The Geneva Motor Show is comfortably one of the most prestigious events on the motoring calendar so we've decided to take a look at the cars likely to most catch the eye.
RANGE ROVER VELAR
You could be forgiven for the reveal of Range Rover's all-new vehicle; the Velar slipping through the net. It hasn't been shouted about an awful lot which is perhaps a little strange given the status & success of Range Rover's other vehicles. The Velar will slot in between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport in the manufacturers vehicle range & early shots suggest it could be a big player in the market as it takes on the smartly designed BMW X6. In fact, the Velar has only had a couple of early images revealed so Geneva truly be a test of the vehicle strength.
Intial features include an improved infotainment system, panoramic glass roof & engines from both the Range Rover Sport and Evoque including a potential high powered V8 version.
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R
The Type R has become something of a Geneva Motor Show icon in recent years - Honda have used the show as a platform for one of their premium performance models. The Type R's ferocious engines have once again been met with an equally impressive exterior design. There doesn't look to be much else from the famous manufacturer this March so the Type R really will be taking centre stage at Geneva and with what the vehicle looks set to be offering it wouldn't be surprising to see the Type R draw the crowds.
The engines for the Type R are just as impressive as its striking design with a suggested performance of around 306bhp and 400Nm of torque available.
ALPINE A110 2017
The Alpine A110 is certainly one of the high performance cars to look out for next week. With a striking appearance and eqaully jaw-dropping performance it will definitely be drawing the crowds in Geneva. The Alpine brand has been out of the game for some time now, and owner Renault will be hoping the A110 kickstarts a revival & offers some serious contention to market leaders such as the Porsche Cayman. There will be a 1.8-litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine and initial suggestions predict the A110 will be capable of delivering 250bhp and going from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. No shots on the interior yet, but if the rest of the car is anything to go by its unlikely to be lacking in prestigious quality. Welcome back, Alpine.
FORD FIESTA
It may not be the most glamorous arrival at this years show, but the undeniable fact is the Ford Fiesta sells. It was Britains best selling car for a 7th consecutive year in 2016 and shows no signs of stopping its success. The 2017 Ford Fiesta will look to build on the high appeal of previous models all the while keeping the same high-quality, yet affordability that has made it the popular car it is today. Initial pictures of the new Fiesta suggest Ford haven't yet got complacent on this front - a new-look interior and enhanced storage space should help to perhaps fill a few gaps that the previous generation Fiesta missed. They'll be an all-new engine powering the Fiesta; the 1.5 TDCi will produce around 118bhp and its economy wont be questioned with CO2s at 89g/km. They'll also be a tantalizing reveal of the new Fiesta ST to partner Ford's new hatchback model.
JAGUAR I-PACE
A reveal likely to draw some interest - Jaguar have unveiled a ehicle on the horizon for production in late 2017/2018. The I-Pace remains a concept at this stage but a chance to bring one of the LA Motor Shows favourite vehicles to another premier motoring event was surely too good an opportunity to pass up. The I-Pace will be an all-electric vehicle with a whole host of modern technology and a sharp, striking exterior design. Jaguar have initially suggested that the I-Pace will have an all electric range of 300 miles from just one charge and go from 0-62mph in no fewer than 4 seconds. The sort of stats you'd expect from Jaguar, perhaps, but to pack it into a vehicle with so little running costs will be highly impressive.
Those familiar with the F-Pace will notice many similarities with that model and the LED lights at the rear have actually been modelled on Jaguar's sports range. There will be a 12-inch HD Screen for instrument control, and two other touchscreens located around the car as well as a floating centre console and undoubtedly much more equipment which will be unveiled at Geneva.
These are five key cars to look out for at next weeks event; but there will also be notable other offerings including the Ferrari 812, new DS7 Crossback, BMW 5 Series Touring & Audi SQ8. Its likely to be another show to remember with the amount of quality cars rolling into.
