This week the stage was set in Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show 2014: the event where the motoring world unites to show off their latest models in one grand celebration of the year ahead.
Among the excitement this year we saw the unveiling of the world’s most powerful road car; Lamborghini’s successor to the Gallardo; BMW’s first ever front-wheel drive MPV and of course the customary new special edition Bugatti Veyron. Everything from city slickers to one-in-a-million supercars to concept cars were on the bill as the world’s car manufacturers flexed their shiny new motoring-muscle.
Here’s a quick round-up of our top 5 cars at the show.
5 – Citroen C1
Citroen’s latest C1 saw another edition to the city car market. Available in 3 and 5 door versions, the C1 shares the same chassis and engine as both the new Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo.
The French manufacturers have definitely injected their own sense of fun into the C1 with an interior that consists of ‘bright colours and body coloured inserts in the door panels’ (Autocar).
The car is available in 8 different colours or alternatively, as is very much on trend for small city cars, Citroen offer a pair of two-tone models.
The C1 is not left lagging on the technology front either with a start-stop system as well as option 7” touchscreen, climate control, heated seats and reversing camera.
Prices for the C1 are yet to be released, but expect it to start from £6,500 – £7,500.
4 – Koenigsegg One:1
Step aside Bugatti Veyron, there’s now a more powerful car in town and it goes by the name of the Koenigsegg One:1. With 1,340bhp, the One:1 is officially the world’s most powerful car.
Let’s get to the most important bit: the practicalities… just kidding. Here are some numbers to make your jaw drop: the 5-litre V8 produces 1,340bhp that can see the One:1 reach a top speed of 273mph and can get from 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds and 0-248mph in 20 seconds.
And… breathe.
If you’re interested in buying one then we’re sorry to report that they’re all sold out, all 6 of them.
3 – Renault Twingo
This year will see the release of the MKIII MINI but the new MINI is not the only small city car to enter its third generation, as the new Twingo was unveiled in Geneva. The new rear-wheel drive, rear-mounted engine has been tipped to ‘shake up the city car market.’
Again personalisation is present with various colour combinations available for the interior that will spice up the inside of the car, and again technology plays its hand in the form of a colour touch screen, phone link up and 3D navigation.
The Twingo will be available in both 0.9 and 1 litre engines with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Prices as yet are unknown.
2 – BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Whilst it may not jump out of the page as being one of the most significant cars at the show this year, the reason we have BMW at number 2 in our list is because not only is it the first MPV that BMW have ever produced, but it’s also the first front-wheel drive to emerge from the German car makers.
Whilst not as attractive as, say, a 320i or 518d, the Active Tourer does provide an option for drivers looking for a more family-friendly ride (and one that can function in the snow for that matter!).
The car is available in both 1.5 and 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines with the flagship engine being a 225i xDrive version powered by a 2.0litre turbo.
The first deliveries of the Active Tourer are expected to arrive in September with prices starting around the £20,000 mark.
1 – Lamborghini Huracán
The Lamborghini Huracán kicked off this year’s show with an almighty bang. Kind of a big deal.
Succeeding Lambo’s most successful ever model, the Gallardo, we knew that the Huracán had to be something special and it would appear that we have not been disappointed.
This supercar boasts a 610-horsepower V10 engine that propels the Huracán to tops speeds of a scintillating 202mph. Compared to the outgoing Gallardo, which can be identified by its somewhat hard edges, the Huracán has opted for a much smoother, rounder finish.
I challenge you to find someone who doesn’t agree that the finished product is a stunning piece of craftsmanship fit to wear the Lamborghini badge.
Whilst this is technically set to become Lamborghini’s ‘cheapest’ model, the entry figure still lies at around £188,000. You get what you pay for though, right?