HOW ABOUT THIS for a fantastic off-roader! Introducing the awesome Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6. Sadly it seems this is only a show version at present, but does at least indicate that Mercedes has not forgotten its G-Class range. Six driven wheels, low-range, portal axles, no less than five differential locks which can be engaged on the move and a tyre-pressure control system which allows the pressure in the huge 37-inch tyres to be adjusted while the vehicle is running. The AMG V8 bi-turbo engine has 544bhp and 760Nm of torque, transmission is the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-TRONIC automatic, paired with the front drive system from the G63 AMG and a rear twin drive train from the 6×6 version. The two G63 AMG 6×6 vehicles, which have been built to date, were developed at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class development department in Graz, Austria, the centre for all ‘G’ projects today and where the original G-Wagon was built. It seems that these have been built to judge response and to see if they should put them into series production. Well, we don’t need asking twice, but then we are not about to sign a cheque to buy one. Given that a ‘normal’ AMG G-Class starts at around £80,000, one can only wince at what these 6×6 versions might actually cost. You’d have one though wouldn’t you?!

Over the last few years, SsangYong has become a manufacturer in the 4×4 market worth keeping an eye on. The Korando SUV is an impressive contender in the soft-roader family four-wheel drive market, and the Sports SX pick-up version was certainly not disgraced in our Pick-up Of The Year test – and it was up against some serious contenders. All of which makes the display of the SIV-1 concept SUV that was revealed at Geneva very intriguing. Actually, SsangYong call it a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) and it apparently represents the company’s new design philosophy of ‘Nature Born 3 Motion’ and the SIV stands for Smart Interface Vehicle… all of which is frankly bunkum. Despite that, don’t be tempted to ignore it because of this silliness, the SIV-1 has all the indications that it will develop into a production vehicle. The concept here has a tech spec that includes both petrol and diesel engines of 1.6-litre capacity. It’s packed with all the latest communication and ‘smart’ technologies, which apparently (here we go again) offer a ‘venue for communication on the move’. None of this jargon will be of any significance should a version hit the showrooms in the future.

The display of battery-powered Defenders at Geneva must have led to a few inscrutable smiles, and knowing nods among Mitsubishi engineers. The Japanese manufacturer actually started research and development on electro-mobility vehicles in 1966 and chose Geneva to announce its ‘Jump 2013’ business plan, which has a clear target to make sure that by 2020, the Mitsubishi product range will include 20 per cent electric/hybrid models, the majority of which will have four-wheel drive options. The company will begin this with an extensive range of electric hybrid models launched as early as 2015. To back this up, Geneva had the Outlander PHEV on display, a model proudly claiming to be ‘the first permanent 4WD electric passenger car in series production from a mainstream manufacturer’. The Outlander is a plug-in hybrid, which means it is electric, but retains a petrol engine for when needed, but that the primary motive force is from the front and rear electric motors. Of course, having front and rear electric motors does away with the need for a propshaft, hydraulic system and clutch plate to connect the front and rear axles. Engineers claim that the instant torque facility of the electric motors gives the Outlander PHEV acceleration comparable to a V6 petrol engine.

Jeep’s association with Fiat meant that the Geneva Show was the ideal place to announce the face-lifted 2014 model year Grand Cherokee. Nothing too obvious has changed from the picture here, but the model does actually have a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine, which is claimed to provide a best in class 30mpg, which also means an extraordinary potential driving range of some 730 miles! This impressive fuel efficiency is thanks in no small part to a new eight-speed automatic box (thankfully keeping low range). The new models will also have the option of a steering wheel paddle-shift gearchange.

The first significant motor show of the year saw 4×4 manufacturers provide a few surprises, but will any of the concepts make it to series production?

FOR A COUNTRY not really known for its motor industry, where the most significant vehicles are probably the expensive ones parked in security lock-ups of their rich owners, in their tax-efficient second or third homes, it has always been odd that the Geneva Motor Show should have such a significance. In truth it’s probably more about timing than location, as we all hope that the winter months are now behind us and we can look forward to the coming year with enthusiasm.