Car4

Three Mitsubishi cars of interest to Europe will be on display at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne . They include the concept vehicle Engleberg Tourer, the debut of the 2020 model year ASX, and the European debut of the new generation L200 pickup. The company is saying little about the concept except that it will bring 'more SUV, more EV, more technology and more style'. The external design of the ASX will show a more robust style and details of the style cues of the latest Outlander. The L200 also gets a new style treatment and will be powered by a new 2.2 diesel, with options of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. An improved AWD system is also promised.

The second generation Audi A1 Sportback is now available to order in Ireland at a starting price of €25,450 OTR, writes Brian Byrne . The car has more interior space and a large complement of driver assistance systems, and externally has a more striking look than its predecessor. The 335L luggage capacity is larger than before, and up to 1,090L is available with the rear seats folded. Improved connectivity includes IOS and Android smartphone linking, and the entertainment system includes DAB radio. Engines are all petrol, with outputs from 116hp-197hp.

A Kia concept to be shown at Geneva will provide a preview of future all-electric cars from the Korean brand, writes Brian Byrne . In the usual non-specific language of teasers for such events, the car, designed at Kia's European design centre in Frankfurt, is 'a visual embodiment of the company’s desire to move forward in the exciting world of electrification'. It is 'designed to not only get your pulse racing, but to also signpost our holistic and emotional approach to electrification', according to Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe. There you have it … until 5 March.

X-Class pickup Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles division will be amongst the leading exhibitors attending the forthcoming 5th Annual National Construction Summit taking place at Citywest, Dublin, on 14 March next, writes Trish Whelan . Coupled with a manned trade stand, models showing from its light commercial vehicle range will be the mid-sized Vito van and X-Class pickup - a unit designed to suit all lifestyles and work environments. With an expected attendance of over 3,000 delegates from across the construction industry in Ireland, key themes flagged for this year’s event include Brexit, foreign direct investment, infrastructural investment, public & private housing and jobs, skills, training and education.   Vito van

Ford’s new Focus ST hot hatch, with advanced sports technologies, will go on sale in the summer in five- door and wagon body styles. The car was developed by Ford Performance to deliver nimble hot-hatchback thrills in a stylish, comfortable and practical family car. It offers ‘the most responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever - on road and track’. Yet the car has been developed to be as comfy as it is fun-to-drive and features ‘an upscale interior that balances everyday practicality and a true sporty driving experience’. The wagon has a maximum 1,653 litre luggage capacity and a boot space that can comfortably take a large dog crate.   Ford say the Focus ST also benefits from the comprehensive range of sophisticated Ford driver assistance technologies that have helped the new Focus win 13 awards and a 5-star safety rating since going on sale in 2018. Technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control, Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System, Active Park A...

Six world premieres and one show premiere take centre stage on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show . Six new models getting their world premiere will be a shooting brake version of the sporty CLA Coupé and a facelifted GLC mid-size SUV. Others will be a Formula E showcar, ahead of the first foray into the sport by the Mercedes EQ division. Alongside these will be a Concept V-Class and two high-performance AMG models — a GLE 53 SUV and GT R Roadster. Making its show premiere will be a facelift 300d V-Class MPV (pictured) which arrives here later this year.