There’s less than a month to go until the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors. The event, which kicks off on the 5th March, is the first major motoring expo of the year and typically draws the world’s biggest carmakers. This year’s running looks to be no exception, with a host of manufacturers such as Audi, Fiat and McLaren all set to unveil brand new models.
There are, however, a few omissions from this year’s entry list. Lamborghini has announced that it won’t be attending the show, as well as rival firm Ferrari. Jaguar Land Rover, meanwhile, has yet to confirm a space on the books.
Still, there’ll be plenty to talk about when the show’s doors open in just over a month. In the meantime, here are the cars that are set to star in Geneva:
Audi A3 Sportback
The sixth-generation A3 Sportback (or hatchback to non-Audi folk) will make its world debut in Geneva. The hatch has undergone a significant overhaul to bring it up to the standards set by its bigger siblings, including a tech-filled cabin and more aggressive exterior styling.
Fiat 500e
It’s no secret that Fiat has been working on an electric 500. The company has stated multiple times that the supermini would suit electric power and there have been several sightings of 500 test mules covered in camouflage to keep the rumour mill churning. Expect a concept version to appear at the Swiss show.
Honda Civic Type R
It may just be a facelift, but that’s enough for us to get excited about the 2020 Civic Type R. Remarkably, there are even more angles than the current model and the grille is a little larger. The brakes have been improved, too, while the gear ratios have been shortened for a bit more agility.
McLaren 750LT
While the name has yet to be confirmed, a long-tail version of the rapid 720S is a dead cert for Geneva. Spy photographers have been snapping 720S test mules with canards sculpted into the front bumper for several months now, and it’s been two years since the 600LT made its debut. Word on the street says it’ll be called the 750LT, hinting at a 750PS (740bhp) power output.
Porsche 911 Turbo (992)
Porsche’s standard range of 992-generation 911 Carreras have been on sale for about a year now, so it’s high time a faster, meaner Turbo model joins the range. Numerous sightings of 992-spec 911 development cars with more aggressive bodywork and larger exhausts have been made in recent months, but we’ll see the car devoid of camouflage when the Geneva show comes around.
Porsche 911 GT3 (992)
The German marque was only expected to launch its new 911 Turbo at the motor show. However, a car that looks a lot like the next-generation 911 GT3 recently appeared in Porsche’s Super Bowl ad, suggesting the hardcore track model could be revealed imminently. We’ll pop this one in the ‘maybe’ pile, given that the GT3 may steal the Turbo’s thunder if they appear at the expo.
Seat Leon
Seat has already revealed its new Leon, but the car will be seen in the metal for the first time in Geneva. The family hatch is based on the same MQB production platform as the Volkswagen Golf Mk8, and adopts some of the electrified powertrains from its German cousin. The Leon is introduces plug-in hybrid technology to the Spanish brand, and you’ll be able to drive 37 miles on electric energy alone.
Toyota GR Yaris
All-wheel-drive, torque control and 258bhp; all packaged into a three-door supermini. Toyota’s GR Yaris, its specially-designed sports car built to satisfy homologation rules in the World Rally Championship, has already kicked up quite a storm among driving fans. Yes, it made its debut in early January at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but it’ll still hog the limelight when it goes on display at the Swiss show.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8
You’ll be able to pick up a new Mk8 Golf in the spring. But if you’re looking for a family hatch with a bit more oomph, you might want to wait a bit longer for the hotter GTImodel. Details about the hot hatch have been extensively leaked in recent months, and it looks like there will be five models to choose from by the end of 2020: the standard petrol GTI, a diesel GTD, a hybrid GTE, plus a faster TCR model and the all-wheel-drive Golf R.
Keyword: Geneva Motor Show 2020 preview: Fiat 500e, Porsche 911 Turbo (992) and more