The weekend’'s Shanghai motor show was one of the most absorbing events in many a year, with reveals of top-drawer Euro-relevant machinery, oddball joint venture initiatives between established names and local makers, and the usual –- but ever improving -– array of launches by Chinese manufacturers.
Here then, are my picks of the show:
The Geneva motor show earlier this year proved beyond doubt that the next few years are set to be dominated by new SUV launches, but few would have anticipated MG would enter the fray with such a confident offering. The production model is still two years away - at least - for European buyers, but if it retains the concept’'s looks (as MG says it will) then we’'re in for a treat.
We can debate long and hard whether a BMW 5-series rival really has a natural fit in Maserati’'s line-up, given the Italian firm’'s reputation, but few can argue that the car itself is anything other than supremely good looking. If it drives decently, and the (Ferrari co-developed) diesel is good, it could be the premium alternative so many company car buyers say they’'ve always wanted.
There are rumours that the production version of the GLA won’t be quite so dramatic to look at as this concept, which would be a great shame. Sure, the concept’'s overt styling may jar with some, but here again is a new Mercedes that dares to challenge convention and do everything but play safe. Inevitably that means it won'’t thrill everyone,– but at least it will thrill some.
4 Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupé concept
While the naming strategy may do nothing to make its intentions clear, the succession of SUV concepts from VW continue to enthral and entice. This sportier version of the CrossBlue family –sits between the Tiguan and Touareg in size. It will make production as a five-seater in China and the USA and– has all the hallmarks of another sales success for the brand.
File this one under "‘I didn'’t expect that’". Word is that the Escort name was revived because it carries so much resonance in China, but you can only imagine the internal debates within Ford as to whether reviving such a nameplate was a good idea. Ultimately, though, would we be giving a Chinese market five-door saloon a mention without that iconic moniker? No.
Part of me wants to love the S3 saloon, all performance and common sense practicality, and part of me wants to mark it down it for being a touch staid. Truth is, it'’s so good, you start to wonder why anyone would buy an A4. Here’'s a potent car, designed with common sense in mind, to the extent that it has decent rear space and a credible boot. In that regard, it’ is the Mercedes CLA’'s far, far more sensible sibling.
Start the campaign now. The strikingly styled but oddly named Wild Rubis is meant to be a car for the Chinese market only. But it looks so good and meets the growing, global trends for SUV sales so neatly, you have to wonder if it isn'’t a matter of time before its cash-strapped maker announces a slightly more ambitious launch plan for this latest DS model.
