A Star Is Absent

GENEVA — Global economic and geopolitical uncertainty appeared to temper optimism at this year's Geneva motor show.

That doesn't mean there wasn't fresh sheet metal on the floor. There were several key production and concept vehicles meant to keep the doomsayers at bay as the industry limps through a tumultuous year. Noticeably absent was the single show stopper everyone wanted.

Fiat Auto SpA's Fiat and Lancia brands took the wraps off three new products that it says mark a strong comeback in the company's turnaround. The Fiat Idea multipurpose vehicle is designed for a more youthful, active buyer looking for a compact with more space. The Fiat Gingo is a “supermini” designed for Europeans who want a small car but don't want to sacrifice large-car niceties.

The Lancia Ypsilon provides the Italian luxury brand with a small car with traditional Italian luxury amenities. Lancia says the Ypsilon can be tailor-made, thanks to numerous color and fabric options.

Ford Motor Co. debuts its new Focus C-Max, a “midsize people carrier.” Taller, longer and wider than the current Focus, it features innovative storage but lacks a third row seat — a feature some view as critical.

Mazda Motor Corp. unveils its MX Sportif concept, which provides a strong hint at the next-generation 323. Sportif's styling follows in the Mazda tradition, with aggressively flared fenders and a muscular “shoulder” line stamped into the doors and rear-quarters.

Renault SA debuts its new Scenic II and Megane II coupe-cabriolet. Scenic II combines the spaciousness of an MPV with the ride and handling of a sedan. The monobox hatchback design provides a fresh styling alternative. Inside, Scenic II features a central storage system that can slide from the dashboard to the rear seats.

The Megane II sports a standard folding glass roof with four full seats. The headlamps and hood are carried over from Megane II, but the rest is more sporty.

Saab Automobile launches its new 9-3 convertible, which was developed alongside the 9-3 sedan. The sheetmetal is identical to the 4-door up to the A-pillar, where the convertible morphs into its 2-door configuration. The soft top retracts in 20 seconds, and there's a pop-up roll bar.

Adam Opel AG debuts its Signum, a wagon version of its Vectra sedan. The secret to Signum's uniqueness is its rear “FlexSpace” interior, which enables the rear seats to move fore and aft, while rear seat backs can be tilted 30 degrees.

Opel also takes the wraps off its GTC concept coupe, which is a thinly disguised look at the upcoming Astra replacement. The coupe features a low silhouette, curved roof and tapered front and rear body sections.

Volvo Car Corp. shows off its Versatility Concept Car, which provides a hint of a future luxury model destined for the Volvo lineup. The VCC sports four doors and a wagon-like shape, but maintains the broad shoulders found on many Volvo models.

Volkswagen AG's Audi marque hints at its future design direction with the Nuvolari Quattro concept car. The 2-door coupe follows in the Gran Turismo form, with 2+2 seating and tight proportions. A new front grille provides a more aggressive appearance.

Finally, DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group debuts its Airflite concept car, which takes the look of the Crossfire coupe and adds two more doors. There's a possibility some Airflite design cues could make their way to the replacement for Chrysler's 300M sedan.
— with David E. Zoia