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Videos 5 Mar, 2014

The latest videos from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Kia is targeting another record year for sales in the UK after exceeding all expectations in 2013.

News 4 Mar, 2014

Wolverhampton-built engine will make its debut in new small saloon next year

Barely two months after unveiling the Formula One racing-inspired Q50 Eau Rouge concept in Detroit, Infiniti has moved the car a step closer to commercial production #8211; even referring to it as the brand's future performance flagship.

There are now six million Hyundai cars on European roads and the brand is growing faster than ever. It aims to increase its market share in the region from 3.4% now to 5% by the end of the decade.

Average CO2 emissions from new cars across Europe fell to 126.8g/km in 2013, a 5.5g/km improvement over 2012, according to JATO Dynamics.

Toyota expects to sell about 2 percent more cars in Europe this year as a gradually recovering market and the popularity of its hybrid models help drive deliveries.

It's named the Alfieri concept, which Maserati will be the first to tell you is not the "Guyfieri." Otherwise, it'd come with a golden roof, a Ferrari V8 slathered in beer batter, and a deep-fried interior reeking of Cheetos and desperation.

Here's what you need to know about the Koenigsegg One:1. It weighs 1,360 kilograms; it produces 1,360 hp.

Mazda's Hazumi concept looks like a ferocious little rodent, an aggressive lil' gumball of a mini car that's set to replace the Mazda2. Imagine the drooping snout of the Mazda3 (not a "Droopsnoot," mind you) on a car far shorter than that.

Meet the 2015 Jeep Renegade, arriving today at the Geneva motor show.

Sales in the European minicar segment, the region's third-largest after subcompacts and compacts, are forecast to rise by nearly 20 percent in the next three years as automakers reveal a host of new models.

BMW sales chief Ian Robertson says that the auto industry's next-generation leaders will need to have open minds and international backgrounds.

You can't go wrong with JFK and fast cars.

The 2015 Jeep Renegade is the first Jeep designed for sale around the world since the first Jeep was designed to sail around the world -- in military transports.

Sebastien Blin is a professional journalist/photographer who travelled the karting circuits around the globe in the ‘90s and early 2000s. He got the chance to follow several young drivers who were making their debut in karting, such as Nico Hulkenberg.

Born on August 19, 1987, Hulkenberg has been involved in Formula 1 as a race driver or test driver since 2008 with teams Williams, Sauber, and Sahara Force India.

Photo: Sébastien Blin

Blin met Hulkenberg on the karting circuits in 2001.

“Before he started racing cars in 2005 -- to compete in the German ADAC Formula BMW series -- Hulkenberg had already made a strong impression in karting,” said Blin.

“Despite his tender age, the young German did not hesitate to be part of the most impressive international karting team, CRG Holland. The team was directed by Michel Vacirca, and the engines were built by none other than former F1 driver, Jos Verstappen. Hulkenberg managed to build a strong team of experts to support him,” Blin continued.

Photo: Sébastien Blin

Interestingly, the young “Hulk” was wearing spectacles at the time.

“Nico was a short kid at the time, and was quite the introvert. However, he was incredibly single-minded; you could see it in his eyes. He was very quiet and did not talk much to his entourage. Whatever the reason was for this behaviour -- strict discipline from his parents or an amazing ability to focus -- Hulk was a front runner in every karting category he raced in,” Blin continued.

“I followed him for three years, and I could feel that he had what it took to make it to the top. He was only 12 when he competed in the famous Paris-Bercy indoor karting race in 2001. He climbed on the podium with his good friend and rival, Sebastian Vettel. Despite the fact that Vettel beat him in the finale, young Nico couldn't stop smiling!” Blin recalled.

Nico Hülkenberg and Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: Sébastien Blin)

“Hulkenberg clinched the Italian Junior title in 2001 and 2002, and then captured the German title. However, he did enjoy the same success in international competition. Hulk won the Open Master in 2004, his last season in karting. The year after, he was off to car racing,” Blin concluded.

Photo: Sébastien Blin

Photo: Sébastien Blin

One year after launching the VIZIZ concept at the Geneva Auto Show, Subaru strikes back with the VIZIV 2 concept.

This new crossover, whose name stands for ''Vision for Innovation,'' features four doors instead of just two like its predecessor. It can also sit four adults comfortably.

The Subaru VIZIV 2 concept is powered by a direct-injected 1.6L turbo engine and three battery-fed electric motors (one up front, two in the rear) mated to a CVT.

Outside, you'll notice the hexagon-shaped grille and large circular headlights that contribute to a dynamic-looking crossover.

Photo: Subaru

Malaga, Spain -- Emerging trends are sometimes easy to spot, and the entry-level compact premium/luxury crossover utility craze is blazing quite a trail.

Now, if this new category still requires some time before it becomes better outlined, there is no doubt that the GLA-Class is highly defined in what it is and what it is expected to do. In reality, the GLA can do even more than what you might expect. Remember, this is a “G” and thus has robustness built in.

Mercedes' new 2015 GLA-Class is truly a means to many ends. Its overall size makes it highly manoeuvrable, especially in a tight urban setting, its interior dimensions and trunk lend themselves to daily comfortable transportation, and its powertrain not only entertains but also adds surefootedness even in difficult conditions. Could this be an ideal small car for the luxury-car-craved masses?


What is a Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class?
The latest arrival from Mercedes-Benz' very large line-up of products inserts itself in a burgeoning category. This relatively new segment is growing and will likely find many likers in the near future.

The GLA-Class is meant to bridge a gap between the B- and C-Class vehicles without ever feeling like a compromise. In fact, it may be that those who preferred the previous C-Class wagon might find what they are looking for in the GLA, if the GLK-Class seems too SUV-like.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Price and Specs
The all-new Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC rides on a shared platform that also underpins the current B- and CLA-Class cars.

The 250 runs on a turbocharged, 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 7G-DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission transmits the power to all 4 wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC AWD system.

The 45 AMG utilizes the same hardware, although beefed up, as its turbo 4-pot mill but produces 355 horsepower and 332 torques.
Production of these little beasts begins in July of 2014. As far as pricing is concerned, it will be announced closer to the release date, which will be sometime in late summer or early fall.

The GLA-Class is meant to bridge a gap between the B- and C-Class vehicles without ever feeling like a compromise. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
I'm reiterating the fact that I've become a huge fan of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. For all compact and most midsize applications, the right amount of boost and refinement can be achieved with a 2.0L mill, and Mercedes' line of 250 vehicles is proof of this.

The 2015 Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC is a spirited and efficient performer. Not only does the power come on early and strong, but the 7G-DCT transmission is perfectly adapted to it. In this application, the ‘box jumps from cog to cog with decisive precision -- decidedly one of my favourite aspects of these transmissions. I toyed between manual, sport and eco (normal) modes and each came in handy depending on the driving environment.

With the right amount of throttle pressure, the engine comes to life and produces a lovely spooling whistle that adds street cred to the compact vehicle. On the smooth southern coastal roads of Spain we navigated, the GLA 250 excelled at keeping all 4 wheels in constant controlled contact with the pavement even under strong acceleration. The suspension, coupled with the permanent 4MATIC AWD system doled out infallible grip and a dynamic driving experience.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250's ride quality is a perfect mix between sporty intentions and an appreciable level of comfort. Despite the GLA's rather tall-ish stature, body roll is kept to a strict minimum. That extra level of ground clearance comes in handy as the GLA can and does enjoy leaving the beaten path.

In fact, an Enhanced On/Off-Road Package is standard and includes Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and revised shift points. It also includes an on- and off-road screen that displays the selected driving mode, the activation of DSR, steering angle, and a few other specs.

Steering feel and assistance are my only gripes with the GLA's drive. I thought the electric power assistance to be too great at times, especially in the twistier bits of road we traversed and this, in turn, affected road-to-driver communication. I'd hoped that this was to be addressed in the 45 AMG, but sadly is not. (More on that shortly.)

The 2015 Mercedes GLA 250 4MATIC is a spirited and efficient performer. Not only does the power come on early and strong, but the 7G-DCT transmission is perfectly adapted to it. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
It's difficult not to want to describe the 2015 GLA as nothing more than a jacked-up hatchback. Basically, this is what it is and I'm all for it. I strictly adore the 5-door setup as it blends properly with the stubby, forceful front-end, high beltline, and squat, wide rear end.

The available wheels and colours do wonders for the car aiding in a muscular look, and most importantly making it every bit a Mercedes product.

The cabin is equally all Mercedes. The seats are spot on and I love the low-slung driving position. Once more, it matches the 2015 GLA's sporty demeanour. The dashboard layout is also Mercedes fare, but I would note that the control wheel for the on-screen menu is far too rearward for easy manipulation.

Part of this car's high capture potential comes from its configuration as a hatchback. It's not boxy like the GLK, but improves upon the CLA- and C-Class' trunk access all wrapped in touch of class, both in and out.

The cabin is equally all Mercedes. The seats are spot on and I love the low-slung driving position. Once more, it matches the 2015 GLA's sporty demeanour. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
The new 2015 Mercedes GLA-Class parks itself in the middle of one of the fastest growing and latest emerging segments. The compact premium sport utility/CUV category has grown into a sub-branch that will include the likes of the upcoming Audi Q3 and Infiniti Q30 (not confusing at all...) and join the ranks of the BMW X1, 3 Series GT, Buick Encore, and a few others yet to come.

As I've only experienced half of these vehicles, it is difficult to put my seal of approval on the Merc; however, it's every bit a Mercedes product and that says quite a lot.

Audi today hosted the world premiere of the new TT and TTS coupes at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. Both will arrive at dealerships by the end of the year, with prices to be announced in the meantime.

Photo: Audi

Featuring new engines and a heavily revised quattro AWD system, the all-new Audi TT is 50kg lighter thanks to an aluminum and steel hybrid construction. The exterior hasn't changed much, although it's worth noting that the standard xenon headlights can be replaced by the pioneering Audi Matrix LED technology (first seen on the A8 luxury sedan) with an H-shaped design. The car sits on wheels ranging from 17” to 20” in size.

The interior of the new Audi TT includes sports seats, a multifunction steering wheel, and a 12.3” TFT screen that's part of the new, all-digital “Audi virtual cockpit.” The trunk, meanwhile, increases from 292 to 305 litres.

Photo: Audi

Audi will offer a choice of three engines with the new TT (all performance figures are provisional):

• 2.0L TDI rated at 182 hp, 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, top speed of 235 km/h;
• 2.0L TFSI rated at 227 hp, 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds (5.3 seconds with quattro), top speed of 250 km/h;
• 2.0L TFSI rated at 306 hp, 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, top speed of 250 km/h (TTS).

The new Honda Civic Type R concept made its debut today at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show. Described by the design team as a ''racing car for the road,'' it signals a new era at Honda.

The shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler has been designed to provide additional downforce, while the front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate 20'' tires.

When it goes on sale, the Honda Civic Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of the brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Japanese manufacturer's Earth Dreams Technology range, including a 2.0L unit rated at around 280 horsepower.

Photo: Honda