The 2019 Geneva Motor Show saw the début of many eye-catching cars and SUVs from a list of automakers across the globe. This list included our very own Tata Motors, who débuted an impressive four new models at their stand, and Mahindra-owned Pininfarina, who showcased their first hypercar. We take a look at some of the most interesting and important models to début at the show.
Tata Altroz
The production version of the 45X hatchback concept from 2018, the Altroz, will be Tata’s entry into the premium hatchback segment. Featuring the carmaker’s Impact Design 2.0 design philosophy, the Altroz follows the 45X closely on design, with the grille that flows into wrap-around headlamps, prominent body lines and a sleek profile. Inside, the dashboard follows a multi-layered theme, with a free-standing touchscreen atop the centre console. A part-digital instrument cluster and a chunky multi-function steering wheel are other interesting details in the cabin. For the Indian market, the Altroz will be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol motor in turbocharged and non-turbocharged forms, alongside a 1.5-litre diesel motor. The car is expected to go on sale in India in the second half of the year.
Tata Altroz EV
Alongside the standard Altroz hatchback, Tata also revealed its EV sibling that is expected to also go into production in the next two years. Compared to the standard hatchback, the EV features a few cosmetic changes, such as on the bumpers and wheels, with a Jaguar-like rotary control for the gearbox inside the cabin. Tata has said the car will have a range of 250-300km on a single charge and will get fast-charge capability, which will see it reach 80 percent charge in one hour.
Tata Buzzard
The much awaited seven-seat derivative of the Harrier, the Buzzard, made its public debut on the international stage. Compared to the Harrier, the Buzzard stands 63mm longer, owing to a larger rear overhang, with structural and cosmetic changes to the rear to accommodate a third row of seats. Expected to arrive later this year, the SUV will be powered by the 2.0-litre diesel from the Harrier, but in a higher state of tune, and will also get an automatic gearbox option. Keep in mind though that the Buzzard name is only a working title, with the production SUV getting a different name.
Tata H2X concept
The star of the show at Tata’s stall was the H2X concept that previews a micro-SUV for the Indian market. It features styling cues seen on the Harrier and gets the two-part headlight treatment with high-set LED DRLs sitting above the main headlamp unit. The concept features an upright stance with prominent creases, chunky skid-plates at the front and rear, and a glass roof. Inside, the cabin features two 10.2-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, with rather interesting air con vents on the dashboard and the front seat backs that use technology similar to Dyson’s bladeless fans to circulate cool air around the cabin. The production H2X is likely to debut next year with styling expected to remain in line with the concept, though much more toned down.
Pininfarina Battista
Mahindra-owned Pininfarina debuted its eye-catching hypercar, the Battista, at Geneva. The first-ever Pininfarina-badged car features a simple yet elegant design, with swooping lines and stylistic elements combining form with functionality. The cabin features a driver-centric design and has three displays surrounding the steering – one controlling the vehicles dynamics, one to control the in-car functions and the third displaying driving data.
Powering the hypercar is an all-electric powertrain featuring an electric motor at each wheel, giving the hypercar a total output of 1,900hp and 2,300 Nm of torque and a claimed 0-100 kph time of under two seconds. The hypercar will provide a range of 450km. Pininfarina only plans to build 150 Battistas, with each costing around $2 million (Rs 14 crore, approximately).
Skoda Kamiq
Skoda’s smallest SUV, the Kamiq, is its new entry-level SUV that sits below the larger Karoq in the brand’s international line-up. Underpinned by the VW Group’s MQB A0 platform, the Kamiq follows Skoda’s latest design philosophy seen in its SUV family, with a split-headlamp setup, upright grille, prominent body lines and a clean rear design. Under the hood, the SUV features a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, paired with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. The Kamiq also previews a future SUV for India from Skoda that will be based on an India-specific iteration of the MQB platform.
SsangYong Korando
Another Mahindra-owned brand to debut a model at Geneva was SsangYong with its Korando SUV. Sitting between the Tivoli and the Rexton, the new Korando borrows styling details from its siblings and gets an upright stance, prominent haunches, narrow grille, prominent creases and an angular C-pillar. Inside, the new-gen SUV follows a cleaner, clutter-free dashboard design, with a large central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster that minimises the use of buttons. Under the hood, the SUV is offered with that a choice of a 1.5 turbo-petrol or a 1.6 diesel engine.
Ferrari F8 Tributo
The replacement for the 488, the F8 Tributo, seemingly follows an evolutionary design over the former, along with borrowing stylistic elements from the 488 Pista. Under the hood is an uprated iteration of the brand’s 3.9-litre V8 from the 488 and develops 720hp and 770Nm of torque (50hp and 10Nm jump over the 488). The added power and 40kg weight savings on the Tributo shows in its performance. Ferrari claims a 0-100kph time of 2.9sec (down by 0.1sec) and a top speed of 340kph.
Bugatti La Voiture Noire
What you see here is the most expensive new car – the La Voiture Noire. It is a one-off creation from the French company, made as homage to the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic. The La Voiture Noire sports aggressive styling, with a more pronounced grille than either the Veyron or the Chiron, while the headlights recede back above the wheel arches rather than being placed horizontally above the bumper. The most definitive styling element though is the dorsal seam running up along the bonnet, between the windows and over the roof of the body (borrowed from the Type 57). At the rear, a continuous rear light runs along a grille-like back end, with Bugatti stencilled out below. All this sits above a bespoke exhaust setup comprising six separate pipes running away from the car's 1,500hp, 8.0-litre 16-cylinder engine. Price €11 million (about Rs 88 crore), though it won’t matter as the car already has an owner.
