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Geneva Motor Show 2019: four of the best weird and wonderful concept cars
From modular crossovers to electric dune buggies, these prototype machines are grabbing the spotlight in Switzerland
Carmakers from across the globe are flocking to the Geneva Motor Show to showcase their fastest - and most expensive - models.
But it isn’t just supercars on display at the motoring extravaganza in Switzerland, which runs until 17 March. Here are some of the more unusual concept machines at this year’s show:
Citroen Ami One
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Copyright Maison Vignaux @ Continental Productions
(Image credit: Maison Vignaux @ Continental Productions)
Citroen is well know for its bold designs and quirky concept cars, and the new Ami One is no exception.
The compact two-seater electric vehicle can, “in theory”, be driven by people as young as 16, reports Auto Express.
Why? Because the concept isn’t a car but rather a quadricycle, with a top speed of just 28mph, so motorists don’t need to pass a driving test to get behind the wheel.
The Ami One has a battery range of 60 miles, which should be plenty for tootling around town.
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The current generation of the Fiat Panda is approaching its eighth year on sale, so the Italian carmaker may be looking to refresh its beloved crossover. And while there’s been no official word of plans to do so, the company’s new Centoventi concept suggests a new model is in the works.
Lke the other concept cars on this list, the Centoventi crossover is powered entirely by electricity. However, what sets this car apart is that it’s modular, meaning buyers can swap in different battery packs for greater range, says automotive news site Motoring Research.
Although it’s not yet known whether the system will make its way into a production model, the little panda toy sat on the concept’s dashboard in Geneva suggests the next Panda may feature the technology.
Mercedes-Benz is going big on electric cars. The company announced its first all-electric SUV, the EQC, last year, and an EV version of the S-Class saloon is rumoured to be on the cards. Judging by the new Concept EQV, the carmaker is looking to electrify its MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), too.
The EQV bares a striking resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with enough space for eight occupants, and a suitably luxurious interior. Beneath the cabin sits a 100kWh battery pack, offering drivers 249 miles of range, says Autocar.
A production version is expected to appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales due to open in 2021.
Volkswagen ID Buggy
Volkswagen has brought bold concepts to the Geneva show on a number of occasions. This year’s offering [pictured top] is the ID Buggy, which CNet describes as a “modern EV take on the old Meyers Manx dune buggy”.
Unlike the Meyers Manx, which was powered by a VW Beetle engine, the ID Buggy is propelled by an electric motor and battery system that deliver 238bhp to the rear wheels.
The new car is a two-seater buggy as standard, but there’s room to add two additional seats, reports the Daily Express.
Given that VW is set to release a series of electric vehicles over the next decade, there’s a good chance the ID Buggy may make its way into production.
