Big guns shun Geneva Motor Show, paving the way for Renault and Chinese brands to shine

None of the mainstream manufacturers saw it worth their while to go to a show that, pre-Covid, was among the most important in the world.

Much has changed in the four years since it was last held. New cars and concepts are launched online or in special formats, and much of what is unveiled at shows like Geneva has already been leaked in advance.

But that was a blessing in disguise, especially for Renault. Its small electric EV, the Renault 5 E-Tech, is getting much of the attention – not to mention the Scenic E-Tech, which was announced as the winner of the European Car of the Year award.

It got 329 votes, ahead of the BMW 5 Series on 308 points, with the Peugeot 3008 on 197.

The award winner has a claimed range of up to 625km.

Meanwhile, we learned more about the eye-catching 5 E-Tech electric car (colours include Pop Yellow and Pop Green, so you won’t miss it too easily).

It’s just under four metres (3.92 metres) long and has a targeted weight of below 1,500kg. To put that in some context, it is 130mm shorter than the Clio supermini. The 5 E-Tech will replace the Zoe.

It will have two battery sizes and up to 400km range, it is claimed.

By being built on the new AmpR Small platform, costs are cut by being able to use non-EV elements (front suspension being one) from the Renault/Nissan CMF-B alliance parts trove.

Initially, there will be a 52kWh battery pack with 110kW (150hp).

A 40kWh version with a claimed 300km range is due later. Its power output will be 70kW or 90kW (95hp or 120hp) depending on the model.

It can charge at up to 11kW AC and up to 100kW DC (that gets you an 80pc charge in 30 minutes).

At launch, there will be Evolution, Techno and Iconic Five trims.

First cars in right-hand drive are scheduled for the first quarter of next year. Full line-up, spec and pricing will be announced well before then.

As well as Renault being centre stage, its Dacia subsidiary fared well too in grabbing attention.

Its new generation Duster small-family SUV was shown for the first time, while the prototype of its Dakar rally-raid competitor – aptly named the Sandrider – was also on view.

The revised electric Spring small car was on view too.

It is made in China, but may also be manufactured in Europe at some time in the future. Among improvements in this version of Spring is an improved cabin. It is due here later this year.

There is no doubt that the Chinese brands have European markets firmly in their sights and are already causing major headaches for the established brands.

As if proof were needed of the impact the Chinese brands are making, BYD’s Atto 3 is Europe’s best-selling electric compact SUV.

At the show, the manufacturer rolled out its first plug-in hybrid model for Europe. Called the Seal U DM-i, it is expected in the next quarter.

The Seal U SUV is an interesting offering as it has EV and plug-in versions.

At 4,775mm long, 1,890mm wide and 1,670mm tall, it’s a good deal bulkier than the electric saloon Seal we reported on here recently.

It also has a much larger boot (552 litres), the lack of which was something I criticised on my first Irish drive in it.

BYD is also showing the Yangweng U8 plug-in hybrid big SUV. Others include Denza’s N7 electric medium-sized crossover.

Meanwhile, MG launched the 3 hatchback with hybrid+ technology.

At launch in Ireland there will be two spec levels, both with the new Hybrid+ powertrain. MG’s work on this hybrid system meant fitting a larger battery.

Finally, former Tesla executive Peter Rawlinson is targeting upmarket buyers with his Lucid brand.

The company made its European debut at Geneva with two Air models. Also showing is a Gravity SUV.