Banking on green excitement at the Geneva motor show

Having opened its doors at the beginning of March, the 86th International Geneva motor show once again caused quite a stir with both exciting new production vehicles and interesting concept cars on show. GreenFleet turns its attention to the Swiss city and the green vehicles that caught the visitors’ attention.

Located right next to the city’s airport in the Palexpo exhibition centre, the Geneva motor show opened its doors to the media on the 1 March, before opening to the public from the 3-13 March. With electric vehicles, hybrid alternatives and the more conventionally-powered vehicles all dominating in their own ways, the range of choice exceeded expectations.

French ingenuity
Travelling the rather short distance to Geneva, small French manufacturer Bee‑Bee fast became one of the surprises of the show. Showcasing its Bee-Bee XS, a modern take on the Citroën Mehari, the relatively young company claims to have produced ‘the most efficient and lightest resort vehicle on the market’. With a canvas roof that weighs roughly 660 kilograms, its mid-mounted electric motor offers 20kW of full throttle power, which, when combined, contribute towards a range of 68 miles with a full recharge available within four hours.

Another French manufacturer that caught the attention was Renault, with its new Scenic set to shake up the market 20 years after the company’s first compact multi‑purpose vehicle hit the road. Pitched as a comfortable family car, it has been revealed that the fourth generation of the model will be available with an electrified Hybrid Assist diesel powertrain – due to be available before the end of 2016. This system promises to combine low fuel consumption and high levels of driving enjoyment, providing a boost of acceleration at certain speeds, particularly at low revs – championing low fuel consumption.

The versatile Citroën SpaceTourer displayed comfort, practicality and fuel efficiency upon its debut. Having gone a little under the radar in the build up to the Geneva motor show, the new model is available in three variants – including a first in the market 4.6m‑long model – the SpaceTourer appears suitable for both family life and business demands. Practicality is enhanced through hands-free sliding doors, a fully opening rear window and high-set headlights.

Built on a new variant of the modular EMP2 platform found in the C4 Picasso, there are new front and rear axles, two wheelbases and two rear overhangs. Technology is also enhanced via a new touchscreen seven‑inch tablet which controls all media, telephone and navigation functions as well as new mirror screen technology, allowing safe use of smartphone apps on the tablet. There is also a 180° park assist system, whereby the rear camera sends images to the seven-inch touchscreen, blind spot monitoring, road sign recognition and active cruise control, allowing the driver to adjust to the speed of the car in front.

Following the unveiling of its Tipo saloon at last summer’s Istanbul motor show, the new Fiat Tipo hatchback made its debut at Geneva. Competing against the likes of the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf, the new Tipo is due to go on sale in September. While fuel economy figures are yet to be announced, the engine range is made up of two diesel motors and three petrol units. It is believed to cost around £16,000 to compete against the Focus and the Hyundai i30.

As the first vehicle to be produced under the new iPerformance brand, the BMW 740e iPerformance made its world premiere at the 2016 Geneva motor show. The plug-in hybrid variant of the sixth generation BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) makes use of a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine paired in combination with an electric motor that generates 70kW (95bhp) and 250Nm (184lb ft) of torque.

Isn’t it Ioniq
Talking of Hyundai – the Korean manufacturer may possibly have showcased one of the most significant cars of the year in the form of its new Ioniq model. Once on sale, the Ioniq will become the world’s first model offering three electric powertrains – hybrid, PHEV and electric vehicle – making low-to-zero emission mobility accessible to everyone.

Appearing in all three formats at the show, the plug-in hybrid uses a 8.9kWh battery to travel around 30 miles on electric power before the petrol engine kickstarts. The all-electric model possesses a 28kWh lithium-ion pack, allowing for 155 miles of range, with a starting price of around £29,450. The hybrid option has a 1.6-litre Kappa GDi engine that produces a peak of 103bhp and 147Nm (108.5lb ft) of torque. The car of the future is electric, and it appears that 2016 may be the year in which Hyundai begins to benefit from its prolonged neglect of diesel powertrains, and will rival the Toyota Prius once it hits the road. 

Jochen Sengpiehl, vice president of marketing at Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “Ioniq is an important step forward for our brand. We are bringing a unique new approach to e-mobility, with no compromise on design, driving pleasure and connectivity. And we’re making it accessible to more customers, further extending our product line-up.”

Hyundai’s Korean counterpart Kia provided a European debut for its Optima plug-in hybrid model, previously paraded at the Chicago Auto Show in February, as well as a first appearance for the Optima Sportswagon.

The Optima plug-in hybrid is the first of its kind for Kia and will join the D-segment Optima line-up in a bid to continue creating low emission vehicles. The car is powered by a 9.8kWh lithium-polymer battery pack paired with a 50kW electric motor, allowing it to operate in pure-electric mode for more than 33 miles at speeds as high as 75mph. The innovative powertrain employs Kia’s efficient 2.0-litre ‘Nu’ four‑cylinder GDI engine at its core, which on its own generates 154bhp and 189Nm (139lb ft).

The engine is coupled with the electric motor, which allows the car to operate in charge‑sustaining mode once the battery runs out of charge. The model also possesses regenerative braking and an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, with a driver‑only ventilation function to conserve energy.

Manufactured exclusively for the European market, the Optima Sportswagon has the appeal and practicality of a tourer – marking the company’s first foray into the market area. The Optima Sportswagon, equipped with Kia’s latest audio-visual navigation (AVN) system, will be available with a choice of 1.7-litre turbodiesel and 2.0-litre continuously‑variable valve lift petrol engines, as well as a high‑powered 2.0-litre T-GDI (turbocharged petrol direct injection) engine for GT models.

Kia also chose the Geneva Motor Show for the first European sighting of it’s Niro hybrid. A low-emissions hybrid crossover, the model has been designed to accommodate the Niro’s specific set of hybrid powertrain technologies, with a target CO2 emissions rating of sub‑89g/km (combined, based on Kia internal testing) ensuring low running costs. Kia’s 1.6‑litre ‘Kappa’ GDI engine is paired with a 32kW electric motor and a 1.56kWh lithium‑ion polymer battery pack.

The powertrain’s combined 141 ps power output is applied to the road through a highly-efficient six-speed double-clutch transmission (6DCT), with a maximum 264Nm (195lb ft) torque available in first gear. The Niro is due to enter full series production in May 2016, and will go on sale across Europe later the same year.

Hosting perhaps the busiest stand at the show, American electric car company Tesla showcased its attempt to shake up the crossover scene in the shape of its new Model X. Built upon the same platform as the Model S saloon but with more high‑tech equipment, the SUV presented plenty of reasons for why it is causing such excitement. Whether it be the upward-opening doors, curved windscreen, or dual-motor all wheel drive, the Model X’s first European outing gathered much press attention.

Fuelling future inspiration
Lexus entered the Geneva Motor Show by spreading excitement with its new LC 500h, the hybrid counterpart of the V8-powered coupe that was present in Detroit. It is the first vehicle to demonstrate the company’s new ‘Multi Stage Hybrid Systems’, which will help drive higher performance and greater efficiency, while also marking the ‘next phase in the evolution of Lexus’.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, which works in conjunction with an electric motor, giving a combined system output of 354bhp, the LC 500h has the potential to reach 62mph (from a stationary position) in less than five seconds. The LC 500h also features a four‑speed automatic gearbox instead of the usual CVT – which Lexus claims to be a first for a hybrid car. Dubbed as a ‘hybrid with a more sporting and engaging driving experience’, full economy figures and emissions figures are yet to be confirmed, although it is rumoured to become one of the more efficient coupés.

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell also experienced its first European outing following its global unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2015. With a range of up-to 435 miles, the Clarity Fuel Cell incorporates Honda’s most advanced technologies, and has a refuelling time comparable to that of a petrol powered car (roughly three minutes).

It is claimed to be the world’s first production model fuel cell powered sedan to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain under the hood of the car. The Clarity Fuel Cell offers two driving modes – ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’. The ‘Normal’ mode provides a balance between fuel economy and driving performance, while ‘Sport’ prioritises a more responsive accelerating feeling. In Europe, the vehicle will be introduced through the HyFIVE project in the UK and Denmark.

There were many practical production cars on show at Geneva, but the Morgan EV3 perhaps stood out for other reasons. The first all-electric vehicle for the British company is based on the successful 3 Wheeler, weighing a little less than 500kg and capable of reaching 62mph in less than nine seconds. Having been given a glimpse at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the low-seated vehicle ‘looks at the world of zero emissions motoring from an entirely different perspective’.

The range is quoted at 150 miles from the 20kWh lithium battery, which gives the EV3 a power-to-weight ratio of at least 120bhp per tonne. The zero-emission EV3 has been developed as part of Morgan’s membership of the Niche Vehicle Network, which brings together more than 400 small vehicle manufacturers to combine ideas and share development costs. Morgan recently received government funding towards a £6 million project to develop hybrids and more EVs going forward.

Steve Morris, managing director of Morgan Motor Company, said: “The EV3 is an exciting opportunity for our customers to enjoy the unique Morgan driving experience and the joy of tailored manufacture whilst remaining conscientious towards the future of our planet.”

Amongst the many eye-catching designs and so called ‘supercars’ on the showroom floor, it says something about the Volvo V90 that it gained so much attention and praise. Since making its first showing in mid-February, where the Swedish vehicle joined the S90 saloon and XC90 SUV in Volvo’s premium model range, it has gained much acclaim for its stylish, spacious outlook and comfortable interior.

Fitted with the T8 Twin Engine powertrain, the V90 boasts emissions as low as 47g/km CO2 and an official combined fuel consumption figure of 134.5mpg. The T8 Twin Engine joins the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel models in the range, using a 2.0 litre petrol engine and 65kW electric motor to deliver 320bhp. Prices are expected to begin at near £33,000. The V90 is set to be just the start of Volvo’s expansion projects, whereby electrification will front up a new direction for the company. An all electric car is in development, which is set for launch by 2019.

Designing for the future
DS Automobiles once again caused a stir with its unveiling of the DS E-Tense concept – an electric powered supercar. Born in Paris, the car resembles French style and luxury, and is slowly but surely moving away from parent company Citroën into the luxurious car market. With a stated fully electric range of 193 miles, the E-Tense has 516Nm (381lb ft) of torque and 402bhp, generated by lithium-ion batteries under the car’s monocoque carbonfibre chassis. Having no rear windscreen draws the eye to the use of digital rear-view technology – combining to create a sense of perpetual motion.

Lexus displayed its LF-FC fuel cell concept at Geneva with the promise that it will go on sale before 2020. Making its first European appearance, this visionary new vehicle affords a glimpse of Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. First seen at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system and features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

Its hydrogen fuel-cell electric powertrain powers the car, with the first motor driving the rear wheels and electricity being sent to two in-wheel electric motors at the front. Lexus claims that the concept’s drive system allows it to accurately distribute torque to all four wheels, resulting in ‘exceptional dynamic handling and superior road stability’.

French creativity was also exemplified in Citroën’s e-Mehari concept vehicle. Styled by French fashion house Courreges, the e-Mehari is an all-electric four seat cabriolet – true to the collaboration’s intent to be innovative and ultramodern. Drawing design inspiration from the original Mehari of 1968, the latest electric concept model uses lithium metal polymer batteries to reach top speeds of 68mph and an urban cycle range of 124 miles. Full battery recharge takes approximately eight hours.

It wasn’t just the big players showcasing EV technology either. German tuner MTM added a 42bhp electric motor to the rear axle of a Bi-TDI Volkswagen T6 to create a 282bhp (243kW), 1,100Nm (811 lb ft) minibus.

A surge of SUVs
With no French flamboyance but plenty of potential, the SsangYong SIV-2 concept car previewed a large SUV and is due to enter the market in two years’ time. Built to be similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai, the Korean brand is pursuing ‘the emotional interface between the driver and the car’, with the SIV-2 due to evolve into a key model in its future plans.

With SUVs becoming very popular across much of Europe, and in particular the UK, the SIV-2 is larger than the SsangYong Tivoli, which also showcased at the show. Powered by a mild hybrid powertrain – a 1.5-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor and a 500Wh lithium ion battery, the SIV-2 offers ‘quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions and silent running’.

Also providing an insight into future SUV plans, Skoda opened the curtains on its Vision S concept. With a 165kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, the show car is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 124mph. The Skoda Vision S can travel just over 30 miles on electric alone, with a capability of 620 miles through both systems.

Very Czech in external design, the internal mechanisms are very exciting. The combustion engine is a 1.4-litre TSI with 115kW (156bhp) and 250Nm (184lb ft) of torque, which works alongside an e-motor that provides 40kW of continuous power and 220Nm (162lb ft) of peak torque. It is integrated into the six‑speed DSG, which directs the power to the front wheels. A second electric motor with up to 85kW and 270Nm (199lb ft) of torque drives the rear axle – creating a smart four‑wheel drive. The Vision S driver can choose between several modes of operation – from purely electric drive to charge modes, always with the goal of maximum efficiency. VW Group stablemate SEAT also showcased its new Ateca SUV.

Previously showcased at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the Mitsubishi eX Concept parked on the Palexpo floor and will hit the market within five years. Taking design inspiration from the XR‑PHEV, the eX differs from its predecessor due to its purely electric, all-wheel drive system. While it may take a few years to take to the roads, the eX marks Mitsubishi’s aim to tackle the small SUV market. The car is expected to be capable of 248 miles on a single charge and contains a next-generation battery pack.

Further Information
www.salon-auto.ch/en