Audi is launching the A1, a new series to rival BMW’s successful Mini, which has had very little competition since its 2001 launch.
Meanwhile, the Mini is moving up in the world with a new crossover model called “Countryman” that sports five doors and four-wheel drive.
Volkswagen’s new 2011 Touareg SUV was developed jointly with Porsche’s next-generation Cayenne, and both will debut in Geneva.
VW will offer a gasoline-electric hybrid model of the Touareg, which has also been slimmed down by some 200kg
Crossovers — built on a car platform but incorporating SUV characteristics — seem to be the format of the times, with Nissan launching its Juke model.
Alfa’s Giulietta, a five-door hatchback, is in many ways the make-or-break-it car for Fiat’s struggling Alfa Romeo unit. It replaces the 147, which launched a decade ago and is considered a critical test of the Alfa brand’s ability to recover from less than stellar sales. The car was ready for launch last year, but Fiat waited until market conditions showed improvement.
“They definitely need a new car in the segment,” Urquhart said.
“The problem is they are going into the most competitive class in the European industry,” he said.
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