2011 FORD B-MAX CONCEPT

Lots of interesting concept cars presented the Geneva Motor Show this year, Ford B-MAX concept also there on this week. Based on the Fiesta platform, the almost production-ready minivan has some striking features, the most obvious being the new door concept. It has no B-pillar and the twin doors have a conventional opening system in the front and a sliding system in the back.

The B-MAX measures is a little over 4 meters in length, and is 110mm longer than and 110mm taller than the Fiesta five-door hatch, with Ford promising enough room for five passengers. With the rear seats folded 60/40, the car offers a flat load floor that extends up to 2.35 meters in length when the front passenger seat is folded.

Ford promises best-in-class access to the cabin without compromising safety. With both front and rear doors open, the aperture measures 1.5 metres, around twice the width offered by competitors, according to Ford.

The new Ford B-MAX Concept is support by 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that uses EcoBoost technology and is equipped with Ford’s Auto-Start-Stop system. The 3-cylinder unit uses turbocharging, direct fuel injection and twin independent variable cam timing to achieve significant reductions in fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions. This engine is set to replace larger conventional four-cylinder units in the future and is now undergoing the final development phase.

2011 SKODA VISION D CONCEPT

2011 Skoda VisionD concept car takes the form of a sharp-looking five-door hatchback. The Skoda VisionD is a concept model that previews the brand’s new design direction and is the first vehicle to wear Skoda’s new logo.

Skoda claims the long wheelbase and short overhangs allow for above-average interior space, while the dynamic roof line offers the car a “high degree of visual majesty”. The fluent integration of the tailgate into the car’s overall line and the absence of a third latteral glass give the hatchback a dynamic appearance.

Exterior, a larger and sharp-edged grille interrupted in the middle upper part by Skoda’s new logo at front view, “stands out in the middle of the car as the starting point for all the contours”. The headlights and fog lights have thin, rectangular shapes, while the high-placed taillights are trapezoidal and cover well the rear flanks.

2011 Skoda VisionD concept comes with modern interior design, there are a center console dominated by a large touchscreen, simple cylindrical-shaped controls for the climate system and a complex instrument panel, with two large round-shaped displays. The shape of the gear lever also stands out.

Skoda is synonymous with attractive cars offering exceptional value for money, countless clever solutions and precisely executed work.