Virtual instead of swiss – the spread of the corona virus led to the cancellation of the geneva auto show in early march. Nevertheless, the carmakers have many innovations in their quiver, which they are now presenting online.
The gran-coupe
The near-production preview of the BMW concept i4 electric car is scheduled to go into production in 2021 u. A. Taking the tesla model 3 to task. the huge BMW kidney is of course not an air intake, instead the engineers have hidden a lot of sensors behind it. There is a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, and the power range is between 220 kw and 390 kw. Acceleration to 100 km/h should be less than four seconds, and the top speed should be over 200 km/h. The 80-kwh battery pack is said to be good for a range of up to 600 km. The cockpit is dominated by a large, curved display. The price: not yet known.
The newcomer
Photo: seat germany
The first independent model from cupra, seat’s sporty offshoot, is scheduled for launch at the end of 2020: the cupra formentor. If a plug-in hybrid from the group’s shelf is used in this SUV, which is around 440 cm long, it offers 180 kW of system output. The purely electric range is said to be 50 km according to WLTP driving cycle. There will probably also be a model with a 2-liter gasoline engine producing 220 kW. Further details of the study are also to be incorporated into the series. This includes a dual clutch transmission incl. Differential lock, progressive steering and variable all-wheel drive. Inside, a digital cockpit with a 10-inch screen diagonal provides information. Price: not yet known.
The forefather
Photo: volkswagen AG
More than 40 years ago, its forefather founded an entire class of cars: the GTI from VW. Now its eighth generation stands at the closed door of the geneva auto show. In keeping with the state of the art it produces 180 kW and 370 nm, which it draws from two liters of displacement. Exterior changes include a flatter roof and ten LED dots in the front apron that function as fog lights. 17-inch wheels are standard, DCC adaptive chassis control is available as an option. It allows driving modes such as comfort, eco, sport and individual to be configured. The cockpit is fully digital. the GTI is expected to sprint to 100 km/h in 6.3 s. Price: expected to start at 34 000€.
The reasonable
The european premiere of mazda’s first all-electric car, the mazda MX-30, also takes place virtually. The crossover SUV (CUV) features doors that open in opposite directions and a roof line that slopes sharply to the rear. The lithium-ion battery in the underbody is expected to have a capacity of 35.5 kwh, while the e-motor will produce 106 kw. Mazda specifies a range of 200 km according to WLTP. Environmentally friendly materials are used in the interior, with "vegan alternatives" instead of leather. The price of the MX-30, which will be launched in the second half of the year, is €34,000
The compact
Photo: mercedes-benz AG
Like the CLA 250e, mercedes wanted to present the GLA 250e in Geneva as a plug-in hybrid model. The compact SUV is powered by a four-cylinder engine with 120 kW and a 75 kW electric motor. Torque is expected to exceed 500 nm. Compared with the predecessor model, the GLA is 10 cm taller but 1.5 cm shorter. The trunk can hold 435 to 1430 liters of luggage, with a height-adjustable loading floor. A comfort control system is available as an option, which allows the lighting mood, air conditioning, sound and seat massage function to be set and is intended to contribute to a feel-good atmosphere. Price: not yet known.