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Revealed at the 89th Geneva Motor Show, the all-new SsangYong Korando looks set to take the small SUV sector by the scruff of the neck.

It will come to market with a healthy spec list, a new 1.5-litre petrol engine, and updated version of the old 1.6 diesel and there will be an EV to follow.

There has also been some restyling, with a new headlight and grille design to help it fit in with the current SsangYong family.

The new model is wider, longer and sits shorter on a longer wheelbase than the previous model. This translates into a spacious cabin and storage space of up to 1,248-litres, plus a boot space measuring 551-litres whilst seating five.

Inside, the re-designed interior is contemporary and offers plenty of tech as standard. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come fresh off the shelf, as does the 9″ infotainment touchscreen and 10.25″ LCD driver displays.

Seating in the front is adjustable four-ways, with lumbar support, whilst the interior is also kitted out with ambient lighting – the colour of which is changeable (maybe don’t tell the kids about that one). The door sills are designed to cover the lowest point possible, so that external dirt isn’t picked up and brought inside whilst climbing aboard.

Safety systems to assist Korando drivers include advanced emergency braking, lane keeping assist, safe distance and driver alerts, plus adaptive cruise control, high beam assistance, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic cross alert.

The new 1.5-litre GDI-turbo petrol unit has 163bhp at its disposal along with 207lbf.ft. The updated 1.6-litre diesel kicks out 136bhp and 239lbf.ft as low as 1,500rpm. Both units will comes with stop/start abilities on two-wheel drive models and there will also be a choice of automatic or manual six-speed transmissions.

There’s no official pricing yet, but when the new Korando goes on sale in Europe later in the year, SsangYong say that it will offer sector best value for money. On previous form, there’s no reason to doubt this.

At the Geneva Motor Show this morning, Subaru revealed their all-new e-Boxer XV and Forester models.

Subarus have always been made to a set few criteria – to be safe, fun and tough – whether that be a snarling blue saloon with gold wheels or their ever-dependable SUVs. But with this announcement, they are bringing their first electrified models to the market.

Combining a 2.0-litre diesel boxer engine, a trademark unit that has been specifically tuned for each model, with an electric motor assisting the Lineartronic gearbox and a rear mounted lithium ion battery, the new powertrain has been engineered to maintain the superb safety scores of Subaru’s Global Platform whilst also improving efficiency.

In city driving situations, the e-Boxer uses 11% less fuel than its 2.0-litre petrol stablemate, and it can be used in a full EV mode at certain times. The system is a mild-hybrid setup, that will assist the engine using electric power in tougher situations, and also takes the opportunity to recharge where possible.

The electric aspects also increase acceleration response, and the fact that the engine isn’t working alone means that it is quieter, too.

The new powertrain also protects the ride quality of the existing models, and having driven it ourselves at an exclusive preview, we can confirm that the electrified powertrain only enhances the ride of both XV and Forester models.

The additions included in the e-Boxer upgrades only see 25kg added to the overall weight of the both the XV and Forester, and the mild hybrid models also match the luggage capacities of standard models, weigh just 1,100kgs more and can also to 1,270kg – just 130kg below the best full combustion models.

In the development of the e-Boxer, Subaru consulted their loyal customer base and ascertained that a full hybrid was not what their clientele wanted at the time. Their long-term plan, however, is to go straight from mild-hybrid to full-electric vehicles as the market demands.

The new e-Boxer models feature the same X-Mode as all of the latest Subaru 4x4s, and in our brief but exclusive preview, the battery enhanced powertrain was impressive off-road and retained usability and comfort on the road.

Safety features are also at the forefront of the e-Boxer models, with not only the ever attentive and protective Eye Sight system installed, but other features like automatic reverse braking and facial recognition enhancing the driving experience. Once the facial recognition system is initialised, the car will recognise the driver and align the driving position to his or her pre-set position.

The e-Boxer models can be expected in the UK later this year, and pricing and UK relevant specs should be expected in due course.

Ahead of making its full debut at the Geneva Motor Show, SsangYong have teased us with a first look at their new, fourth-generation Korando.

Whilst full details haven’t been disclosed, we do know that the new model has been redesigned – and to good effect to our eyes. The headliners of the new look are the headlights and the new grille, which give the little SUV a look of purpose.

SsangYong have paired this with a refined interior and added enhanced driver assistance, safety systems and mobile connectivity. Seating will be four-way adjustable, and there will be a 9″ infotainment screen and a 10.25″ full colour LCD cluster that can also accommodate navigation instructions.

Powering the new model will be a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and an update on the 1.6 diesel equivalent at launch – with an EV to follow.

Further details will become apparent after the big reveal at the Geneva Motor Show.

Peugeot have shown an adventure concept version of their Rifter. The Rifter 4×4 Concept is kitted out for overland adventures and unadulterated exploration.

The grey exterior with yellow accents adds a sporty feel to the seven seater, and there’s an interior to match. Seating has black alcantara inserts and contrasting bold yellow stitching throughout.

Working with Dangel, Peugeot have given the concept the four-wheel drive referenced in its name. It has selectable 4WD and the rear axle is lockable. The concept gets the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

To make the little adventure wagon more, well, adventurey, the concept has an Autohome designed Overland roof tent, complete with simple assembly and a ready-to-go mattress.

For routes where the Rifter cannot fit, or when you want to feel the wind in your hair, the concept is accompanied by a Peugeot eM02 FS Powertube MTB. The electric mountain bike is a preview of the next generation of Lion eBikes, and has a double suspension and a battery concealed within the frame.

The concept poses a fresh and active approach to overland and off-road travel.

 

Do you like the idea? Let us know in the comments.

The ever-popular Nissan Juke has been refreshed for 2018.

Among the updates are a new Bose sound system, and new alloys and colourways which add more depth to the personalisation options of the funky SUV.

The grille, headlights and fog lights have been updated, and new body colours Chestnut Bronze and Vivid Blue  join new customisation packs. Front and rear bumper inserts, door sills, and mirror caps can now be highlighted in Energy Orange and Power Blue – plus the interior, diversifying the already diverse scope to make the Juke your own. There’s also two new 16″ alloy designs and the 18″ alloys on the Tekna trim have an option of coloured inserts.

N-Connecta has been replaced by the new Bose Personal Edition trim, in conjunction with the introduction of the Bose sound system – that won awards for it’s application in the Nissan Micra. The system features speakers in the headrests, and features six speakers throughout the interior. The Bose Personal system is also standard on the range-topping Tekna trim.

The updated Juke is on sale from May 2018, and 4WD is available in conjunction with the DIG-T 190 and DIG-T 214 petrol engines.

 

Lexus have debuted their latest SUV in Geneva, the UX.

The new compact SUV offers is labelled as an ‘urban explorer’, and is the first Lexus to be made on the new GA-C platform.

Two powertrains are on offer, but four-wheel drive is only available with the hybrid setup. The 250h is a self charging hybrid system, that produces 176bhp, and in E-Four drives both axles. It consists of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in conjunction with an electric motor powering the rear wheels.

Suspension at the front is a single strut setup, whilst the rear is a wishbone, and the UX gets Lexus’ latest EPS system.

The UX is optimised with the latest Lexus safety features. These include a pre-collision system, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, road sign assist and a preemptive parking brake.

Interior leather is made using Sashiko – a traditional Japanese quilting technique, predominantly used in making judo and kendo martial arts gear. That’s not the only interesting internal patina, as the dashboard has been inspired by the grain of Japanese paper, or washi, but there is a leather option too.

There’s no information on prices, or release dates as of yet.

 

Land Rover have stopped teasing and revealed the limited-run Range Rover SV Coupé.

The two door edition of the full fat Rangey harks back to the original Range Rover, the vehicle that spawned the luxury SUV segment, and will be limited to 999 examples.

Driven by a 557bhp supercharged petrol V8, producing 516lbf.ft, 0-60mph in five seconds and a top speed of 165mph, it’s the fastest production Range Rover to date.

Unsurprisingly, luxury is at the forefront of the agenda with the SV Coupé. Hand assembled at the Land Rover Special Vehicles plant in Warwickshire, the SV Coupé remarkably shares only two body panels with its more doorsy sibling (the tailgate and the bonnet), and offers multiple new customisations options. Interiors comparable to ‘private jets and yachts’ have swathes of quilted leather options, front-to-rear contrast seating options and three wooden veneers to choose from. Semi-precious badging is obviously an option, too, and the SV Coupé is also the first Range Rover to get 23″ alloys.

More than a hundred paint colours are offered, but colour-matching is also available, ensuring the ability to create a truly unique Rangey.

The suspension have been lowered by 8mm as standard, but still maintains the ability to wade in water of up to 900mm, and can still tow up to 3.5tonnes.

All of this luxury does come at a premium, however, with SV Coupé prices starting at £240,000 and orders will open in the final quarter of year. Plenty of time to decide on the final specs, then.

Subaru have revealed their Viziv Tourer concept for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show – an AWD touring concept akin to the active lifestyle and ready for autonomous tech.

The Viziv Tourer uses a symmetrical four-wheel drive system and a boxer engine, in a frame not much bigger than a current XV. Slightly shorter than the production vehicle, the Viziv isn’t as rough and ready, but has been equipped ‘a crossover mix of values to enhance active lifestyles’. Other than the four-wheel drive system, there’s not too much of an indication as to what these are, but given the brand’s form in practical, robust tourers, you’d be in the minority to doubt its practicality.

 

SsangYong have shown their e-SIV concept in Switzerland. The SUV is the fifth electric concept SsangYong have produced, and aims to combine efficiency, driving capability and an advanced approach to connectivity.

e-SIV stands for ‘electronic smart interface vehicle’, and the interior is aimed at ‘busy people’ and works with modern technology to become a ‘mobile communication space’. This will be achieved via a learning voice recognition system, internet connectivity and autonomous driving ability.

 

Aspects ranging from charging, infotainment and in emergency conditions even driving the vehicle could be controlled via a smartphone app.

The e-SIV would have a cruising range of up to 450km, and charging will take the battery from flat to 80% in fifty minutes.

The new Ford Edge has made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, breaking cover in the stylish and sporty ST-line trim.

Among the updates to the SUV are a new engine – a 238bhp diesel unit – and a host of new driver aids.

The powerplant is a new bi-turbo variant of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, and combines with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The driver aids include adaptive cruise with stop-start practicality, alongside lane assist to aid the driver whilst cruising. Post-collision braking is also introduced, a safety precaution that aims to eradicate secondary crashes, whilst evasive steer assist helps avoid collisions altogether.

Tech also inhabits the interior, with heated seats and steering wheel, top level infotainment and a 3D digital instrument cluster.

Prices and release dates are yet to be announced, and we also await confirmation of a four-wheel drive variant – but given it was an option on the outgoing Edge we’d be surprised if there wasn’t.

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