7.2.2013 2013 Geneva Motor Show preview

The 2013 Geneva Motor Show will open its doors to the public from 7th to 17th March, and will be held at the Palexpo exhibition halls in Geneva.

This year's show is expected to be the biggest international show of the year in terms of vehicle debuts, whether it is super-green production cars, modern concepts or outrageously tuned performance vehicles.

As always, environmental issues will play a major role at this year's show, with the global vehicle market certainly swaying towards efficiency as an important buying factor for many consumers.

Some interesting things to look out for:

Honda will be showcasing an exciting future with the debut of two new concept models – the Civic Wagon Concept will be shown alongside the next generation NSX Concept. The CR-V featuring the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine will also be on display.

Each of these models has been designed with fuel efficiency being a major factor, whilst not compromising performance or design elements. The 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine for example is the lightest engine in its class, and will help the CR-V to deliver energetic performance, agile handling and very low running costs for customers.

Suzuki will be making the world premiere of their all-new C-segment crossover at the show this year. They have aimed to combine practicality and versatility with competitive fuel efficiency, in a segment that is becoming increasingly popular.

The all-new Q50 will be displayed by Infinity, a sports saloon that will feature brand new innovative technologies such as Direct Adaptive Steering technology to assist the driver – further details of these technologies will be revealed at the show.

The Infinity stand will also feature their LE Concept car – the manufacturer's first 100% electric vehicle. Further details of when and where this electric vehicle will reach the market will be revealed at the show.

The new ADAM ROCKS concept will be on display at the Vauxhall stand, an urban mini-crossover that has the potential to open a new segment in the industry. Compared to the original ADAM, the ROCKS version is taller and wider yet appears to be more compact, whilst offering a cabrio roof.

Swiss Rinspeed features something interesting every year at the Geneva Motor Show – this year they will be showing the Micromax, which looks like it could be a bit of a head-turner at the show. Designed for short distance transport, the Micromax is intended to be similar to an airport shuttle. It is an app-based concept that aims to gather together a group of people that are travelling the same way.

It is the same length as a Mini but 7 feet tall – inside is three adult seats and one for a baby, plus room for some storage. Passenger entertainment has been considered, with unlimited connectivity, a coffee-maker and refrigerator. This concept opens many new ideas, but is unlikely to be seen on the roads.

The BMW Concept Active Tourer offers a glimpse of future innovations that are in store for the premium compact segment. A plug-in hybrid drivetrain offers good efficiency and lower emissions, whilst BMW have worked hard to not lose comfort, functionality or driveability – a balance that the German manufacturer manages to do very well.

The power train will use a three-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor that will return 0 to 62 mph acceleration in less than eight seconds. BMW claim that the Concept Active Tourer would offer over 113 mpg on average, and CO2 emissions of below 60 g/km.

The BMW i3 electric vehicle will also make its European debute at Geneva, and the plug-in hybrid i8 will also be making an appearance. These two electrified models are the first in BMW'S 'i' sub-brand, and likely to be very popular at the show. The i3 is expected to be available in the UK later in 2013.

Also at the Geneva Show this year, the top three finalists in all award categories for the 2013 World Car Awards will be announced.

Three finalists will be chosen from the 2013 Green Car Award shortlist – currently comprising of Renault Zoe, smart ED, Tesla Model S, Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid and the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel. Keep an eye of Next Green Car's news to find out the latest news from the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.