Geneva Auto Show 2019: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly [w/poll]

It’s March again and true automotive fans know that means the Geneva International Motor Show will open its doors to show the greatest new supercars from niche manufacturers and the latest important launches from mainstream automakers. Cramped together on one of the smallest showfloors in the industry, Geneva is always jam-packed with news and buzzing with excitement. Of course we were there and are ready to give our blunt judgment on all the new production cars that have been launched this week.

Geneva-auto_show-2019-Ferrari_F8_Tributo

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Kriss: not

Hard to argue with the engineering on the new F8, as it largely builds on the amazing 488 Pista. Beyond that, however, I view most of the changes as insufficient (the interior is still a mess) or even backward (the styling has now completely lost the alluring purity of the 458, with ugly sides and an uber-generic rear, and the name change is completely unnecessary). In fact, if you remember the Lamborghini Canto, the aborted successor to the Diablo, tell me that the huge side vents on the F8 don’t remind you of that? Hard to unsee…

Bart: hot

Ferrari keeps updating its bread-and-butter mid-engined V8 models at a much higher pace than most regular carmakers do, with an overhauled version every five years or less. Where Lamborghini has given the Gallardo a lifespan of 12 years, Ferrari is already introducing the successor to the 488 which replaced the 458 as recently as 2015. These are more often than not just evolutions of the previous model, Ferrari doesn’t even hide the fact that the F8 Tributo is just the latest evolution of the 458 platform and indeed it’s not much more than a reskinned 488 Pista. Then what’s with the completely new name? F8 Tributo is a homage to the V8 engine that the brand is proud of, and rightly so. This is the most powerful V8 the brand has ever built, but I’m just wondering why exactly this would be the right moment to be commemorizing that V8? I’m sure they will continue to develop this engine to make it even more powerful in upgraded or limited editions of the F8.

So, while I have a slight issue with Ferrari’s confusing naming strategy, I disagree with Kriss on the styling as I am a big fan of it. Ferrari themselves say the F8 is “a bridge to a new design language”, and that seems to be a cleaner design than the aggressive and angular 458. And to me that’s what a Ferrari is all about: clean yet athletic design that looks fast even when standing still. For aggressive design, one should go shopping at Lamborghini. Ferrari’s don’t have and don’t need huge tail spoilers and front splitters etc and the F8 Tributo is yet another example of what a mid-engined V8 from Maranello should look like.

Geneva-auto_show-2019-Koenigsegg_Jesko

Koenigsegg Jesko

Bart: hot

The Jesko is the successor to the already impressive Agera RS and is possibly even more impressive than that car was when it was first launched. The Jesko (named after Christian Von Koenigsegg’s father) has an innovative system that uses compressed air to build up the turbos and thus eliminates turbo lag. Yet another amazing invention from a company that develops everything in-house, from the door mechanisms to the engines and gear boxes. Speaking of the latter, its nine-speed multiclutch gear box that is said to be able to skip gears and shift at “near light speed”, and is much lighter than a traditional multi clutch ‘box from other manufacturers. Of course the entire car including the wheels is made from carbon fiber. Production is limited to 125 copies to be built within 2,5 to 3 years. Prices are expected to start from $3 million before taxes, and I’m sure they’ll sell them all.

Kriss: hot

There are many things to like about the new Jesko hupercar: it has a new look but is still recognizably a Koenigsegg, the rear spoiler is massively OTT, and it features an innovative 9-speed multi-clutch gearbox that should be able to skip many gears all at once. However, then there are a the stats: twin-turbo, V8, 8,500 rpm redline, and almost 1,600hp. Love it.

Geneva-Auto_Show-2019-Mazda_CX30

Mazda CX-30

Kriss: hot

There are no two ways about it – the CX-30 is a great-looking car, arguably a more successful design than the new 3 hatchback on which it is based. If the driving experience is up to the usual high standards set by other Mazdas, and the interior is at least a bit more spacious and practical than the 3, then the CX-30 should take its place alongside the Qashqai and T-Roc as a mild crossover success story. Two things niggle, though. First, the unusual name reflects Mazda’s muddled crossover jumble (the CX-30 slots just above the slightly-shorter CX-3, below the taller CX-5, and in essence serves the role played by the CX-4 in the Chinese market). Two: why do the plastic wheel-arch extensions have to be so huge?

Bart: not

As Kriss already pointed out, the wheel arch extensions are huge, and once you see it, it can’t be unseen. And I also don’t see the added value of this car, as it’s actually more of a Cross-version of the new Mazda3 hatchback than it is a true crossover or SUV. Perhaps the huge black surfaces on the sides are needed to camouflage that and to give it some “off-road” credibility? In terms of size, the 3 and the CX-30 are exactly the same width and the latter is just 6,5 cm shorter. So why not save the development money and have made one design for the new Mazda3 HB and a Cross version of it, next to the 3 sedan? Did the Infiniti Q30/QX30 failure scare Mazda off? I think those cars flopped for different reasons than that, but that’s a story for a different time. Yes, the CX-30 looks better than the 3 when looking at the rear 3/4, but that’s mostly because it lacks that weird oversized C-pillar. For the rest, I’d actually prefer the more sporty looks of said 3. So in short, the design is acceptable (apart from the oversized black wheel arches), but I really don’t understand Mazda’s strategy, with all these overlapping and internally competing models (CX-3, CX-30, CX-5 and 3 hatchback). A small manufacturer could make better use its limited R&D money.

Geneva-Auto_Show-2019-Mercedes_Benz_CLA-Shooting_Brake

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Bart: so-so

I’ve never been a big fan of the CLA, both in terms of styling (the dimensions seemd off, plus: front overhang, anybody?), but at least the Shooting Brake added something different to it. The new CLA Shooting brake features the sharper front-end design of recent Mercedes-Benz coupes, and I dig the cleaner sides, but it also has the droopy looking rear-end designs of those recent coupes. Seriously, who thinks the CLS and new CLA look strong and powerful from the rear? Show me some fingers, because I’m not seeing it. The CLA Shooting Brake also seems a bit too narrow when looking from straight behind.

Kriss: so-so

Now in its second generation, the CLA Shooting Brake is a better-looking car than its predecessor, as well as a much more shapely machine than the second-generation CLA “coupe”. With that said, the fundamental problem with this car remains – what does this car represent, and who is it for exactly? If you think that the “CL” models are meant to be sporty, you might find the CLA Shooting Brake to be just a little too humdrum, no matter the swoopy styling. If you need a more practical A-Class, then the CLA SB will be up against some formidable in-house competition in the form of the GLA and GLB. Niche overload?

 

Geneva-Auto_Show-2019-Peugeot_208

Peugeot 208

Kriss: Star of the Show

There are so many things to like about the little Peugeot, it comfortably grabs my “Star of the Show” tag. First, there is the styling – distinctively new-wave Peugeot, but with plenty of nods towards the classic 205, including a great stance that makes the car look like it’s hugging the road, especially when viewed from the rear. Then there is the interior, which incorporates the company’s distinct interior design in a small package. But the winner for me is the company’s strategy to offer the EV version alongside ICE versions, using as many shared components as possible. It will be fascinating to see whether the inevitable compromises are small enough to overlook in favor of the flexible manufacturing approach to the upcoming ICE -> EV shift. The new little Peugeot seems to have it all!

Bart: hot

I’m totally on board with Kriss on this one. Peugeot nailed it with the new 208 and this is going to be a real tough nut for the Clio (too evolutionairy?), Polo (too soft and booooooooring) and Fiesta (just lacks the character of the previous one), especially considering there’s going to be an all-electric version available next year. The new 208 looks strong and hunched from all sides, I can’t find any real weak spots in the design, besided perhaps the fangs under the headlights that may not be everybody’s cup of tea. After the making the best looking midsized sedan, Peugeot shows it’s really back with a guaranteed hit in the segment where it counts volume-wise. I haven’t been so enthusiastic about any new car design for a long time. The CMP platform promises good things for the future of PSA’s small models, with its versatility in terms of electrification, which should save them a lot of money when the shift from ICE to EV happens faster (or less fast) than expected.

Geneva-auto_show-2019-Polestar_2

Polestar 2

Bart: hot

To me, the Polestar 2 hits just the right mix between sedan, coupe and crossover. It has a sleek roofline yet a somewhat higher ground clearance and those characteristic black wheel arches, but still a classic sedan silhouette when looking through your eyebrows. It also has that minimalistic and square Swedish design, rounded off just enough to look modern yet timeless. In terms of technology, the Polestar offers similar specs as the Model 3, which means it’s way ahead of anything the Germans are preparing in this price category. Polestar itself considers the ICE players in this segment as more of a competition than the Model 3, as the real challenge lies in getting people out of their diesel or gasoline powered sedan and into a long-range EV. In terms of design and specs, I’d buy into it if I was shopping in this segment.

Kriss: so-so

I really want to be excited about the Polestar 2, I should be excited about it, but really I am kind of disappointed… Don’t get me wrong, the specs for this model look really good, and if Vol… Polestar can deliver on the promised price than it should be a great EV option. However, I can’t escape the fact that the model looks like what a Chinese knock-off of a Volvo may look like, an impression not helped by Volvo’s decision to not make this a Volvo. Surely it would have made more sense to plant this model firmly in the Volvo range, say as the E50, and see it fly off the dealer lots?

Geneva-auto_show-2019-Renault_Clio

Renault Clio

Kriss: so-so

The new Clio is nice, maybe even very nice in places, but it looks just a little bit too much like the previous generation, and as a result lacks the “wow” factor of the Peugeot 208. Oh, and it really looks a lot like the latest Nissan Micra, with which it shares its platform, surely not what the company intended. That said, the interior is rather nice, and once you see the new model side-by-side with the old one you will appreciate how much of a difference the new model’s larger wheels make!

Bart: hot

The new Clio looks familiar from all sides yet not one panel has been left unchanged. Renault has been thinking “what VW Group keeps getting away with, must work for us too”, and indeed it seems to be working, at least for me. In my opinion the outgoing Clio has been the best looking subcompact ever since its launch, and it still looks fresh so why mess too much with what’s already a great design? They’ve just modernized and sharpened the Clio and Renault would have gotten away with it if it weren’t for that striking Peugeot 208 mentioned above. I saw the new Clio in real life first and was enthusiastic about it. Then I saw the 208, and when I came back to the Renault stand most of that enthusiasm had melted. I still think the Clio looks great, much better than most of its rivals, just except for one. I love that new orange tone, though. I hope this will bring some color to the monotonous European streets.

Geneva-auto_show-2019-Skoda_Kamiq

Skoda Kamiq

Bart: not

If I had to choose one of VW’s Group’s new small crossovers, the Skoda might actually be the one I’d pick over the T-Roc and Arona, but that’s less a testament to the strength of the Kamiq’s design than it is to the total apathy I have towards the other two. The Arona’s “frivolous” C-pillar looks like lipstick on a pig and the T-Roc’s design is trying too hard to be too many things. At least the Kamiq has the typical pudency of Skoda design. There’s just nothing exciting about it. But that doesn’t stop Skoda from writing the following sentence in its press release of the Kamiq: “In the language of the Inuit, Kamiq embodies something (…) that has its own character. That suits this car perfectly.” Pick me up and hang me to dry, because this takes the cake when it comes to the most hollow quote in an automotive press release of the year. Its own character? A cookie cutter, dime a dozen crossover that has nothing to set it apart from the masses? From the rear it’s super predictable and recognizable as a Skoda, from the side you wouldn’t be able to set it apart from any other VW Group product and in front they’ve at least tried to decorate the standard Skoda grille with a headlight design Citroën and Jeep have also experimented with (and failed). The Yeti, which this kind-of replaces had character. This has zero character. Like the Mazda CX-30 above, this is positioned as a crossover because that’s what sells these days, but apart from the slightly lifted ride height and the obligatory roof rails, it’s really just a hatchback. It even shares its doors with the new Scala hatchback! Who are they trying to fool here?

Kriss: not

My initial reaction was much in line with Bart’s, but upon a second viewing I think the Skoda’s problem is not so much that it lacks character (those lights, front and rear, are pretty unique), it’s that the character it has is too close to that of its stablemates. Still, while I do like the way the rear lights are much more 3D than most recent designs, the execution of the front leaves a lot to be desired, and this is coming from a person who liked the pre-facelift Jeep Cherokee. Ultimately, I think the Kamiq is probably an example of how doing too little to turn your hatch into a “crossover” can result in a car that, instead of getting people excited to spend a little extra money, has then reaching for an extra cup of coffee.

Geneva-auto_show-2019-SsangYong_Korando

SsangYong Korando

Kriss: so-so

Given that this car comes from perpetual under-achievers SsangYong, I have to say it’s not bad – in fact, if I was “grading on a curve”, I might have given it a “hot” rating. While none of the design elements are wholly original, they come together much better on the Korando than they do, for example, on the Suzuki Vitara or, arguably, the latest Toyota RAV4. Will it sell any better than the outgoing version? It really should, if only because that car was the automotive equivalent of tofu – so bland you could incorporate it into any brand, but not interesting enough on its own to lure anyone.

Bart: so-so

The added value of the SsangYong brand in Europe is still beyond me. The brand offers little that other brands lack and buyers seem to agree, with market share never exceeding 0,13% in the last decade.  The Korando is a compact crossover that should compete with fellow South-Korean models Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage but its lack of brand recognition and a solid dealer network mean that even undercutting those models’ base price by 15% doesn’t lure more than 5.000 buyers per year, less than half the monthly volume of the Tucson or Sportage. SsangYong design has been the laughing stock of the industry ever since it launched the first generation Rodius/Stavic and has never been able to recover from that image. At first glance, from the front and side, I thought they had actually managed to draw a clean looking crossover. But then the car turned and showed its rear, which immediately quenched those thoughts. The rear end design is very messy: the lights are a bit too large for what’s currently trending, the graphics in those lights are a bit too much gaming industry, and the chrome bar between them is a bit too much out there (and its shape is a straight-off copy from Renault, and the new Toyota RAV4, on which it’s much more subtle). The C-pillar design has been done by more than a few others before, and the wheels look rather small as well. Then the interior is too blingy/shiny for my liking. Still, it’s not an ugly car at all, I just fail to see what the Korando has to offer that others in this segment don’t already have. Especially considering its engines aren’t the most high-tech or efficient either. Until the promised EV version arrives, that is.

Geneva-auto_show-2019-Tata_Altroz

Tata Altroz

Bart: not

Why Tata chose Geneva to launch its new compact hatchback is a bit of a mistery, as the brand currently doesn’t sell any cars in Europe, nor does it have plans to do so in the future. Regardless, it’s positioning the Altroz as a premium urban hatchback, although the premium monniker should be seen in light of its Indian roots, where it should compete with the Suzuki-Maruti Baleno (sold through that brand’s upscale Nexa dealerships) and Hyundai Elite i20. Tata’s hatchbacks and small sedans have never been the pinnacle of design and this Altroz also looks a bit awkward, especially from the side and rear. The dip in the window line below the mirrors is so ten years ago, and so is the black surface between the rear lights. The interior is basic but sufficient for Indian Domestic Market standards as this is focused more on durability than on soft touch or high-tech. Most interesting it the platform on which the Altroz is built. Tata calls it the Agile Light Flexible Advanced (ALFA) platform, and like PSA’s CMP platform it allows for flexibility in power trains from petrol to diesel to electric. The electric version of the Altroz does not set new standards with a claimed range of 200-250km, which should translate to less than 200km in the WLTP cycle, but is a promising first step for a brand in a market that currently has virtually zero EV sales.

Kriss: hot

Unlike Bart, I think the Altroz actually looks pretty great! Sure, so of the design elements are a bit dated, and I never liked the fake, blacked-out window extensions such as those used here and on the first-gen Chevrolet Volt, but it all somehow manages to come together to make the Altroz not just distinctive-looking, but actually attractive. If the EV version can be made available for a reasonably low price, I can’t see why Tata could not sell this car internationally.

What's your favourite of the Geneva 2019 launches?

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  1. Though new Peugeot 208 looks absolutely brilliant, both outside and inside, I think the new Clio will still continue to have more success. I like how French car brands are much more brave than their German counterparts when it comes to experimenting with design nowadays, but I don’t thing that Renault made a mistake with this evolutionary design. Clio 4 was a big change when introduced and is still a very good looking car, so why change a lot something that is still mostly fresh? 208 electric version will definitely not improve the sales a lot (consider that Renault sold 40k units of Zoe last year after many many years of production and 300k units of Clio) while the decision to introduce hybrid version of Clio might. Maybe in a few years odds will change, but I think that we all agree that most of the people is still not ready to go fully electric.

  2. I was in Geneva on saturday and I really liked the F8, it is nice car, Jesko looks cool but not a normal car so I looked at it and went away.
    Mazda CX-30, don’t see what it is doing in Mazda lineup, not impressed, spent way more time around Mazda 3.
    CLA SB: compared to previous version that looked terrible this one is quite nice, and a normal sized person can fit on the back seats which is really nice.
    Polestar 2: I like the design throughout but material quality son the inside seemed a bit iffy.
    Skoda Kamiq: it looks about as boring in real life as in pictures, didn’t even bother to seat in it.
    Ssangyong: skipped it altogether, not interested at all
    Tata Altroz, at the first sight it doesn’t look bad at all but early on Saturday the electric version was already falling apart after what 2 full show days. Pass in India maybe but over here you are left battling Dacia Sandero.
    Now to the 2 interesting cars.
    208: I was sceptical about its design seeing pictures but in rel life it doesn’t have so much Twingo 3 feel as I thought( from the rear it looked tall and narrow). I still think it would look better if the rear light extended to the rear hatch. Interior looks fine, quality is decent and 3D dials are a gimmick. The big elephant in a room is that this car barely has enough room for me to fit in the back seat if front seat is set in my driving position(180 cm). I’m touching roof with my head and front seat with my knees. And door opening is so small I had problems getting by 45 size feet out of the car. Very city car, not for someone who wants practicality.
    Clio: I love the design of IV, I love design of V. It didn’t loose to much of its curves and it got some details that make it much more high class looking. Interior in Clio IV was really not great but V is incredible step up. Doors are way higher quality then one on any of its rivals even on Audi A1 with soft touch everywhere on the top of the door. Stick shift feels way better then in 208 and the biggest thing is space, big boot and way more room in the back. For me it is a French Golf, it does all you want from it and it does it looking good and you don’t have to make big sacrifices in any aspect.

  3. About the Clio: “Oh, and it really looks a lot like the latest Nissan Micra, with which it shares its platform, surely not what the company intended”. UNTRUE! The Clio sits on a brand new platform.

    As to its looks: The Clio didn’t grow in length, is lower but ,,,, 66 mm wider! That makes a whole lotta difference. As such, its looks are even more appealing, assuring & athletic.

  4. Quite an interesting Geneva Auto Show I must say with great sports cars (Jesko is brilliant!) and some interesting mainstream newcomers. The automotive landscape is changing, in a positive and negative sense. Starting with the latter, it’s clear there are too many crossovers these days. Although I like a lot of them, some brands (e.g. Mazda) and companies (e.g. VAG, Kamiq rewrites the laws of being interchangeable) are taking it too far. Call me crazy, but I don’t see why the new Mazda3 can’t be offered as a Sportbreak instead of introducing another crossover. The CX-30 reminds me of the many Cross versions of former hatchbacks. It’s not a true crossover/SUV. What’s wrong with a decent, sporty looking and of course practical estate for the European market?
    .
    Same goes for Renault, because French media are saying the Clio Estate will be discontinued. Pourqoui?! If the Clio and Captur have proven one thing, it’s that they can operate next to each other. Too many car concepts are declining and it’s a pity the compact station wagon is amongst them resulting in monotonous segments. As for the design of the Clio V, I like the new, distinguished details, but it’s ridiculous even French brands are starting to recycle existing designs (@Kriss, the current Micra was inspired by the Clio IV, not the other way around ;)). Never change a winning team… BLA BLA! Look at Citroen! The C3 is more popular than ever and doesn’t look like its predecessor.
    .
    In this respect, I think it’s great Mercedes keeps the CLA SB alive. Looks better in my opinion due to a more balanced design and it’s unique within the A range. I do believe the Germans are attracting new and, more importantly, younger customers with the CLA. Yes, it’s niche, but at least it’s different compared with the related models.
    .
    Another positive newcomer is the Polestar 2. I agree with Kriss it could have been a Volvo, but today market segmentation goes hand in hand with brand segmentation. With Infiniti leaving the Western-European market in 2020 :(, it’s going to be interesting to see the development of Polestar. The 2 is very special in my opinion combining lots of elements from different car concepts (i.e. sedan, coupe). They should be happy with the result, it doesn’t look unbalanced at all and the technology is impressive as well.
    .
    Peugeot steals the show with the 208. I’m not fond of the walrus lighting at the front which is the only negative thing I can say. It’s a true lion; distinctive without overdoing it. Vintage Peugeot! Love the interior and the e-208 seems to offer enough for those who own a car for daily use. Like no other company PSA understands how to give multiple brands different identities. Especially considering the choices other brands are making for their B segment cars, I applaud Peugeot and Citroen for being able to give customers something to choose from with the 208 (sporty looks, driveability) and C3 (creative simplicity, comfort) respectively. Same goes for the crossover range including Opel. I’m sure the upcoming Corsa will be recognisable as Opel. In short: Tavares is doing a great job!

    1. “BLA BLA. Look at Citroen! The C3 is more popular than ever and doesn’t look like its predecessor”. Still, the C3 sells way less than the bun on wheels of 15 years ago. Also: The Clio IV was / is a blockbuster design, light years more refreshing, sculpted and sensual than any competitor. I would have done the very same thing if I was in L v/d A’s shoes -> evolution. What was exactly what he predicted when the L v/d A cycle started.

      1. You’re absolutely right, but I don’t like the rise of evolutionary design within the industry, irrespective of country of origin. Can I blame ze Zjermans? 😛
        .
        Citroen is one of few brands which seems to design cars the way they want to. Giving the current C3 the green light, they knew lots of people don’t want it just because it’s different. Compared with the predecessor, which looked too much like the first generation, the C3 shows a distinctive design can be successful.
        .
        About L v/d A, I think he is doing an amazing job as SVP Corporate Design at Renault. No doubt! Clio IV sure is timeless and the new model looks classy. However, the Clio has always been a compact car with a new look for four generations so I think going down the evolutionary road, like most of the B segment competitors (e.g. Fiesta, Swift, Polo, Corsa), is regrettable.

  5. No Alfa Tonale?! Surely one of the stars of Geneva. Alfa needs to get it to market ASAP….

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