Skoda Yeti concept

The Yeti is a concept car that previews a production car from Skoda that was suggested by the Roomster concept of Frankfurt 2003.

In the mould of the Renault Kangoo, but, like most Skodas, slightly larger than the class norm, the Yeti is shown with a particular emphasis on an outdoor – SUV feel.

The first Skoda production car to have been overseen by Design Director Thomas Ingenlath from start to finish – the Yeti will be one of the more significant debuts at the show.

Alfa Romeo 159

The new 159 replaces the successful 156 and is one of the first major new cars from Alfa Romeo to do so with such an evolutionary design – albeit on a completely new platform with class leading torsional rigidity.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and stemming closely from themes established by his Brera concept car (now also debuting at Geneva in production form) and the recently facelifted 156, the 159 is marginally wider and taller and a significant 230mm longer than its predecessor.

Fioravanti Kandahar concept

Based very closely on the Lancia Musa, itself a derivative of the Fiat Idea, the Kandahar is a concept from Italian design house Fioravanti that shows a further potential variant.

Kandahar has marginally extended rear overhang for increased internal space, an unusual roof derived from the 'Kite' concept (Geneva 2004) and dominant body side mouldings in a different colour to the rest of the exterior that complement the larger wheels and higher ground clearance to give an 'off-road' feel to the car.

Cadillac BLS concept

This is a show car preview of a new production Cadillac that will be very unusual in being sold only in Europe.

The car is based very closely on the Saab 9-3 (also within the GM portfolio of brands), which in turn is based on the previous generation Opel Vectra, to mean that it will compete within the European D-class as defined by the Passat and 3 series.

The design team, led by GM designer Chip Thole, has given the BLS all of the recent Cadillac design cues, in particular the vertically orientated lamps and sharply defined form language.

ItalDesign Mitsubishi Nessie

ItalDesign Giugiaro, in collaboration with Mitsubishi and the Linde Group, will present the Nessie concept at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The concept aims to offer advanced solutions to the environment-friendly dilemma surrounding SUVs.

This 2.5 volume SUV coupé uses a V8 engine in conjunction with a hydrogen fuel system, supplied by the Linde Group, to promote a new type of “clean power” image for the vehicle. Other notable features include a full-length glass roof and transparent panels in the lower doors.

Lamborghini Concept S

This new Lamborghini to be launched in Geneva is based on the Gallardo V10 coupé with a new double speedster cabin layout. Created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design, the 'Concept S' is an extreme and spectacular expression of the Lamborghini brand.

The cabin is divided into two distinct compartments, giving the car an aggressive and futuristic look with the central surface between the seats acting as an additional air inlet for the V10 mid-mounted engine. A retractable central rear view mirror allows the driver to see what is happening behind the car.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The new Mercedes B-Class will debut at Geneva show next week. Shown as the Compact Sports Tourer Vision B concept at Paris last year, the B-Class is positioned below the C-Class as a compact premium MPV with a more sporting two-box profile than the baby A-Class.

Although closely based on the A-Class platform, it offers exceptional interior space for a compact five-seater and is targeted at the growing compact premium market such as the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series models.

Saab 9-3 SportCombi

At Geneva, Saab will present the production version of the 9-3 SportCombi, first shown as a concept model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The production model retains the fastback wedge profile of the concept, complete with frosted-look LED taillamps and a range of novel stowage features. Trunk capacity is 419 liters with rear seats in place, 1273 when folded. The engine line-up will include six petrol engines and two diesels.

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