BMW to show a 5 series concept at Geneva

The new concept based on the 5 series has elements of a station wagon and hatchback

Attempting once again to invent a new automotive segment, as it did with the X6, BMW designs a new concept for the Geneva Motor Show it calls a Progressive Activity Sedan. This vehicle has four doors and an open cargo area, and only differs from a station wagon body style by the car's higher riding position and the fastback slope to the roofline. The car is officially called the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, and BMW released photos and details today.

Renault Mégane Coupé.

Following much acclaim for its sporty and aggressive styling at the Paris Motor Show last month, Renault has now confirmed UK pricing for its chic New Mégane Coupé range. Ordering opens early next month, with prices starting from £14,745, ready for the rakish three-door to go head-to-head with rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch and VW Scirocco.

At launch, three trim levels will be available: Expression, Dynamique and Privilège, priced £14,745 to £19,195. Continuing the impressive list of standard equipment on the five-door Hatch, the new Coupé has been designed to offer all of the comfort and practicality features to make everyday usage as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

In addition to the car’s five proper seats, sports chassis with firmer suspension and a 12mm lower ride height compared with the Hatch, the Coupé’s generous core features include air conditioning, six airbags, electric heated body coloured door mirrors, front electric windows and emergency spare wheel.

The entry-level Expression offers: 16” ‘Sport’ alloy wheels, 4x15W RDS radio CD, Brake Assist, front fog lights, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Keyless car with Renault card and trip computer.

The mid-range Dynamique, which is also likely to account for the bulk of Coupé sales, benefits from: 17” alloy wheels (2.0 TCe 180 only), 4x15W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth and MP3 connection, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, Hands free Renault card, height adjustable passenger seat, leather steering wheel, speed limiter and extra tinted rear side windows.

As the sportier model in the New Mégane range, the Coupé does without the 1.6 100 engine seen on the five-door, but gains Renault’s first CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with the 2.0 140 petrol engine.

Proving that stylish and sport-oriented cars can still be respectful of the environment, all five diesel versions of the Coupé fulfil Renault’s eco² criteria. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range with the exception of the 1.5 dCi 86 which is five-speed, and naturally the CVT.

Rounding off the Coupé range is Privilège, offering: 16” ‘Spirale‘ alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, electrically operated folding door mirrors, electrochome rear view mirror, rear armrest with storage and rear parking sensors.

Mitsubishi Motors debuts two models in Geneva

i MiEV (white) and the i MiEV SPORT AIR (blue) concepts

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched two concepts at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex on the 3rd of this month.

The two new cars are the i MiEV and the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept models. MiEV stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle.

The i MiEV prototype is the precursor to a model that will be introduced to the European market in 2010.

The i MiEV SPORT AIR does bear a close resemblance to the VW Beetle.

The Proton Exora

Malaysian car maker, Proton has launched their MPV - the Exora. It is Malaysia’s first locally produced MPV.

It was launched on Wednesday by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The 7-seater is powered by Proton's own 1.6 Campro CPS engine linked to a 4 speed automatic transmission.

The MPV has a top speed of 165 km/h (103 mph) and is available in six colours - pyrite brown, gaia blue, genetic silver, tranquillity black, blue haze and solid white.

Prices start at RM69998 going up to RM75998 for the higher end models. Proton had accepted bookings since Feb 21 and it was reported that more than 2500 orders have been received.