By Mohini Bhatnagar | 05 Mar 2004

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Fiesta ST
The new Fiesta ST marks the return of a performance road car to Ford's acclaimed small car range and joins the Focus ST170 and Mondeo ST220 to extend Ford's ST line-up.

Powered by a 150PS, 2.0-litre Duratec ST engine, and featuring performance chassis modifications, the new Fiesta ST balances affordability with enhanced power and great handling, in a sporty design. Designed around 'driving fun', it recaptures the spirit of the original Fiesta XR2. The Fiesta ST opens a new chapter for performance Fiestas and pioneers a new direction for Ford's ST models under the direction of Ford TeamRS.

Ford RallyeConcept
The new Ford Fiesta JWRC (junior world rally car) will debut in June at the Junior World Championship in Greece, bringing the excitement of Ford's RallyeConcept to life for future World Championship rally drivers.

Based on the concept, it sits 60mm lower on 7-by-17-inch, multi-spoke Speedline wheels with tyres in tarmac trim and an aggressive body kit. Its 1.6 litre all-alloy, dry-sump engine delivers over 215 PS at 8,750 rpm. Alcon alloy brake callipers front and rear shed speed efficiently and a hydraulic hand brake is fitted for tight hairpin bends.

Ford's 'Dura' powertrain range continues to grow
Ford has aggressively grown its powertrain technology portfolio since embarking on its product-led transformation in 2000. At Geneva, Ford's commitment to develop new customer-focused powertrain technologies - embodied by "Dura" branding - is evident. It includes:

  • a new 150PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail engine for the Ford Mondeo range later this year
  • a new 136PS Duratorq TDCi engine for Ford's Transit and Tourneo models
  • Stage IV emissions capability for Modeo and Fiesta, with
    Fusion from May 2004 and now Focus C-MAX with DPF.

A showcase of interior technology
Ford's Visos design concept vehicle will be turned 'inside out' at Geneva as part of a demonstration of current and future interior technologies for comfort and relaxation. This includes 'clamshell seats' that transform to match your driving style and a human machine interface (HMI) communications device - a way of customising the vehicle's settings through a single point of contact.

The new Ford Maverick
Featuring a fresh look inside and out, the Ford Maverick 4x4 makes its debut in Geneva with an expanded on-road and off-road capability, enhanced safety technology and greater comfort. Available in selected European markets, it has a new four-cylinder engine, a new 'intelligent 4WD system', standard anti-lock brakes and the safety canopy curtain air bag system.

Premium brands:

Volvo's YCC concept car

At Geneva, Volvo will unveil the YCC (your concept car), a sports car with practical features developed by an all-women project team. Designed to suit the individual, this car has 'Ergovision' which means the driver, regardless of height, can sit correctly when driving and have the right line of vision. The buyer's body is scanned at the dealership and the data is used to define a driving position. The car is also easy to get in and out of, has smart storage solutions and is easy to park - features which endear it lady drivers.

The idea of an all-women team making decisions in the development of a new concept car arose at Volvo in late 2001. The finished car gives Volvo the opportunity to concentrate on the fast-growing group of women customers.

Jaguar to show the X204 S-Type with new V6 diesel
The introduction of an all-new, state-of-the-art V6 diesel engine marks another milestone in the evolution of Jaguar's S-type executive saloon. The first-ever outing of this diesel, it is the next in the range co-developed by FMC and Peugeot. The arrival of the twin-turbo AJD-V6 engine means that S- type buyers will be able to choose diesel power as an alternative to the four petrol engine options. It will be available from June 2004. Interior and exterior features have also been enhanced, including a more contemporary look, sleeker aerodynamics and a lighter aluminium bonnet.

Land Rover's Range Stormer concept sits alongside the 2004 models
Land Rover comes to Geneva with its full range of 2004 model year vehicles and the coveted Range Stormer concept. The Range Stormer is a high performance, sports tourer SUV concept car, which showcases a future design direction for Land Rover. It also previews a new production model that will enter a fresh market segment for the company. The design challenge was to translate fundamental Land Rover design values into a high performance machine that looks powerful, muscular and edgy.

Alongside the Range Stormer will be the new 2004 Freelander. Significantly revised in late 2003, the updated model features a new interior and exterior, including a new face and tail. The 2004 Discovery will also be on show with its additional safety features and revised in-car entertainment systems.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Aston Martin's DB9 Volante will have its European premier at Geneva. The sixth new car from the company in less than two and a half years, it joins a prestigious line-up of post-war convertibles that stretches back to the DB2 of 1950.

It is the first car to be built at the newly opened Gaydon facility and it is expected that more than 2000 DB9 models will be sold in 2004 of which around half will be the Volante model.

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