This year, the Brussels show puts the spotlight on alternative energies. It provides a test circuit for electric vehicles. But there are also a number of innovations amongst traditional models. Here is a small selection of what is on show.
For its 90th edition, the Brussels Motor Show looks at the mobility of tomorrow. The ‘Cleaner Mobility’ area sets out for the public the most ecologically-friendly ways of getting around.
Here you can find information on electric vehicles and recharging them, vehicles which run on natural gas (CNG), along with other transport solutions specifically suited to urban mobility. Outside, the electric vehicle test track gives you the opportunity to try the Chevrolet Volt, Citroën C-Zero, Mercedes A-Class E-CELL, Mitsubishi i-Miev, Nissan Leaf, Opel Ampera, Peugeot iOn, Renault Twizy ZE and Renault Fluence ZE, smart Electric, Volvo C30 Electric and VW Golf Blue e-motion. The latest innovations on the market are also on show, with some Belgian, European and even world premiers. Here is a small selection of new models of interest to fleet operators :
Audi A1 Sportback
As well as the restyled A4, the new A1 Sportback is present at the show, entirely and only assembled at the Audi factory in Forest, Brussels. The rear doors make it easier to get to the rear seats, where the client can choose between two individual seats or a 3-person bench. Headroom is very slightly higher than the three door version. The boot and the engine options are identical, however. The Sportback is still available with contrasting colour arches, but the whole of the roof can also be painted.
BMW 3-Series
This is the star of the stand at BMW and the fleet innovation of the year! ! The new 3-Series is 9.3 cm longer. It therefore gains in space, but is also lighter (up to 40 kg less) and s now available in three body finishes (Sport, Modern and Luxury). It is available with the 8-speed automatic gearbox and the Eco Pro function which reduces consumption. The 320d EfficientDynamics Edition developing 163 bhp uses just 4.1 l/100 km, giving 109 g/km of CO2. The 316d and 318d will arrive in the spring.
Citroën DS5
This goes back to Citroën origins... Shorter (-25 cm) than a C5, theDS5 sets out to be young and original. There is a stylish feel to the interior, with an imposing central console and a ‘cockpit’ roof, comprising three glazed sections and a central unit inspired by the world of aviation. The DS5 is available in 1.6 e-HDi 110 bhp (114 g/km of CO2), 2.0 HDi 135 or 160 bhp, and as a diesel hybrid (2.0 HDi 163 ch + a 37 bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels) and emitting only 99 g/km of CO2.
Ford B-MAX Concept
Ford is no newcomer to mono-space cars. Following the very stylish S-MAX, the very spacious Galaxy and the recent (Grand) C-MAX, the range is shortly to be extended downwards in size, with the B-MAX, whose prototype is on show in Brussels. This model, a little over 4m long, stands out for its sliding rear doors and the absence of a central (B) pillar, which provides easy access to the interior. This characteristic will be retained for the production model, scheduled for launch during 2012.
Hyundai i40 & Kia Optima
The Korean cousins, members of the same group, will be showing their new family saloons in Brussels. The Hyundai i40 and Kia Optima are constructed on the same platform and can be equipped with the recent 115 or 136 bhp 1.7 CRDi. The Hyundai i40 Wagon has already been on sale on our markets for a few months.
Mercedes B-Class
The new Mercedes B-Class is lower(- 4,6 cm in height), but longer (+ 8,6 cm in length). You no longer climb on board, you descend, following the abandonment of the dual depth floor. Still half way between an estate and a mono-space, the model can now be fitted with a sliding rear bench. The new 1.8 litre diesel is available in 109 bhp (180 CDI) or 136 bhp (200 CDI) versions. This is allied to Stop & Start, available with a robotised 7-speed dual clutch box.
Opel Zafira Tourer
Compared to the previous model (which remains in the catalogue), the new Zafira Tourer is 20 cm longer. It is therefore as big as a… Renault Espace ! The body is stylish, as is the cab, which can be surmounted by a panoramic windscreen and a glazed roof. The rear seats are now individual, adjustable for reach and and reclinable. The third row of seats still folds into the floor, but is now invoiced as an option. The engines are familiar and the 2.0 CDTI 130 ecoFLEX only emits 119 g/km of CO2.
Peugeot 508 RXH
The star of the stand is the all new Peugeot 107 and the 508 RXH : an elevated estate in SUV style and equipped with a hybrid engine, which brings together the 163 bhp 2.0 HDi and an electric unit producing 37 bhp driving the rear wheels. The 508 RXH is therefore 4-wheel drive. It limits its emissions to 109 g/km of CO2. Marketing is set to start in the spring. The new 3008 Hybrid4 diesel (same engine as the 508 RXH), will, by contrast, be available on the market from January.
Renault Scenic Collection 2012
The face-lifted Scenic makes its world bow in Brussels. The compact mono-space style is more refined and the engines are ‘cleaner’: the 1.5 dCi Energy 110 bhp, for example, only emits 105 g/km of CO2. The Scenic also receives new equipment, including the Visio System(which automatically detects involuntary trajectory deviation) and automatic driving lamps, impulsion-activated indicators and hill start assistance. Renault is also showing its electric range : Fluence, Kangoo and Twizy.
Toyota Prius+
The Prius will be king of the stand at Toyota. Apart from a face-lift for the model and its plug-in hybrid version, a new mono-space variant is also on show: the Prius +, which will be marketed in mid 2012. It is technically the same as the classic Prius but the ‘+’ gains 15.5 cm in length, of which 8 cm are added to the wheel-base. The model can accommodate up to 7 persons. Toyota states emissions of 99 g/km of CO2.
Volkswagen up!
Replacing the Lupo and Fox, the little ‘up!’ is refreshing in style and 3.54 m long. It will at first be on offer with three doors, but a five door version is set to follow during 2012. The boot is voluminous and the car is a four seater, but does not have a sliding rear bench. Under the bonnet, just one engine option: the three cylinder one litre petrol unit producing 60 or 75 bhp, and 105 or 108 g/km of CO2. In another category, the new Passat CC is also on show.
Volvo V70 FL and V60 Plug-in
On the Swedish stand are to be found the face-lifted S80 and V70. The 1.6 DRIVe version moves up from 110 to 115 bhp, adds a 6thspeed to its gearbox and a Stop & Start. These large family cars only emit 119 g/km of CO2. On the Volvo stand is also to be found the prototype V60 plug-in hybrid, which allies a 2.4 Diesel developing 215 bhp to a 70 bhp electric motor. Marketing scheduled for the end of 2012.
Practical details of the Brussels Auto Show 2012 :
Date : from Thursday 12/01 to Sunday 22/01
Address : BrusselsExpo, Place de la Belgique, 1020 Brussels.
Times : from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Late opening until 10.00 pm on Friday 13/01, Monday 16/01 and Friday 20/01
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