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Honda
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n the past, Honda has dazzled show visitors with an array of concepts. Compared to that, this year the main star from the brand was the new hybrid version of its Jazz supermini. The hybrid Jazz uses the same Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild hybrid system as the Insight and CR-Z paired with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. Meanwhile, Honda was really trying to emphasize that the CR-Z as a sport hybrid at Paris by adding things like larger wheels, a mesh grille, unique bluetinged headlights, some carbon fibre trim and a rear spoiler. The kit may help promote an image of sportiness, but even the fanciest of body kit won’t help boost the not-entirelysporty and not-so-efficient hybrid powertrain under the bonnet in this car.
Infiniti
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hat Infiniti is becoming ambitious, was evident when it launched IPL, its brand new performance division a few months ago. The proof of the pudding had to be Paris where it showcased a modified G model – in both looks and performance departments. The G convertible features a tweaked 3.7-litre V6 engine that at 348hp, offers 18hp more than the regular G37 Coupe and 375 Nm of torque. IPL made adjustments to the suspension, steering and exhaust systems to boost performance and handling of the car.
Automan
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Nissan launched Infiniti in Europe with disastrous timing with no dealer network or diesel engines. With new engines and some key components coming from a recent Daimler tie-up, it could be the much needed breakthrough for the brand. 26
Hyundai
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yundai officially replaced its dated Matrix MPV with a new people-mover called ix20. The ix20 is the second European model to adopt Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. Positioned as an alternative to the standard boxy minivan, buyers will have the option of either petrol or diesel powertrains generating the same power. The production ready ix20 will hit European dealers this month. Hyundai also unveiled the i20 Sport Edition which it has jointly developed with Car Research and Development (the company behind StarTech and Brabus). The i20 Sport features an aggressive front bumper, revised side skirts, and 17in Brabus wheels. Other goodies include a mesh grille insert, tinted windows, and LED daytime driving lights. Inside, designers installed Recaro seats, leather upholstery, a chrome gear shift knob, and a 7-inch touch screen with GPS navigation. Engine upgrade
details have not been release and the car will be available in three- and five-door guise when it goes on sale early next year. Also making its global debut in Paris, is the i10 Blue with an all-new super-eco three-cylinder, 1.0-litre engine, emitting a remarkably low 99 g/km of C02. Hyundai have also built a new Pikes Peak contender, the PM580, looking more like an LMP1 car, also powered by a Genesis powertrain, in an attempt to break the 10-minute barrier. The fourth and final new model on display this year at the Hyundai stand, is the ix35 Blue with an extra efficient and brand new 1.7-litre diesel engine, which emits just 135 g/km of C02 as a benefactor of the company’s efficient ‘Blue Drive’ technologies.
Jaguar
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hile, the Paris Motor Show had loads of new supercars and new “green” vehicles but only a handful can claim to be unconventional – traditionally bound, yet futuristic in execution. And this is where we think the Jaguar C-X75 Concept car scored a perfect bulls-eye. The goal of the design team responsible for the Jaguar C-X75 Concept were given the task of producing what would be considered one of the most beautiful and most innovative Jaguars ever built to commemorate the company’s 75 years of design excellence. In one single package it has three elements masterfully inculcated – design, technology and performance potential. In fact, it can be considered as an electric car, a hybrid and a turbine-powered car – all three rolled in to one ultra efficient environmentally friendly module. First, it is also capable of running in purely electric mode for 109km on a six-hour domestic plug-in charge. Four electric motors of 195hp capacity each propel the wheels individually. This means zero emissions and when the initial charge runs out, then the wildly unique use of lightweight micro gas-turbines kick in at mind boggling 80,000rpm to quickly
and efficiently recharge the Lithium-ion batteries. When the turbines are running, CO2 emissions are just 28g/km and each of the micro gas-turbines which weigh 35kg and produces 94bhp of power. Combined energy from the power sources gives the car supercar performance. On the performance front, it has a top speed of 330km/h) and can blast from standstill to 160km/h in 5.5secs. Aluminium is used for body and chassis instead of carbon fibre. Jaguar says it has no plans to produce the car, although it would be more than a worthy successor to the notorious XJ220. Designed to celebrate the marque’s 75th anniversary, the concept heralds a new direction for high-performance Jaguars with low (or even zero) emissions. Automan
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A befitting tribute to celebrate 75 years of Jaguar design and innovation.