Volvo has released pictures of the second-generation S80, a model series which when first launched in 1998 revived the Swedish brand with less slab-like, more expressive styling. This new model evolves those themes, and with it now carries Volvo's compact V8 that first appeared in the XC90 SUV last year. With 315PS put to the road through all four wheels, it will be Volvo's spearhead for penetrating the crucial American market and luring 35,000 new owners each year. Summarised as 'Scandinavian Luxury', the S80's familiar exterior shrouds an interior that owes more to the S40/V50 models, its floating center stack extending beyond the gear-gate over the center-console.

Other engine options include a new 3.2-liter six producing 235PS, which is more compact than the existing five-cylinder units that will also be carried over from the existing range. The new Volvo S80 will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Following the concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 comes the production version of the innovative Skoda Roomster. Designed by Peter Wouda, the new car maintains much from the show car in its car-meets-van profile. Most changes occur at the rear where the large vertical lights and glass tailgate have been replaced with a more conventional arrangement, framed by thick D-pillars. There are also notable changes at the front, the down-road-graphic now comprised of six basic elements rather than the show car's five. The car has also grown another door for RHD markets.

The car will debut in road-ready form at the Geneva Motor Show next month, and will be offered with a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines. Production will begin in the summer at Skoda's Kvasiny plant in the Czech Republic.

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Skoda Roomster concept - Frankfurt 2003

The new Toyota Estima furthers the company's evolution of 'stylish and luxurious' MPVs, as initiated in 1990 by the first Estima. Now in its third generation, the new model – previewed as the Estima concept at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show – features clean fluid surfaces that furthers Toyota's Vibrant Clarity design strategy.

The production version features a face with revised grille and lower intakes. Surface changes here include the top bumper crease hooking back into the lights, rather than the more shield-like central area of the show car. The interior features a built-in HDD (hard-disc drive) for navigation, and can also store up to 2,000 songs that can be played through the 'Panoramic Super-Live Sound System' that uses the roof-panel as a diaphragm. It will be available from launch with 2.4- and 3.5-liter V6 engines, and will be available in Europe next year badged as the Previa.

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Toyota Estima concept - Tokyo 2005

Suzuki has released pictures of their new K-class contender, the MR. Closely based on Mom's Personal Wagon concept shown at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, the MR shares its friendly expression with the production preview. Differences between the two are limited, the repositioning of the door handles being the most notable change. The finish of these has also been changed from brightwork to body colour – as has happened to the grille, whose dark finish exaggerates the bulging headlamps.

Like the show car, the production version remains focussed towards women. Aside from the youthful face, the interior features cubby-holes for cosmetics and light, feminine hues for the trim. Despite its diminutive dimensions, the MR is available with both two- and four-wheel-drive. It will be available from next week.

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Suzuki Mom's Personal Wagon - Tokyo 2005

The BMW Z4 Coupe has now been released for the road after its preview in Frankfurt last year. With the new body style comes the new M-version that uses the roadster’s engine: the 3.2-liter straight six produces 343PS, and will be available alongside the more sanitised 3.0l and 2.5l variants. The launch of the coupe coincides with a face-lift across the Z4 range, minor bumper and light revisions leaving designer Anders Warming’s lines untouched.

The most notable change is on the M-version’s hood: it uses a new production process where a robot with a special tool tip exerts a defined amount of force along the line to create unique peaks. This process is philosophically akin to rapid prototyping in that no rigid stamping tool or mould is involved, enabling BMW to create discrete solutions for small numbers of batch-produced vehicles such as the M cars.

In one of the most anticipated releases of the year in South Korea, GM Daewoo has introduced its new premium sedan, the Tosca. This car will replace the Magnus (named Evanda overseas) to increase the company's presence in the D1 sector.

Developed by the GM Design & Technology Centre in Incheon, South Korea, the Tosca (TOmorrows Standard CAr) displays simple and abstained styling. With the exception of one sharp break around the bodyside crease, main volumes and surfaces are completed without interruption. Its rivals include the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis and Samsung SM5/Nissan Teana in what is Korea's most popular segment. The Tosca measures: length 4800mm, width 1810mm, height 1450mm, with a 2700mm wheelbase, and will be offered with two engine options: a 144PS 2.0-litre, and a 2.5-liter with 157PS. Domestic sales have just begun, with worldwide release scheduled later this year.

Peugeot has released pictures of the 207, due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It will initially be launched alongside the 206, which has to date sold over 5,000,000 units since its launch in 1998.

Larger than its predecessor, the 207 is also 20mm longer than the new Renault Clio, taking its length to over 4 meters. The long front takes its DRG from the Peugeot 20Cup concept shown at Frankfurt last year, albeit taller, while the rear evolves the theme of the 206. Inside, the upper part of the IP seemingly floats on the vertical instrument stack, this housing equipment such as dual-zone climate control.

The 207 will be available with the existing range of engines from the 206, though in September will include the outcome of PSA's collaboration with BMW: two 1.6 liter petrol units, one of which turbocharged to produce 150PS.

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Peugeot 20Cup concept Preview

Last year, Ford sold their 5,000,000th Transit, establishing it as Europe's most popular van, a model line which has been in production since 1965. Designed by Ford's studio in Dunton, UK, this new version evolves the 'New Edge' theme of the outgoing model with a more Teutonic feel, bearing much in common with the recently unveiled Volkswagen Crafter.

The front graphic has grown to include vertically orientated headlamps and large three-bar grille, a theme embraced by Ford America on their Fusion and Edge models. At the side, just one break, rather than the two of the previous model, distinguishes the lower line of the glass. Inside, the gearshift is moved to the dashboard for 'walk through' access, and has been designed to be more like a 'mobile office' – a theme also emphasised by the Ford F-250 Super Duty at SEMA last year.

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What's New: Volkswagen Crafter

From the makers of some of the hottest Subaru Imprezas comes UK firm Prodrive's own take on a performance car. Though this prototype is not yet with the backing of a manufacturer for batch production, it is fully working with a 320PS Impreza engine pushing just 1100kg.

Initiated and developed by Chair David Richards, the P2 is his vehicle to demonstrate on the road what is otherwise reserved for race circuits. Innovations on the concept include ALS (Anti-Lag System) which keeps turbo-boost high at low engine speeds for immediate response, facilitating up to 575Nm of torque. Both interior and exterior were designed by Peter Stevens, who previously joined Gordon Murray in bringing McLaren to the road with the seminal F1. If a backer can be sourced, the P2 is expected to cost $60,000.

Chevrolet has released more pictures of their new European market SUV, the Captiva, following the teaser photo released last month. It is a key model in their market expansion: already sales for Chevrolet in 2005 were up 26% on 2004, accounting for an eighth of the brand's global sales, and the launch of the Captiva marks their capitalisation on this foothold, being the first non-rebadged Daewoo.

The new photographs now show more than just the DRG, the three-quarter shots exposing softly sculpted flanks, these sitting below bodyside creases that curl into the side vents. Another popular feature being used here is shoulder-mounted door mirrors, an arrangement which are claimed by Lexus to reduce wind noise. Interior details are yet to be announced.

Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the Captiva will be in showrooms in June.