By Graeme Fletcher in Geneva
While it is true that the 82nd edition of the Geneva Motor Show was showing some of the side effects of the economic woes that have ravaged the European economy, there was enough shiny sheet metal and slick introductions to keep the tone of the show upbeat.
Following are the Asian highlights:
Hyundai
Hyundai showed the next-generation i30 wagon (sold in Canada under the Elantra nameplate).
This time around, the wagon’s overall length runs to 4,485 millimetres, which brings generous cargo capacity. With the seats upright, there’s 18.6 cubic feet and 58 cu. ft. with them folded flat.
While much of the front-end styling is similar to the Elantra’s, the stretched roofline emphasizes the wagon’s utilitarian bent from the B-pillar rearward.
The i30 wagon will be available in Europe with three gasoline-powered engines and three diesel engines ranging from 90 to 135 horsepower. Sadly, the wagon may not hit Canadian roads.
A five-door hatchback, dubbed the Elantra GT, is slated to replace the current Touring (wagon) model. That is a pity, as the i30 wagon represents a wonderful alternative to a sport-ute.
Graeme Fletcher for National Post
The Infiniti EMERG-E Concept’s powertrain features two electric motors (one driving each rear wheel).
Infiniti
The two-seater Infiniti EMERG-E Concept is both a plug-in hybrid and full-on mid-engined sports car.
The mid-mounted powertrain features two electric motors (one driving each rear wheel), a lithium-ion battery pack and a 1.2-litre three-cylinder range-extending gasoline engine (range extending in that it drives a generator rather than the vehicle). The combination puts 402 hp at the driver’s disposal, which is enough grunt to whisk the EMERG-E to 96 kilometres an hour in four seconds flat.
On the flip side, it is clean. With a fully charged battery, the EMERG-E drives for the first 50 km on electricity alone. At that point, the gasoline-powered engine comes to life and extends the driving range to 500 km. A big part of the efficiency equation is found in the swoopy body — the seductive carbon-fibre panels wrap an aluminum chassis, which keeps the total mass to a very low 1,600 kilograms — this in spite of the battery aboard.
The word at the show was that this car is more than a concept, with some suggesting it could see production by 2016.
Sebastien Feval/AFP/Getty Images
As with each of its last few launches, Kia revealed the latest version of its now familiar grille. In this case, it is worn by the oddly named but stylish cee’d.
Kia
As with each of its last few launches, Kia revealed the latest version of its now familiar grille. In this case, it is worn by the oddly named but stylish cee’d.
This compact car will be offered in both five-door hatchback and wagon body styles. In Europe, the cee’d will be offered with both gasoline and diesel engines. However, the powertrain of choice is the same 1.6L direct injection found in the current Rio and Soul. What makes the powertrain special is the availability of a new twin-clutch transmission that was developed in-house — it brings faster shifts and better economy because of its mechanical efficiency.
The cee’d’s cabin also marks a big step forward, which is rapidly becoming the norm with each new Kia. The layout is logical, the equipment is plentiful and interior materials are vastly improved. It all comes together such that the cee’d manages to rival, if not exceed, the standards set by the Optima.
While there are no official plans to bring the cee’d to Canada at this point, don’t be surprised if it does arrive. The potential to slide the handsome hatch and wagon between the Rio range and the next-generation Forte, which is arriving next year, is very real. Now that is food for thought!
Lexus
Lexus revealed the next generation of its RX crossover.
As with the recently released GS model, the biggest change is found in the grille and front-end styling — specifically the bolder face, LED daytime running lights and restyled headlights. The changes to the back end are limited to the tail lights.
As with the GS, the interior has been reworked to make the layout more intuitive while adding a healthy dose of stylistic flare.
Lexus also unveiled a sportier version of the RX 450h equipped with the F-Sport package. This adds a Sport mode that allows the hybrid powertrain to deliver a combined output of 299 hp, which is up four, and tweaks the suspension and steering to give the RX a more dynamic drive.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
Mitsubishi pulled the wraps off its next-generation Outlander compact SUV.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi pulled the wraps off its next-generation Outlander compact SUV.
This vehicle signals a change in Mitsubishi’s styling language. The new look is both purposeful and sporty at the same time.
In Europe, it will be offered with a 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine that pushes 150 hp and 143 pound-feet of torque. It is married to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The better choice, at least on paper, is the 2.2L clean diesel. It, too, makes 150 hp, but it is offered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. I say the better choice not only because of the superior transmission choices but because the diesel twists out a stout 265 lb-ft of torque (280 with the manual!) while delivering better fuel economy and lower emissions than its gasoline counterpart.
Both engines are available with two- or four-wheel drive. Down the road, there will be a plug-in hybrid derivative.
Nissan
Nissan revealed where its crossovers could be heading in the near future.
The Hi-Cross Concept is exactly that — a high-riding crossover that boasts room for seven passengers. It also hints at the company’s future styling direction. The key character lines start at the front of the hood, sweeping up and over the front wheel arches before flowing gently to the D-pillars.
The Hi in the concept’s name also surfaces in its hybrid powertrain. Here, an electric motor, which is powered by a compact lithium ion battery, is combined with a 2.0L direct injection gasoline-powered engine and the company’s continuously variable transmission. Nissan claims it delivers the same performance as a traditional gas-powered 2.5L four-cylinder, while consuming considerably less fuel and producing fewer emissions.
automotive@sympatico.ca
2:26 pm 
