GONE VIRAL

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For inspiration for the electric four-door coupe concept, Hyundai’s designers turned to the ’20s and ’30s — when, styling chief Luc Donckerwolke says, “cars were sculptural, they were streamlined, and they were more emotional … when people were optimistic about the future”.

The droopy-tailed Prophecy contrasts oldfashioned curves with modern technology including a joystick in lieu of a steering wheel.

KIA

Kia’s new Sorento will challenge the Toyota Kluger with a roomier cabin and claimed classleading cargo space. The Sorento adds new safety tech, updated styling and a new 2.5-litre turbo sending 207kW and 421Nm via a new eight-speed dual-clutch auto. Australia will likely miss the hybrid version.

AUDI

From its home town of Ingolstadt, Audi streamed the world premiere of the new A3

Sportback.

Initially a mild hybrid, with 1.5-litre turbo and 48V starter-generator, the A3 Sportback will be joined by two plug-in hybrids capable of driving some distance using only battery power.

The sharply styled five-door has slightly more interior space than the current A3. One interior trim option will be made from recycled PET bottles, while the new A3 will get a major upgrade in connectivity tech. Audi’s presentation also featured the E-tron S, a high-performance, fastback sibling of the Etron crossover launched in Europe last year. This first-ever S-badged EV has electric motors on each rear wheel and another for the front axle, delivering a combined 320kW. Production starts later this year.

PORSCHE

Australian motorsport hero Mark Webber

Wish you were here: BMW Concept i4, main picture. Kia Sorento, above, Aiways U6 cockpit, above right, Audi A3, right. From top right, descending: covers on at Geneva, Hyundai Prophecy and cabin and Renault Morphoz and company CEO Oliver Blume pulled the covers off the new range-topping 911 Turbo S coupe and cabriolet. The new twin-turbo 3.8litre flat six makes 478kW, up more than 50kW on the previous Turbo S. The company claims 2.7 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and 330km/h top speed for the all-wheel drive sports car.

Beneath broader front and rear bodywork are wider axles to enhance handling.

SKODA

Skoda‘s first plug-in hybrid, the Octavia RS iV teams an electric motor with a turbo 1.4-litre four. Together they produce 180kW, to equal the power of the 2.0-litre turbo in the current Octavia RS sedan and wagon. The RS iV drives the front wheels through a six-speed doubleclutch auto.

VOLKSWAGEN

The new Golf GTI features a striking illuminated radiator grille and comes standard with a screen-based digital cockpit. The engine carries over from the Mk7. VW also presented its next EV, the ID4, wearing camouflage stripes. The company’s first battery-powered SUV uses the same set of electric-drive components as the close-to-production ID3 hatchback. VW says the ID4 will deliver a driving range of up to 500km.

AIWAYS

Unknown brand Aiways was poised to claim the mantle of first Chinese car maker to launch an affordable EV in Europe. Things didn’t go as planned. “I have come here alone from China,” chairman and co-founder of the company, Samuel Fu said in a broadcast from a Stuttgart studio. “It was a big challenge.” The company’s supposed show star, the U6ion, was a no-show but the maker showed a video of the concept and presented its first production model, the U5, which will launch in Europe in August priced below 40,000 euros. It has a driving range of up to 400km.