Audi RS4

Audi is celebrating 25 years of the quattro 4WD system and, to mark this, are launching the new RS4 at Geneva. First used on the RS2 Avant in 1993, the RS badge is the ultimate expression of Audi values and the models have always shown a dedicated (and expensive) approach to design modifications to achieve their goals. The RS4 continues this philosophy with an extensively modified 4.2 litre V8 motor giving a massive 420ps output. Other modifications include using aluminium suspension compo nents, 30mm wider tracks and lovely 18” alloys.

The revised front bumper incorporates a deeper main grille with hexagonal mesh, flanked by RS-trademark deep side intake grilles. The rear uses big bore exhausts as the main visual clue to the changes. As before, those wider tracks mean unique front and rear bumpers and fenders. Very expensive. And where other manufacturers would simply add a trunk spoiler, Audi designers have taken the opportunity of a whole new rear fender pressing to modify the trailing edge of the fender and tool up a matching trunklid with integrated lip spoiler. That's dedication for you.

Fiat Croma

This is Fiat's response to the Renault Vel Satis and Opel Signum, with whom it shares its GM-derived platform. Styling for this large 4.7m car is by Guigiaro but it seems surprisingly mundane compared to their other efforts for Alfa Romeo at this show. First impressions tend to focus on the big front overhang with large bulbous nose and the somewhat plain grille but the interior is much more promising, with its rich ambience of Alcantara and dark red inserts used on facia and doors.

It's hard to understand the strategy behind this car: is this really what the Italian market wants right now? Renault and Opel's experience would suggest Fiat are going to have a hard time convincing customers this is the way forward. And where is the strategy behind Fiat design? Specifically, where's the coherence between the cheeky Panda, the spikey Punto, the wacky Multipla… and this? No wonder Fiat is in trouble.

Mazda MX-5

The new MX5/Miata is both quite similar to its predecessor and yet also rather different.

Because it is based on a shortened version of the RX8 platform, the new car is far broader of track which gives it a significantly more masculine and less lithe feel to the car it replaces. This is accentuated by the larger wheels, more substantial body side section and RX8 style wheel-arch treatment.

But the car is also very similar to the previous MX5, particularly in its rear aspect and a front lamp graphic that stems directly from that of the first generation car, and is very similar to the Ibuki concept car shown in Tokyo in 2003.

A logically conservative new design that looks like its newfound more masculine design identity will broaden its market appeal, if potentially also reduce some of the uniquely lithesome and feminine appeal of its quintessential predecessor.

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Mazda Ibuki concept - Tokyo 2003

Alfa Romeo Brera

At Geneva 2002 the Alfa Romeo Brera concept car was shown by Giorgetto Giugiaro; an V8 engine GT in the mould of a Maserati. Now, three years later the production Alfa Romeo Brera, also designed by Giugiaro, makes its debut as a replacement for the Pininfarina-designed GTV.

The production car stems closely from the concept car, although the front wheel drive platform (a slightly shortened, widened 156) forces a big change in the side proportions, and in combination with the car’s 1372mm height and short DLO give the car a slightly stumpy look. The angularly surfaced front of the car is dominated by twin sets of three circular lamps under a frowning bonnet leading edge, and this new lamp graphic is echoed at the rear where the surfacing is far more rounded.

The production Brera has come quite a way from the exotic coupe of the original concept car. Whilst a generally handsome car there are inconsistencies in its aesthetic and a shift in vehicle type that arguably means it will cannibalise sales of its Coupe brother.

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Alfa Brera concept - Geneva 2002

Ford SAV concept

The SAV is an interesting MPV crossover concept and is said to signal an emerging new form language for Ford in Europe. Designed in Ford's Cologne studio under the supervision of Geoff Gardiner, the SAV is close to the Galaxy in size but much more sporty in concept. Key words for the design are dynamism and solidity, according to Gardiner, with a slight 70s touch such as orange pinstriping on the tyres, lower mouth and interior details.

The bodyside features a recessed section through the middle providing some sculptural relief, while the inverted trapezoid mouth at the front echoes the theme seen on the Focus ST and provides a very solid look to the front end.

The interior has five seats arranged in a 2-2-1 arrangement. The two middle rear seats can move outboard to allow the single seat in the trunk to motor forwards if required and the grey and orange theme used throughout looks urban and sophisticated. Another neat touch is the five luggage trolleys that form the trunk lining and armrests and can be individually removed.

Citroën C6

A new big Citroen is always an exciting prospect; the C6 that debuts in Geneva has a linage that stems goes back to the pre-war Traction Avant, through DS, CX and XM; all distinctive, innovative designs. And there is a lot about the C6 which is distinctive and innovative.

The long front over hang is accentuated by quite a square plan shape which also perceptually broadens the car, particularly as the Citroen grille is flanked by slim, vertically orientated lamps. These lamps sit atop a powerful side feature line that arcs back through the flanks in echo of the base of the CX derived DLO. CX influences continue at the rear with a concave rear screen, but the mini-buttress rear lamps are not derivative and work with a line that echoes the door shuts to delineate the short rear part of the car.

Inside the Mokunto African wood appliqué is unusual, as is the wholly digital instrumentation, U shaped motif in the centre stack and for the door pocket which is unusually accessed by sliding its front downward.

But some of the innovations from the C4 are notable for their absence and the perceived material quality is still some way short of the German brands that dominate this sector; and that of the Renault Vel Satis.

  Read our full Design Review...

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