MAZDA
We knew the new generation
Mazda3 was going to be a big
improvement on the previous
car, but the stunning incarnation
debuting at Frankfurt shows that
the styling flair for which the
brand and the compact models
it used to produce is back. The
interiors are still very black, but
quality, and there may be options
of bright panels. Looking forward
to when it arrives, and there's
nothing to touch it in the segment
for flowing automotive beauty.
MERCEDES-BENZ
The latest in a line of A-Class based cars by which
Mercedes-Benz attempts to achieve world domination
in the high end of the compact family segment. Aimed
again at the same young buyer group as the CLA
saloon, the GLA is a crossover version which will use
the same powertrains as its siblings, but rides higher
and will come in AWD and FWD configurations. Targets
include the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
The Mercedes S-Class Coupe is a concept which will
very likely be in showrooms and caused drools in the
M-B hall. A mix of lithe sensuality and unsettling menace
on the outside, the interior featured hand-woven silk in
some of the trimming. A 449hp V8 was the Concept's
power, menacing in itself.
In its own drive to stay in the electric vehicle space,
Mercedes teamed up with American electric car maker
Tesla to provide the powertrain for the B-Class Electric
Drive at the show. This is a final production version,
moved on from the one shown at the New York show in
March. Range is claimed at 200km, and 0-100km/h less
than eight seconds.
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