciting Fiesta ST200 being unveiled!

Ford’s first Vignale model was the Ford Mondeo that launched last year. The premium sub-brand adds an extra layer of luxury to the model. Three new Ford Vignale models were revealed to create a full range of sub-brand models. The Ford Kuga, Edge and S-Max all join the Mondeo and receive the Vignale treatment.

All three will feature an additional chrome trim, new grille designs and paintwork exclusive to the Vignale edition of the model. The Edge will be available in a ‘Ametista Scura Brown’ and the Kuga showed off a ‘White Platinum’ colour scheme.

The interior boasts hexagonal-quilted Windsor leather trim on the seats, dashboard and doors. The models will also benefit from Ford’s latest infotainment system, SYNC 3. The models spec will offer a more exclusive look as well as increasing the potential for profit.

The supermini gets an upgrade from the standard Ford Fiesta ST which has 180bhp. The ST200 receives a boost to 197bhp and 290Nm of torque as well as a 1.6- litre engine. The model can also reach 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard Fiesta ST. It will also reach a top speed of 143mph.

Like the standard Fiesta ST, the ST200 will also have a torque vectoring system, 3-mode stability control, improved steering and lowered suspension. Not to mention that it will be the most powerful production Fiesta due to its enhanced performance.

Available in exclusive colour, ‘storm grey’ it will also have 17” black alloy wheels, red brake callipers and extra trim on the interior. Recaro leather front seats with silver stitching, updated seatbelt designs and illuminated scuff plates are also some of the features that will make the model stand out.

The ST200 won’t be available until later this year and with details at a bare minimum, we’ll keep you updated as and when more is released. Including the pricing which so far is estimated to be around £20,000.

Ford’s practical small-car will be released towards the end of the year and will replace the current Ka with a completely new body. The KA+ has new styling and a new interior to beat off competition from European superminis that are ever-growing in popularity. The five door Ka+ will have a similar wheelbase and length to that of the Ford Fiesta. Although the model will be a steal with prices starting from as little as £8,000, Ford has promised upgraded driving dynamics and a more spacious design.

The Ka+ will also have a 4.2 inch infotainment system, climate control and a leather steering wheel! The first budget Ka to offer more luxury features and all at such a low price! A budget supermini that we’re sure many people will be excited for!

The last model to be announced was the all-new Ford Kuga which has undergone a complete facelift. Not a lot has been given away about the new crossover yet other than Ford plans to focus on more hp and crisper handling. Although the all-new Kuga will have enhanced performance it is unlikely to be joining the likes of the Focus and Fiesta with an ST version.

The new Kia Optima Sportswagon will add more practicality to the Optima range. Although a hybrid version will be with us by the summer, the sportswagon badge will be applied to an all-new Optima. Based on the Kia Sportspace concept the model will feature a slanted roof, narrow window line and wraparound LED lights at the rear. The estate version will go head-to head with other range-leading models.

Kia plans to release a whole range of faster models with the aim of being even more fun to drive! The Optima GT and Optima Sportswagon GT will join both the three door and five door Pro Cee’d GT hatchback models this autumn. Both of the new models will be equipped with a 2.0-litre engine delivering an impressive 250bhp!

Although Nissan didn’t reveal any details of new model launches, they did unveil plans for three new features. ‘Piloted Drive’ autonomous technology will be a feature on the new Qashqai and will launch next year. The technology will enable autonomous driving on motorways and in heavy traffic, a game changer for sure!

Nissan is labelling their other concept as the ‘Fuel Station of the Future’. A wireless charging station which will enable quicker and on-the-go charging. A fundamental feature as electric vehicles and autonomous technology become more common place in the automotive world. The charging stations are in early stages but are being developed in conjunction with Foster & Partners, the architects who designed the Gherkin building! The exciting development will be officially unveiled with a demonstration at the next Geneva Motor Show in March 2017! The Nissan Leaf will stay at the forefront but there is no doubt that it will stretch to other models too.

As well as the push forward for EV wireless charging there was a reveal for a battery that delivers a range of more than 340 miles on a single charge. The Nissan Leaf remains as Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle so an advanced battery range is vital to uphold the Leaf’s success. The new 60kwh battery is currently in development and should be featured in the all-new Nissan Leaf as well as in the e-NV200.

A little confusing but the Vision S concept previewed what the all-new seven seater Skoda Kodiaq SUV is set to look like when released early next year. The Kodiaq SUV will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in the autumn but for now we got a sneak peek at what to expect.

The Vision S concept is 4.7 metres long and has three rows of two seats, unlike the predicted seven seat layout of the Kodiaq. The Kodiaq will be the largest and the first of Skoda’s new line up of SUV models. With a wide frame and taller stance the Kodiaq will be a mighty and formidable model! The exterior also has a prominent grille, slim headlights and a clamshell bonnet. Space is the main feature of the model with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room for passengers.

As well as additional space, the interior will feature two large 16-inch displays for both driver and passenger to enjoy a range of features! The engine line-up is set to feature a 1.4-litre petrol, a 1.6 or 2.0 litre diesel and even a 154bhp 1.4 litre petrol/54bhp electric motor hybrid model.

The New York International Auto Show was North America’s first ever motor show, making its debut in 1900 it still entertains thousands of visitors to this day. Held in the heart of Manhattan, the show previews virtually every model that is sold in the states.

The show kicks off on March 25^th until April 3^rd so what can we expect to see at the event? We take a look at the previews and sneak peeks. We’ll be posting about all of the happenings from the event via our social feeds so make sure to keep your eyes peeled!

An invite from Mazda for the New York auto show hints at the reveal of the folding hard top MX-5. The invite indicates a world premiere so there is much speculation about whether the hard-top version of their successful sports car could be just that! The hard-top is rumoured to receive the same engine range as the current soft-top with a slightly more powerful 2.0 litre model. It is also set to cost slightly more, at around £20,000. More details will be revealed of the world premiere even if the model is different to speculation!

A teaser image was revealed last week by Nissan. The image showed the recognisable taillight design of the GT-R and not anything else. The teaser previews what we can expect to see, so far we know that an updated GT-R is set to replace its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, 542bhp predecessor. There could be new styling, features and updates like suspension, tyres and brakes for optimised performance. Watch this space for updates as and when they happen!