JAGUAR
Lots of praise doing the rounds of the
stands, but we weren't really taken
with this crossover C-X17 Concept
from Jaguar. Too much Mazda in the
front, a lack of litheness in the profile.
But we'll wait and see if they modify
it when the production version comes
along. More important, the design
study shows off the company's new
aluminium unibody architecture, on
which a compact saloon will be built
in 2015.
KIA
The small urban crossover segment is big business across
Europe and Kia signalled strongly that it's going to get into
the game, with its chunky Niro Concept. The car has an AWD
hybrid drivetrain, the 1.6 four running the front wheels, the
electric motor the back ones when needed. Designed around
the corner at Kia's European design HQ, a toned down version
is likely for production soon.
The new generation Soul comes to Ireland next spring and
shows a bit more attitude than the current model, especially with
the SUV Styling Pack option. A bit longer outside and in thanks
to a lengthened wheelbase, power still comes from a 1.6 diesel
for Ireland.
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