The Opel Astra is a well-made car. The same applies to the VW Tiguan or the Audi A4. The three new editions do not deliver any major surprises, as do most of the other series premieres. Good thing there are a few innovative studies.
The German premium manufacturers in particular have created more than the usual design gadgets. Mercedes surprises with the Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile), a streamlined sedan with an almost seamless body. Instead of door handles, there is a touchpad in the B-pillar; instead of outside mirrors, cameras provide a view to the rear. A special highlight are extendable air baffles at the rear. From 80 km / h, they lengthen the body by 39 centimeters, allow the air to flow out more gently and thus ensure a record-breaking drag coefficient of 0,19. With the slippery four-seater Mercedes breaks a lance for the consumption-reducing effects of good aerodynamics. These have recently been forgotten because they are hardly used in the usual NEDC consumption test (which in turn also explains the good test bench consumption values of SUVs). However, the practice consumption should decrease noticeably on long motorway stages.
The Mercedes is powered by a hybrid drive. But compared to the aerodynamic tricks, this is rather a minor matter. The focus, however, is on drive technology in the studies by Audi and Porsche. The two group siblings try to outdo each other with their e-models, but above all the California pioneer Tesla. With its successful top-class electricity Model S, it has long been a thorn in both flesh of both brands. With Mission E, Porsche is now giving a view of a four-seater electric athlete who has 440 kW / 600 hp of power from two electric motors and at the same time should offer a range of 500 kilometers. Audi promises similar values for its E-Tron Quattro Concept, whose three electric motors deliver around 368 kW / 500 hp. In addition to the long range and high performance, the announced charging time of the batteries is impressive: with the Audi, they should be full again after 30 minutes at the power socket, with the Porsche even in half the time. However, it still takes some time before the e-models go online. Audi already names at least one point in time: the year 2018.
In contrast to the eco-offensive of the German manufacturers, the concepts of the importers mainly focus on design. Two brands indicate how they imagine future small SUVs. Mazda approaches the topic relatively realistically: The Koeru shows the next level of crossover design among the Japanese and could give an outlook on an upcoming model between the mini SUV CX-3 and the compact model CX-5. Nissan looks further into the future with the Gripz. The particularly dynamic mini SUV study combines three core competencies of the brand for image advertising: crossover design, electric drive and sports car tradition - not only the design, but also the name choice is based on the Nissan Z. In addition, the jagged concept car could give a view of the next Juke.
The Citroen Cactus M Concept is one of the most likeable show pieces at the fair. The crossover convertible is a revenant of the legendary beach buggy Méhari, not based on the duck like this one, but on the inexpensive C4 Cactus. The highlight of the study are waterproof seat covers and water drains in the floor, which make it possible to completely do away with a convertible top. According to reports, a series model could well be planned, for which the study gives a distant foretaste.
However, the Peugeot Fractal - perhaps the most original exhibit on the show - has no chance of being implemented in a series. The small coupé is more a rolling recording studio than conventional means of transport. The foam-lined interior offers the perfect sound biotope for the surround sound system. Or for the carefully designed sounds of indicators or electric drives. At the same time, the futuristic four-seater also gives an outlook on the future cockpit design of the brand. Eye-catchers are, for example, decorative strips made of oak and copper or the square steering wheel.
Author: Holger Holzer / SP-X