This month we’ll check out some of the exciting new models to premiere at the largest motor show in the world, the Frankfurt Motor Show. The biennial show attracts motoring enthusiasts from around the globe as well as the big names in the industry.
In 2005, the FMS, otherwise known as the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, attracted almost one million visitors and remains a prime-event for showcasing motoring innovation. We took a look at some of the SUV’s that will be premiered at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show.
Mazda CX-5
There is a buzz surrounding the unveiling of the new CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the Frankfurt show this month. For its world premiere, Mazda recently invited Australian journalists to test run the prototype on the daring roads of Iceland and returned optimistic results.
The CX-5 has been heralded as the next big thing for SUV’s. The CX-5 will be the first model to include the entire range of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY with new gasoline and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, body and chassis.
Environmental performance was largely considered for this compact SUV, registering CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km for the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 engine model. Compare that to other compact SUVs in the market at the moment like Hyundai Sante Fe or the Kia Sportage with
CO2 emissions over 200g/km. The CX-5 will also be the first production model to show off Mazda’s sleek new design called ‘KODO’. The CX-5 interior is also smart, practical and comfortable. Soccer mums may start drooling over this sporty number but in my opinion, it’s just too nice to drag children around in.
Land Rover DC100
After more than 60 years, Land Rover is unveiling a new concept model, this month at the Frankfurt show, the DC100. The new concept is Land Rover’s move towards creating a more luxurious model while maintaining the rugged appeal of the almighty Defender. Little detail has been released about the DC100 so far but the sneak peaks have been promising.
Gerry McGovern, Director of Design at Land Rover, told the Telegraph: ‘This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.’ McGovern has led the design team to explore a contemporary interpretation of this institution and while retaining its original 1948 appeal.
Subaru VX
Urban adventure is the theme behind Subaru’s new sub-compact SUV to be premiered in Frankfurt. The XV comes equipped with the next-generation Subaru power unit, symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and advanced Dynamic Chassis Control Concept. The XV features a new generation 2.0 litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine which has been mated to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission that will add ease to the journey.
Subaru also plans to display their Boxer sports car technology, premiered at the Geneva Motor Show, at the Frankfurt show. The BRZ technology is an amalgamation of ‘Boxer engine’; ‘Rear-wheeled drive’ and ‘Zenith’. Subaru’s BRZ sports car is expected to be available from next year.
Benn Dorrington
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