SsangYong to launch XLV in Geneva

SsangYong will reveal a new extended Tivoli XLV at the Geneva Motor Show.

Providing more carrying capacity and practicality, the Tivoli XLV was shown as the XLV Air concept in Frankfurt last year, and following ‘extremely favourable feedback’ the company has decided put the car into production.

Sharing the same platform as the Tivoli, the XLV features a lengthened body from behind the C pillar, an increase of 235mm over the standard car, expanding the load capacity to 720 cubic litres of space. Meanwhile, the styling cues that distinguish Tivoli are retained. It will be offered with a choice of a Euro 6 compliant 1.6 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engines, mated to the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Aisin automatic, two-wheel drive or four wheel drive. UK specification is yet to be determined.

SsangYong will also showcase a SIV-2 concept (Smart Interface Vehicle) midsize premium SUV at the show. As the next iteration on from the SIV-1 concept which was shown at Geneva in 2013, this takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

Based on SsangYong’s development theme of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, this new concept pursues the emotional interface between the driver and car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range.

The SIV-2 is a mild hybrid, powered by a 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery. This creates a 48V mild hybrid system which offers quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions and silent running when idling and at slow speeds.

This eco-friendly concept features a lightweight body, a low centre of gravity and a chassis and suspension system that can be further developed to create alternative models with high efficiency powertrains such as HEV, PHEV and EV.

Lexus to unveil LC 500h in Geneva

Lexus will debut to the LC 500h luxury coupe at the Geneva Motor Show.
 
Powered by Lexus's next generation hybrid powertrain, the ‘Multi Stage Hybrid System’ found in the LC 500h coupe will provide ‘higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency’.

The LC made its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit as one of Lexus’s flagship models. The LC is built on a new Lexus architecture that ‘promises greater dynamic capabilities’ says the Japanese brand. The coupe, inspired by the LF-LC concept that was revealed in 2012, marks the beginning of a new phase for Lexus with a shift in engineering processes and design ideologies.

Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at Geneva. Making its first European appearance, the concept vehicle offers a glance towards Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. First seen at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system and features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

Peugeot Traveller set for Geneva debut

Peugeot’s new Traveller MPV is set to make its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Traveller’s assertive design exudes strength and elegance, says Peugeot, while introducing features of the brand's SUV and car range to the MPV segment.

Sitting on a new chassis, adapted from the ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2), the Traveller will also be targeted at the VIP shuttle sector with the promise of quality, efficiency and best-in-class fuel consumption.

Its Euro 6 BlueHDi engines are equipped with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) pollution control system upstream of the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). These combine driving enjoyment and efficient performance, says Peugeot, offering an output of up to 180hp and peak torque of 400Nm, and average CO2 emission levels across the range of 140g/km.

The Traveller is available in multiple configurations with seating for up to 9 occupants and has already been awarded a top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Maxime Picat, Managing Director at Peugeot, said: “The Peugeot Traveller fully applies the brand’s expansion strategy by positioning us on the growth sectors of the MPV and VIP Shuttle. Through its innovative design, the Peugeot Traveller gives a new dimension to Peugeot’s upmarket shift.”