What's New: February 2006

Ford S-Max

 Following the unveiling of the SAV concept at Geneva last year comes the production version, the S-MAX. Sharing much in common with the new Galaxy, the S-Max aims to have greater dynamic appeal and retain a closer connection with Ford of Europe's 'Kinetic Design' ethos. Differences include the dropping window-line that pushes back to form a triangular D-pillar and round fog lamps at the front. At the back there is now metal between the rear screen and lamps, while there is also a vent tucked in behind the front wheelarches.

Growing another couple of seats over the SAV concept, the seating layout is described as '5+2' with comfort focussed on the front two rows; the second now elevated by 64mm over the outgoing Galaxy for Land Rover-like 'stadium seating'. Given the more sporting pretensions of the S-MAX, engine options will include the 220PS 2.5-liter turbocharged unit from the Focus ST.

Volkswagen Concept A

 Volkswagen has revealed its latest design study, the Concept A, a crossover between sports car and SUV. Like the conceptually similar Concept T of 2004, the Concept A is based on the Golf platform, marrying coupe-like profile with raised stance. At the front, vertical vents flank the shield-grille, whose matt-silver finish is repeated on the A-posts and door-handles. These give access to a contemporary interior via opposing-opening doors. The high dashboard holds a clean IP with novel air-vents. The colour and trim comes from a black and white palette with contrasting textures.

Using 4MOTION, the engine's 150PS is transmitted to all four 20? wheels. This innovative unit is already available on the Golf, and uses both turbo- and supercharger for maximal performance and minimal fuel consumption. The Concept A measures 4348mm long and 1854mm wide, and at 1551mm tall is just 66mm higher than the Golf.

Kia cee'd concept

 Kia Motors will preview their new C-segment car in Geneva next week: cee'd (pronounced 'seed'). Designed entirely in Kia's satellite studio in Germany, cee'd will also mark the opening of the company's first-ever European assembly plant in Slovakia.

As partner-company Hyundai becomes more orientated towards the American market, cee'd marks Kia's commitment to Europe, portraying design DNA that will filter through to other future products. According to Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer at the Kia European Design Centre, "we wanted to make cee'd as beautiful, as exquisitely detailed and precisely executed as possible." It will go up against the Volkwagen Golf and Opel Astra from its launch at Paris later this year, with production beginning in December.

Rinspeed ZaZen concept

 Swiss car specialists Rinspeed have released pictures of designer Frank Rinderknecht's vision of the future, the zaZen. Described as 'automotive enlightenment', zaZen has been developed in conjunction with plastics producer Bayer MaterialScience. Innovative features include a holographic brake light projected on the dominant DLO. This one-piece roof is made of Bayer's Makrolon polycarbonate, saving weight by being used instead of glass. Below this, the white paint is similarly unique: its sheen is generated by millions of minute Swarovski crystals, coated with self-healing polyurethane. Inside, silicon-like Technogel is used for the seats squabs, a material that enhances blood-flow over traditional materials and also used for the in-soles of Fila trainers. The donor vehicle underneath this all is a Porsche 911 Carrera S, though there is indication of a natural gas powered variant being considered.

Dodge Hornet concept

 The Dodge Hornet is a Fiat Grande Punto rival set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Despite the B-segment length, the width is closer to C-segment to give a robust look and big interior. According to principal exterior designer Mark Moushegian, the Hornet has "a uniquely American character to expand the image and presence of the Dodge brand in Europe."

Prominent haunches visually meet the center-line in profile, and narrow as they move towards the B-pillar to accommodate the spacious interior. Details include a notched sill and rally-inspired cues such as the livery and vent for the supercharger. Behind the characteristic Dodge cross-bar grille is a supercharged 1.6l four-cylinder engine producing 170PS and 170lb.ft of torque.

IED Haizea concept

 For the third consecutive year, Italian design school IED will present a full-size show car developed by their Transportation Design students. Having tackled a Fiat last year, the student's attentions have this time turned to sister-company Lancia, their tribute to the company based on research into the identity of the Italian brand.

The unusual package of the Haizea ('wind' in Basque) puts the engine within the wheelbase behind the cabin. The architecture inside creates a longitudinal central spine onto which the seats and dashboard are mounted, the IP itself having a split 'T' theme, which is bridged by contrasting violet trim. Defining the somewhat sinister exterior are sharp creases along the cab-forward profile, while the rear seems to share some cues with last year's X1/99 concept.

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