Every motor show provides manufacturers with the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and in particular it’s concepts that provide the best platform to show-off.The Geneva Motor Show is one of the biggest in the world and is in fact the most frequent in existence – it is currently in its 81st year – and as such it has played host to some of the most innovative and groundbreaking concepts and models in motor history.The 2011 was no different to its predecessors with 27 concepts on display at the Swiss event – here at Askaprice.com we’ve picked some of the best.*It’s worth noting that we’ve only included concepts with an actual eye on production. Boring we know, but an important definition nevertheless.
Renault R-SpaceThe Renault R-Space is an MPV concept that could, according to the French manufacturer, provide the blueprint for the
Scenic’s successor.It’s a stylish and sleek MPV that has clearly been influenced by the DeZir electric concept that Renault debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.That means flowing, smooth lines are the theme of the model which the French manufacturer says evokes images ‘of a sprinter in the starting blocks’.Despite the innovative and unique exterior of the R-Space it is the interior that grabs the limelight if only for contrast.Both driver and front passenger are provided with stylish sports seats while those in the rear are provided a range of cubes that can be arranged into seats or flattened to create a large load space – and children can play with them, apparently.
Alfa Romeo 4CThe Alfa concept has come in for plenty of praise and celebration since Geneva opened its doors to the public and journalists alike – which is good news for the Italian manufacturer given the fact that a 2012 release date has been slapped on the compact.It’s a fully-blown two-seater that from the rear looks like it has been lifted from the Lotus production line. However at the front it’s clear that the 4C is an Alfa thanks to its iconic triangular grille.It’s a beautiful car that, in contrast to other Alfa’s, has a rising, flared bonnet and a number of inserts that smack of power and performance despite the compact dimensions of the model.It’s powerful stance is accompanied by a lightweight design and a powerful 235bhp 2.0-litre engine that translates into a top speed of 155mph.The Alfa Romeo 4C looks brilliant with a matte finish.
BMW Vision ConnectedDriveBMW’s concept is one of the strangest looking concepts at Geneva – it doesn’t have any doors, has a tiny windscreen and would be a nightmare on speed bumps.Regardless, the Vision ConnectedDrive is an aggressive looking concept that features an impressive and comprehensive list of technology systems and features that sets it apart from the others.It is a research tool for the German manufacturer as it looks to further improve the EfficientDyanmic technology that can be found on a range of BMW models including the
new 3 Series.A three-dimensional head-up display is projected to the driver which shows a range of different data to the driver including road information and it’s customisable. That means the driver can decide how much or how little information is relayed back to him.
Suzuki Swift SportSuzuki used the Geneva Motor show to display one of the more down-to-earth – but no less brilliant – concepts in the form of the Suzuki Swift Sport.The
Swift has been something of a success story since it was released for Suzuki and it has proved itself a worthy adversary to the default supermini come hatchbacks in the UK like the
Volkswagen Polo and the
Ford Fiesta. The Swift Sport is a glimpse of the next generation where it will be clarified as a hot hatch.Under the bonnet the Swift Sport carries a 1.6-litre engine with a six-speed manual gearbox.It mates a sporty appearance with that powertrain thanks to lower skirts all around the Japanese hatchback. That low slung appearance is complimented by large 18-inch alloys and a rear-spoiler that make the Swift look aggressive and capable.
MINI RocketmanMINI came under heavy criticism for its Countryman model purely because it went against everything the brand and name stood for – it wasn’t mini, it was quite big and that’s not the point.Fortunately the collective outrage of the motor industry has been answered by the BMW-owned brand and the MINI Rocketman shows a return to size.The Rocketman is just 3.5m in length which is something near to what they used to be however its seating isn’t.MINI has categorised its concept as a three plus one seater. That means the driver, a passenger in the front, a bona fide passenger in the rear and enough room for one more if necessary.The doors of the concept also catch the eye as both the door and the entire sill come out together upon opening – providing easier access and a quirky feature and the same can be said for the tailgate which utilises the same kind of arrangement. Another stylish feature is the glass roof complete with Union Jack effect.