Tata Nano Europa shows up at Geneva
Tata always intended to sell a “proper” version of the tub-on-wheels Nano in European countries. The fact that the upgraded version actually looks nice is always a good sign that it might do well.
Tata always intended to sell a “proper” version of the tub-on-wheels Nano in European countries. The fact that the upgraded version actually looks nice is always a good sign that it might do well.
The striking Peugeot 206 first debuted sometime back in 1999, if I remember correctly. The quick-handling hatchback looked good then and it still looks good today. Its replacement, the 207, was launched more than a year ago, but Peugeot decided to continue 206 production side-by-side since it continued to be popular. In a sign that the 206 is not going away anytime soon, Peugeot has done the unthinkable, facelifting an obsolete model. It is now called the Peugeot 206+, and it debuted at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.
The GCC market gets the 7-seater Mazda CX-9, but the rest of the world also gets a shorter and sportier 5-seater CX-7 model. And that CX-7 has already reached the point where it needed a facelift to stay fresh, so the 2010 model gets a smiley new face to go with a new engine choice.
Aston Martin made a big deal out of reviving their dormant Lagonda nameplate, to be slapped onto a new set of luxury models. At the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, it turns out their first model will be a crossover SUV, as hinted by this concept. While no one ever asked for an Aston Martin SUV, it looks set to become a hall-of-shame hit alongside the likes of best-sellers such as the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X6.
If you are in Oman on the 5th of March, visit the Bentley travelling museum, where a rare collection of vintage and recent Bentley models will be displayed at the Al Bandar Hotel in Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.
The Geneva Auto Show is one of Europe’s major motor shows, if not the world. This year, even with the recession, there are an obscene number of supercar launches, although a few others have concentrated on greener cars as well. The 2009 show also plays host to some important new launches, such as the Mazda 3 MPS, the Chevrolet Spark, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and the Opel Ampera.
I am tired of Lamborghini rehashing their same old cars and tacking on ever-longer random words to the badge. If you are interested in their latest re-creation for the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, read their press release.
Volkswagen is unveiling the 2010 version of their Polo sub-compact hatchback at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. It is a complete makeover, although the exterior and interior will be very familiar to any VW owner. The most prominent feature is the undistinguished new corporate face.
The American Chevrolet Volt has already been revealed, not quite ready, but confirming its final form when it does hit production in 2010. Now Opel, GM’s European arm, has revealed its own version of the Volt, calling it the Opel Ampera. While the play on the name is amusing, what is more interesting is the Ampera, just like the Volt, claims an electric-only range of 60 km, with a total range of 500 km aided by a small petrol engine.
Set to debut at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, the Bentley Continental Supersports is being touted as the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever created. Based on the Continental GT, this extreme Bentley gets more power, loses some weight and seats only two. Set to go on sale by late 2009, the Supersports can also run on the E85 petrol-ethanol fuel available in America, thereby touting some dubious green credentials.