For anyone that even vaguely likes cars, motor shows are adult’s equivalent of kids let loose in sweet shops. Stand after stand of gleaming exotic and desirable machines, they’re showcases of the present and future of motoring excellence.
The Frankfurt Motor Show certainly was no exception. With over 1,100 exhibitors from 39 countries and featuring 219 world premieres, even the most dedicated visitor struggled to take it all in.
From a company car perspective there were a number of important new product unveils, cars which we will shortly be seeing pounding the motorways and roads of Ireland. Chief among them will be Audi’s new A4, lighter, more efficient, and bigger than its predecessor. It’s sure to be a firm favourite with fleet buyers when it arrives early next year.
Hoping to be a serious rival to the A4 is the Alfa Romeo Giula. The rear-wheel-drive saloon is the first of the new generation Alfas and is critical to the firm’s long-term success. It certainly looks the part.
For C-Segment buyers, the big news was the launch of the new Opel Astra in hatch and estate versions. The former gets here next month with prices starting from €19,995. A new 1.4 litre petrol engine looks appealing, as well as the recently launched 1.6 CDTI diesel.
It will face competition from the new Renault Megane also making its debut here. Bigger than before, it also appears to be more upmarket, with better quality materials used. The estate versions of the D-Segment sized Talisman was also shown – like the saloon it’s a good looking car.
Jaguar unveiled its much anticipated F-Pace, the brand’s first crossover/SUV. A timely debut for an ever-increasing segment for company car drivers.
That’s a market that Volkswagen will also be hoping to increase its market share in with the launch of the new Tiguan. Including a plug-in version, it looks well equipped to be a strong contender.
One of my personal favourites at the show was the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. They certainly have got the styling of this three door right with very elegant proportions. Ideal for the high flying company executive.
KIA had two models of interest to the fleet market. The new Optima comes here in December. Among features are a new 1.7 diesel engine and dual clutch automatic transmission. It will be followed shortly after by the new Sportage crossover.
Over at MINI, the new Clubman is a car that might well appeal to company drivers looking for something a little different. Now with two full sized rear doors, it’s significantly bigger than before.
Eco-friendly fleet buyers will be attracted to the new Toyota Prius. It’s promising up to 18% improvement in CO2 emissions and a more rewarding driving experience.
Another brand pushing green technology was BMW which showed no fewer than three plug-in hybrids – the 225xe, 330e and 740e. Expect the 2-Series Active Tourer PHEV by March of next year.
Nissan’s Gripz concept points to a small SUV due by 2017, but of perhaps more significance was the launch of a more powerful version of the all-electric Leaf promising an improved range of up to 250km.
Tweet
The post Lots to appeal to fleet buyers at Frankfurt Motor Show appeared first on FleetCar.ie.