Geneva Motor Show 2017: The best cars on display

2016 Geneva Motor Show preview: all the big cars

29 February

The Geneva Motor Show – arguably the biggest date in the European motor industry calendar - kicks off tomorrow and going by the previews, there should be new cars, new tech and radical concepts aplenty. Manufacturers have been drip-feeding information over the last few weeks as they feed the hype regarding just what to expect this year.

The 2015 show was noted for a string of high-profile releases from supercar manufacturers, as well as some important mass volume introductions. What does 2016 have in store?

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Alpine Vision Concept

An "80 per cent production ready" concept version of the upcoming Renault-made Alpine sports car will be one of the show's big crowd-drawers. With a design heavily echoing the iconic Alpine A110 from the world rallying scene of the 1970s, the new sports car will trade heavily off its motorsport heritage when it transitions into production model towards the end of the year.

It's likely to come with a 1.8-litre version of the 1.6-litre turbo found in the Renaultsport Clio, albeit with 250bhp on tap. Prices will start between £40,000 and £50,000.

Arash AF10

Another year, another small car start-up promising to deliver the most powerful production car ever.

British manufacturer Arash is bringing along its AF10 Hybrid, which it claims has an incredible 2,080bhp thanks to a supercharged V8 producing 900bhp mated to an electric motor adding even more.

Auto Express says the name for the powertrain – "Warp Drive" – is pretty optimistic. The performance figures seem realistic, though, with 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds thanks to a four-wheel drive system and a top speed of a little more than 200mph

Prices will start at £1.1 million.

Aston Martin DB11

The Aston Martin DB11 will replace the DB9 this year after 12 years in production. The DB11 is set to use a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 with at least 600bhp, but many are tipping Aston to introduce a V8 version of the car at some point in its lifetime, likely using the 4.0-litre bi-turbo unit from in the Mercedes AMG GT owing to Daimler's five per cent share in Aston Martin.

The Mercedes links are already evident. Several testing mules have been spotted that use switchgear from the German manufacturer's S-Class model. So far, Aston has not released any pictures of the DB11, but the car has been spied several times. Dutch website Autojunk has published the most revealing image to date, showing a DB10 and DBX Concept-inspired rear end.

The Daily Telegraph says the new Aston could "steal the show" and is certainly one of the most anticipated launches.

Audi Q2

After a legal battle with Fiat for the Q2 naming rights, Audi looks set to introduce a new, compact crossover to sit at the smallest end of their growing SUV range.

According to Auto Express, the Q2 will use the same MQB platform as the A3 hatchback and will have front-wheel drive as standard, but higher-spec cars will benefit from Audi's Quattro system.

Audi is keen to distance the Q2 from the firm's other small crossover, the Q3. As such, it will be significantly shorter than any other model in Audi's SUV range, though rumours suggest a three-door option has now been dropped.

It's set to go on sale with a range of petrol and diesel engines in the UK this summer, though a hybrid option seems likely at some point, too.

Audi RS Q3 Performance

Joining the Q2 will be the latest, fastest version of its slight larger Q3 sibling. The RS Q3 Performance uses a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine with 362bhp, with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It takes 4.4 seconds to do 0-62mph and the performance crossover tops out at 167mph.

It comes with several new styling tweaks over the standard RS Q3 and prices start from £48,175, with first deliveries in spring.

Bentley Bentayga Crossover

According to Auto Express, Bentley may bring along a smaller, coupe-inspired crossover version of its recently released £160,000 Bentayga SUV to the show.

A Bentley insider reportedly told the magazine the vehicle will be lower and more aggressively styled than the current Bentayga and have greater power – no mean feat considering that vehicle has a 600bhp W12 under the bonnet.

If it happens, the crossover is expected to use the same W12 albeit in a higher state of tune, with bigger bumpers, bigger wheels and just possibly a 200mph top speed, all matched to a lower, sloping coupe-like roofline and bigger wheel arches.

Bentley Mulsanne LWB

A new Bentley Mulsanne will be revealed, complete with an extended wheelbase version of the company's flagship luxury limo. The car gets a restyled front end and an overhauled interior.

The extended wheelbase Mulsanne gets an extra 250mm – with all of that length added within the space of the rear doors. "Inside you'll find a set of electronic legrests, as well as an ornate and functional centre console with USB ports, a champagne fridge and a glass-covered stowage area. Foldable tables and window blinds also feature," says Auto Express.

It will be powered by a 6.75-litre turbo V8 in two states of tune – 505bhp in standard models, and 530bhp in the "Speed" version.

Bugatti Chiron

Possibly the most anticipated reveal for fans of supercars, Bugatti will follow up the Veyron with an all-new release at Geneva.

The Chiron will be "the world's most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car", says the company, and several motoring publications have already begun to throw their hats into the ring regarding the kinds of performance we can expect.

Generally, most anticipate the Chiron will use the same 8-litre W16 engine as the Veyron but tuned to around 1,500bhp. It should become the fastest production car ever when it finally launches.

No official pictures have been released yet, but spy shots suggest the Chiron closely resembles the Bugatti Sport Grand Turismo concept revealed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

DS E-Tense Concept

A new, all-electric supercar concept from Citroen's luxury arm, DS, will hit the stands. Using a 54kWh Siemens sourced battery for 396bhp and 516lb-ft torque, the E-Tense previews a radical future on the horizon for the French firm as it attempts to reaffirm its credentials as a producer of luxury and performance models.

The exterior of the car is striking, mixing some existing DS design cues with touches inspired by the world of luxury watches and jewellery. The interior, meanwhile, took more than 800 hours to complete - and features a removable watch in the centre console.

Jaguar F-Type SVR

A new, 567bhp version of Jaguar's F-Type will make its debut in March. It will use a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox driving all four wheels, and will be capable of 200mph in hard top form. With figures like this, the F-Type SVR will equal the Jaguar Project 7 to become the join most powerful car the firm has ever produced, and the fastest vehicle under the Jaguar Land Rover stable.

Adding to the power upgrades, the new big cat gets all sorts of aerodynamic and design tweaks to differentiate it from the rest of the F-Type ran

Ferrari GT4C Lusso

The Ferrari GT4C Lusso will replace the outgoing Ferrari FF as the brand's luxury four-seat shooting brake option.

The GT4C is an extensive facelift and revision of the FF. On the outside, a new set of 488 GTB-inspired headlamps are mated to a new grille. At the back, a two-lamp per side rear-light cluster has appeared, replacing the original one-lamp layout found on the FF. There's also a revised rear diffuser and subtle lip spoiler. Car magazine says the facelift makes the GT4C "much smarter".

Inside, there's a new infotainment system, but it's the mechanical changes that really matter. Ferrari has bumped overall power up to 680bhp – an extra 29bhp on the FF's output, making it marginally faster to 62mph in 3.4 seconds. The top speed remains 208mph.

The 4WD system has received a tweak, too, and now benefits from four-wheel steering. Prices are set to be revealed at Geneva, but around £230,000 seems likely.

Ford Fiesta ST200

Initial rumours suggested Ford might introduce a hot, RS version of Britain's most popular car. Instead, the firm has confirmed that a spiced-up version of the already brilliant Fiesta ST will make its debut before first deliveries in the summer.

Thanks to some modifications to its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Fiesta ST200 turns the wick up to 197bhp, with 212bhp available on the overboost function, making it slightly quicker than the standard ST.

There are bigger rear brakes, tweaks to the torque vectoring system and a quicker steering rack, too. Prices should start around £20,000, with excusive options such as unique paint colours and black alloy wheels to distinguish it from the standard ST.

Honda Civic Concept

Honda will preview the next Civic – due in 2017 - with a concept car hinting strongly at what to expect.

The company has already released a teaser pic, showing off a sporty rear end with angular styling and a twin exhaust exit, but Autocar says we can expect it to inherit many design cues from the US Civic saloon.

Honda will use the vehicle to "turn around its fortunes in Europe" the magazine adds.

Lamborghini Centenario

Lamborghini has been tipped to introduce a new limited-run supercar in celebration of the birth of company founder Ferrucio Lamborghini a hundred years ago.

According to Auto Express, the Centenario will feature styling distinct from the brand's other two cars – the Huracan and the Aventador – and will be limited strictly to 20 examples. It will be powered by an upgraded version of the 6.5-litre V12 currently sitting in the Aventador Super Veloce, but with the wick turned up to as much as 760bhp.

Customers have already seen the car, which is likely to look "more subtle look than some of the more overtly wedgy Lambos we have become accustomed to".

Lexus LC 500

Lexus' handsome new LC 500 coupe will make its European debut at the show, before going on sale later this year.

The car was originally unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show back in January, and is a 5.0-litre V8, 467bhp production version of the LF-LC concept first seen back in 2012.

However, Lexus will be revealing hybrid version of its new coupe at the Geneva show. According to Autocar, the LC 500 'h' will be powered by a new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, though exact details of the new powertrain are yet to emerge.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Concept sketches of Mercedes-Benz's next C-Class cabriolet have been released and the car itself will be seen for the first time at the show.

The company is being coy over the new model, releasing only one drawing and saying only that it will be revealed in Geneva, but Car Magazine hazards a guess as to what we can expect.

It's likely to come with two 2.0-litre petrol options and possibly even the new 2.0-litre diesel units from the E-Class, followed by a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo option in the AMG-fettled version. A canvas roof will be used over a metal folding one to save weight and space.

Pagani Huayra BC

It seems likely Italian manufacturer Pagani will be revealing a new, faster and more track-focussed version of its Huayra supercar.

No official details have been confirmed yet, but the company posted a teaser image on its Facebook page and the car has been spotted testing at several racing circuits around Italy.

The V12 in the standard Huayra is likely to be fettled to produce more than 750bhp, while new aerodynamic body parts will really make the BC stand out. Prices are thought to break beyond seven figures when the car goes on sale to a handful of customers.

Maserati Levante

Maserati's long awaited SUV is crucial to the firm's future, says Autocar. The Levante, a new Porsche Cayenne rival, is a reworked version of the company's Kubang concept revealed back in 2011.

The SUV market is now hugely profitable for manufacturers and for firms like Maserati, introducing more mainstream vehicles - such as the upcoming Levante and the Ghibli saloon - is vital if it is to have enough business to warrant sports car production.

Maserati is owned by the Fiat-Chrysler group, meaning parts from manufacturers such as Jeep could be easily attained for a quick buck.

However, the company has re-affirmed that the first SUV will be 100 per cent Maserati. Engines will include a pair of twin-turbo V6s, as well as a top spec V8 model. Three diesels will be available and a Hybrid model could be added to the range after launch.

McLaren 570GT

A new, comfort-orientated model in McLaren's Sports Series will take its bow at the show.

The 570GT features a reworked rear end, now with a convex glass hatch opening up to reveal a luggage compartment with 220 litre capacity. Inside, the interior gets full-leather upholstery and electric heated seats, plus there's a panoramic glass roof.

The suspension setup has been tweaked to make the car more supple and forgiving for long distance and everyday driving, but the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 with 562bhp remains, making for a top speed of 204mph. Prices will start from £154,000.

Nissan wireless charging demo

Nissan previously teased its anticipated wireless charging system for electric cars last year, releasing a 20-second teaser video showing a car fitted with one of the units pulling up to a curb.

It's believed the manufacturer will reveal more regarding its work in wireless car charging, a technology that could potentially revolutionise electric car ownership and adoption.

Were the units to make their way onto pavements and car-park spots in the future, it could mean endless opportunities to charge an electric car, ending range anxiety.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche's new 718 Boxster will be seen in the flesh for the first time at the show. The car represents not just a switch away from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharged units, but also a change in the way the Porsche range works – the 718 Cayman likely to follow will sit below the Boxster now.

The entry level Boxster will use a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four with 296bhp, while the Boxster S will get 345bhp from its 2.5-litre unit. Prices start at £41,739, with first deliveries in spring.

Porsche 911R

The company is also expected to reveal a new, driver-focussed 911 in the same stable as the GT3 and GT3 RS.

Spotted testing by spy photographers, the rumoured 911R wears the body-kit from the 911 GT3, albeit without the rear wing and with a new rear diffuser.

According to Autocar, it is set to be launched early next year, partly as a tribute to the original 911R, which celebrates its 50th anniversary then, too. Porsche is keen to emphasise driver feel with the new model, with a manual gearbox, less mechanical grip and possibly the same 3.8-litre engine as the 911 GT3.

Renault Scenic

Renault's latest Scenic gets a "pumped up", SUV crossover look in tune with the firm's Kadjar SUV and new Megane, says Auto Express.

The company has overhauled the Scenic with its latest design language but also introduced new, sporty cues - the roofline is lower, the wheelbase is longer and the rear overhang is shorter. Renault will even offer every version with 20ins wheels as standard.

There are no interior shots nor details regarding price or launch date yet, but all will be revealed next week.

Rimac Concept-One

Croatian manufacturer Rimac will bring along a production version of its 1,037bhp all-electric supercar of which only eight examples will be built – and six have been sold already.

Its powertrain consists of "four permanent magnet oil-cooled motors producing a combined torque figure of 1180lb ft, giving the car a claimed 0-62mph time of 2.6sec. Give it a further 3.6sec and the car will hit 124mph on its way to a top speed of 221mph", says Autocar.

Inside is an infotainment system with 4G connection and its own cloud. Priced at £675,605.

Seat Ateca

Seat will launch its first SUV crossover in 2016, kicking things off with a reveal of the new Ateca, which goes on sale in the UK in September, priced from around £18,500.

It's a "major plank" in the company's expansion plans, says Car Magazine. According to Seat chairman Luca de Meo, the crossover segment will still grow by 25 per cent across Europe over the next few years and the company will use the Ateca to springboard new models.

Most Atecas will be front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive system is available on the range-topper. Engines largely reflect the choices available in the Leon hatchback.

Skoda VisionS Concept

Skoda isn't quite ready to show a full production version of its upcoming SUV just yet, so a near-production-ready concept version will suffice at Geneva this year.

The VisionS will give us a clear glimpse of what to expect when Skoda finally reveals its large, seven-seat SUV later this year. It should be a big, chunky affair representing decent value. Some car magazines have touted a starting price of just £24,000 when it finally goes on sale – a serious undercut on key rivals, especially when you consider it's a Volkswagen group product.

Vauxhall GT Concept

Vauxhall/Opel will reveal its latest show car in the form of the new GT Concept.

It's a small, two-door, two-seat coupe that possibly hints at an exciting new addition to the line-up yet builds on the marque's past, borrowing heavily from the 1964 show car of the same name.

The designers have placed plenty of emphasis on smart packaging for the concept, which is powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 145bhp. With a curb weight of just 2,204lbs, it's enough for a 0-62mph time of eight seconds and a top speed of 143mph. If received well, Vauxhall could make a production version.

Volkswagen T-Cross Concept

Volkswagen looks set to introduce a new, smaller SUV crossover in a couple of years, which will be previewed by the T-Cross Concept set to be revealed next week.

A rival for the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Mazda CX-3, the production version the concept envisions will sit on a Polo platform and, while sporting some of VW's more recognisable SUV cues, is tipped to be sporty and "much more daring" than the hatchback, according to Auto Express.

It's likely to be offered with a four-wheel-drive option when the production version comes along in 2018 but for now, VW will be using the show to test the water for its planned crossover.

Volkswagen Up!

Volkswagen will be revealing a refreshed version of its Up! city car, complete with exterior updates as well as new powertrain options.

Top Gear says the Up! remains the "best city car you can buy" and for that reason, a lot of the facelift is mild. But, the new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine set to be offered in Volkswagen's entry level vehicle is quite interesting.

It's an 89bhp unit, making the Up! capable of 0-62mph in ten seconds and 115mph flat out while delivering 64mpg. The introduction of the turbocharger raises the question as to whether VW is planning a genuinely hot version of the Up! for later release.

Volvo V90 Estate

The Volvo V90 is the estate twin of the recently revealed S90 saloon. Like its sibling, it uses Volvo's new design language and scalable product architecture, as well as the same range of engines and suspension components.

Volvo reckons up to 85 per cent of V90 sales will be diesel versions and Car Magazine says it should be priced from around £34,000 when order books open in March.