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Customer LoginsSame-Day Analysis: Geneva Motor Show 2016: Focus on SUVs, premium segment underlined by pre-event reveals
Prior to the Geneva Motor Show opening today (1 March), several automakers have chosen to preview several new models and variants, several of which emphasize the event's focus on SUVs and the premium category.
IHS Automotive Perspective
- Significance: A number of pre-event reveals on the evening before the opening of the Geneva Motor Show have focused on the SUV and premium categories.
- Implications: These are two areas which are the most appealing to customers and have the potential for the biggest margins if successful.
- Outlook: IHS Automotive will continue its coverage of launches throughout the event.
Prior to the Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland) opening today (1 March), several automakers have chosen to preview several new models and variants during the evening before. Several of these have served to reiterate the importance of the of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and the premium and luxury end of the market within OEMs' product portfolios.
VW T-Cross Breeze concept |
Volkswagen Group
Although the Volkswagen (VW) Group has chosen not to undertake a preview night launch extravaganza that precedes many key motor shows, this has not prevented its brands from unveiling new models and concepts that will be significant on both a regional and global basis.
The VW brand has been at the forefront of this with the reveal of its T-Cross Breeze crossover concept. The vehicle itself is said to preview the expansion of the OEM's SUV range from the current Tiguan and Touareg. The company has indicated this concept reflects a vehicle that will compete in the B SUV category, and features some of the styling traits of the second-generation Tiguan on its convertible body. It is also said to be a step forward in terms of interior design. The driver's cockpit makes use of next-generation human-machine interface (HMI) technology with touch-sensitive and gesture controls, as well as new "by-wire" control for the gear change. It also has a digitised Active Info Display. The T-Cross Breeze uses a turbocharged gasoline (petrol) 1.0-litre engine developing 110PS and 175 Nm of torque driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission which achieves CO2 emissions of 115 g/km.
VW Phideon |
The brand has also made the global reveal of the Chinese-market-only Phideon premium sedan at the event. According to the company, this will be positioned above the Passat and Magotan in the region, effectively taking over from the Phaeton to some degree, and has been developed in Germany with the support of Chinese partner SAIC. The brand has sought to give the 5.05-metre model more dynamism than a typical three-box sedan and given it short front and rear overhangs, a long wheelbase and a rakish rear roofline. It has also installed a new, more assertive front end design with prominent grille. Inside, there is space for five occupants with a focus on luxury appointments as well as convenience and driver-assistance systems. This model will be available with either a 2.0-litre gasoline turbocharged engine with front-wheel drive or a 3.0-litre gasoline turbocharged V-6 engine developing 300PS with four-wheel drive. It also adds that a plug-in hybrid is also in the works for future sale. The standard powertrain variants will go on sale in the third quarter of 2016.
Bugatti Chiron |
The Group's luxury brands have also come to the fore. Bugatti has chosen the event to unveil the replacement to its Veyron, the Chiron. While the styling of this model shows an evolutionary shift, the specifications are even more extraordinary than its predecessor. While using the same basic quad turbocharged 8.0-litre W16 engine with seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) powering all four wheels, power has been increased to 1,479 bhp and 1,180 lb/ft of torque between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm. This is said to take it to a limited top speed of 261 mph, as well as being capable of accelerating to 186 mph from a standstill in 13.6 seconds. The vehicle also uses a new carbon fibre monocoque chassis, bigger brakes, and range of five driving modes. Production will be limited to 500 units, with the company already reported to have 180 deposits placed according to Autocar despite the price having been set at EUR2.4 million (USD2.62 million).
Ford
Ford will use the Geneva Motor Show to widen its offering of models benefiting from the Vignale premium treatment. According to a statement, they will be the new S-Max multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and Edge SUV, as well as the Mondeo five-door hatchback which will be launched in 2017. The changes made to these vehicles are similar to the existing Mondeo Vignale sedan, with exclusive paint colours, trim and wheels for the exterior. The inside has upgraded quilted leather for the seats and in other parts of the interior. These vehicles also feature Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system and Active Noise Control to cancel out engine noise. These vehicles feature the option of a 210PS bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine. These variants will be displayed alongside a concept of a Kuga that features similar upgrades.
Ford Kuga Vignale concept |
Daimler
Mercedes has revealed the new C-Class cabriolet at the event. The only exterior difference to the coupé is that the cabriolet is marginally taller and features a fabric power roof which opens and closes in less than 20 seconds at speeds up to 31mph. The body style will come in two variants: the C43 AMG with a 362-hp 3.0-litre V-6 twin-turbo gasoline engine, while the standard C300 Cabriolet gets a 241-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Both are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The C300 is offered in rear-drive with all-wheel-drive an option, while the C43 AMG gains four-wheel drive as standard. The C300 can also be had with a Sport Package, bringing AMG bodykit and a sport suspension with larger front brakes.
BMW Group
At the BMW Group, Rolls-Royce has revealed the new "Black Badge" variants of its Ghost and Wraith which are designed to appeal to younger customers. Changes include the darkening of exterior features including a gloss black version of the iconic "Spirit of Ecstasy" grille figurine and alloy and carbon fibre wheels. The interior features carbon fibre composite trim, darkened air vents, and a bespoke centrepiece clock. The Ghost variant's power has been increased to 595 bhp and torque to 620 lb/ft, while the torque of the Wraith is up to 642 lb/ft while the transmission has been tweaked for a more sporting drive. Other changes include those made to steering and suspension set-up, as well as upgraded brakes.
Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype |
Honda
Honda is using the event to preview the forthcoming next-generation Civic five-door hatchback with what it calls the "Civic Hatchback Prototype". It said in a statement that the vehicle will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current-generation vehicle, while new larger and wider wheels and tyres give an improved stance. It also features a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs. The front now features a large air intake, sculpted bonnet and accentuated wheel arches. The automaker also revealed that the new vehicle will feature three powertrain options: a 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged gasoline engine and revised 1.6-litre diesel engine.
Outlook and implications
The last-minute reveals before the doors open at the event reiterates the importance of SUVs and crossovers to OEMs. It is important to note that it is not only the VW brand that is showing a concept in this category, but Audi, SEAT and Skoda will also be making reveals of this type in various stages of production-readiness. This goes some way towards underlining how far behind the curve the German automaker is with developments in this segment, particularly given that it has now said that it will not only add a model based on the T-Cross Breeze to its line-up but also the T-Roc, a long-wheelbase Tiguan and a new mid-size SUV to its range as part of its efforts to catch up. Of course, Geneva is also an event renowned for the launch of luxury and glamour models, and nowhere is this perhaps more obvious than with the introduction of the Bugatti Chiron. Ford's push with the Vignale brand shows the efforts that this mainstream OEM is putting in to offering luxury at an more accessible level though, as it aims to push its price point upmarket. We anticipate further launches to take place throughout the day and coverage will continue throughout the event.
About this article
The above article is from IHS Automotive Same-Day Analysis of automotive news, events and trends, and is a deliverable of the World Markets Automotive Service. The service averages thirty stories per day and also provides competitor and country intelligence. Get a free trial.