British Motor Show 2008: Concept cars
The British Motor Show 2008
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We checked out some of the show’s concepts – designs to show the intentions and aspirations of carmakers – to give you an insight into what’s just around the corner.
Kia
Kia’s stand had three different concept cars, - the Soul, Kee and Ex_cee’d. Although the names are odd, they all merit a closer look.
The Soul is essentially a hatchback styled to look like a small 4x4 (it’s actually two-wheel drive). It’s on the way next year, and you can see three different versions of it at the show, including one with gaudy gold trim inside and out.
The other Kia concept likely to get the go-ahead is a convertible version of the Cee’d hatchback, called the Ex-cee’d. It’s designed by Peter Schreyer, the man who styled the Audi TT, and it’s genuinely good looking. As Kia doesn’t have a soft-top in its range, we’re guessing it’ll get the go ahead in the not too distant future.
Renault
Renault is due deliver a new Mégane soon, although it was tight-lipped when we asked for an exact date - expect more news at autumn's Paris motor show. Still, Renault confirmed the general shape of the Mégane Coupé Concept will follow through into the production car.
The striking LRX
Of course, the Concept has many features which are likely to be dropped along the way, such as the hugely expensive gull-wing doors. It also has innovative LED headlamps, which Renault says offer a more durable solution than conventional bulbs. If they make it onto the next Mégane, we’ll be surprised, but you never know…
Land Rover
In the LRX concept car, Land Rover is showing what could be its first diesel hybrid model - a stylish little brother to the Freelander.
Like any good concept, it looks bold and futuristic - but very achievable, too. If it gets the green light - and it almost certainly will - it could be on sale by 2011.
Peugeot
Peugeot RCZ is coming soon...
The Peugeot 308 RCZ is a concept coupé which looks quite close to being production-ready. It’s stylish and comes with many lightweight features including a carbon fibre and glass roof.
Production cars are around 18 months away, and Peugeot expects to target Audi TT buyers - but with a lower price tag.