Stay tuned for Vantage's round up of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

Here at Vantage Motor Group we have been eagerly awaiting the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with news of the unveiling of many new models and concepts from our manufacturers. Keeping an eye out for the announcements of our own brands has been an addictive distraction that has not left us disappointed. With a clear focus on the push to ‘greener’ driving the show was teeming with eco-driving innovations from Hybrid powertrains, to fully electric vehicles and new Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

So what have our maufacturers brought to the table?

​Toyota

Toyota really did us proud revealing the re-modelled 3rd generation Auris with some striking new styling and the additional option of a larger 2.0l Hybrid engine proving that Toyota have listened to the voices of those looking for the more energised drive.

We also saw a fresh-faced AYGO debut at the show with adjustments to the engine, suspension and styling whilst retaining all the fun that we’ve come to expect from this model.

The star of the show for Toyota however was the hotly anticipated GR Supra Racing Concept. This car promises to have deliver high performance both on and off the track and confirms Toyota’s commitment to reliving the legacy of the Supra one of Toyota’s most famous sportscars. 

​Lexus

Lexus had a very busy time at Geneva with European debuts for the seven-seat Lexus RX L and the Lexus LF-1 Limitless, as well as showcasing the new RC F Sport Black Edition and celebrating 10 years of the Lexus ‘F’ marque.

The real highlight from Lexus was the unveiling of the Lexus UX. The UX features the new GA-C global architecture platform delivering fundamental structural rigidity and a low centre of gravity meaning great ride quality and stability. With this ‘free spirited’ crossover model, Lexus have also introduced new powertrains to ensure there is an attractive option for every possible Lexus customer. 

​Citroën

​Citroën used Geneva as an opportunity to showcase their brand as a whole. Having had six models launched in Europe in less than two years they used their platform at Geneva to demonstrate how cohesive their range now is, with distinctive design elements visible across their range. 

They also show off the new Berlingo and the new C4 Cactus which we were lucky enough to have in our showroom in Blackpool recently.

Honda​

Honda arrived at Geneva with the European production version of the all-new CR-V, now available with seven seats for the first time and with and a hybrid powertrain. Its look has been updated so that it is now showing the new Honda family ‘face’. We can’t wait to see these in our showrooms.

Honda also showed the 2018 Time Attack Civic Type R which challenged a team of race drivers, including Jenson Button, to set new lap times at iconic European racetracks. This experiment aimed to cement the status of the Civic Type R as class leading.

Honda used their press conference to confirm that a production version of its Urban EV Concept will be open to orders from early 2019, this car made a huge impact at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year with plenty of motor enthusiasts eager to see this in the flesh. 

Hyundai

Hyundai used the Geneva Motor Show to unveil their ‘Le Fil Rouge’ concept vehicle signalling a fresh outlook from their design team. ‘Le Fil Rouge’ is loosely translated as ‘Common Thread’ and signifies the bringing together of elements from the brands past and present and taking those design elements into the future.

This concept vehicle certainly turned heads and we look forward to seeing where the brand takes their design language in the future.

Kia

Kia pulled it out of the bag with two world debuts for all-new Kia Ceed and Ceed Sportswagon as well as an updated Optima Sportswagon. These models all show great promise with some strong design tweaks and Kia focussing on spaciousness and advanced technologies.

Also debuting for the first time in its new sport-infused GT-Line specification was the Kia Rio GT-Line with its Gran Turismo-inspired design and turbo-charged engine, definitely one to excite the petrolheads at Geneva.

ŠKODA

ŠKODA had some great vehicles of interest at the show. They were keen to demonstrate the updated ŠKODA Fabia. In addition to modified design both inside and out the Fabia now has a whole host of extra ‘Simply Clever’ features.

ŠKODA also introduced us to the ŠKODA Kodiaq Laurin & Klement. This is the range topping trim level that gives you extra luxury and some exclusive features. We have already seen the Laurent & Klement trim on other models so we’re excited to see what value this option will add for our KODIAQ fans.

ŠKODA’s showstopper at Geneva is of course their ŠKODA Vision X which gave us an insight into the Czech brands image of the future. As well as an innovative hybrid drive concept, this modern crossover brings with it stunning design inspired by traditional Bohemian glass art.

So what do we reckon?

We're excited to see some of these great new models in our showrooms in the next few years. Our brands have certainly been listening to their customers with a lot building in additional technologies and more engine options. We're particularly interested to see how far our manufacturers can advance in the next few years with a move towards greener technologies whilst staying true to their brands identities. With more motor shows in the coming months, and Toyota revealing the All-New 2019 RAV4 at New York International Motor Show in the next few weeks, we look forward to bringing you the news as soon as we get it.