Mazda 3

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	Volvo S40 The Volvo S40 is another new car at Frankfurt that has a European C-class sized platform, the same size as the Golf, Astra and Mazda 3. There are two particularly striking aspects to its design; the new for Volvo short and tall proportion which is particularly noticeable relative to its next biggest sibling, the lithe S60, and the emphasis Volvo have placed on its interior design. The biggest signifier of its new interior design approach is the centre console, which is a thin floating panel that leaves a large storage area behind it, is available in a variety of interesting materials including translucent plastic, and is designed to be reminiscent of domestic entertainment system remote controls. Volvo is placing a lot of emphasis on this design feature – the idea was first seen in the VCC concept shown at Geneva – and is set to be on all subsequent Volvos and is even on the front cover of their press release. As one of their designers said, “evolutionary exterior, revolutionary interior”. SL Read our full design review...
	Mazda 3 The Mazda 3 is, alongside the Golf and Astra, one of the most important new C-class cars premiering at Frankfurt. For the first time we can also see the four door saloon version which has particularly balanced proportions for a class of car typically blighted by inheriting hatchback package hard points. A distinctly Mazda front face and interior design see this car complete the new range of Mazda cars, slotting in between the smaller Mazda 2 and larger Mazda 6 – both launched within the last year and a half. At first sight, the car seems likely to be a big success in Europe. SL
	Opel Astra The previous generation Astra was widely perceived to play underdog to the Golf, if not in driving dynamics then in design and perceived quality. Opel have worked hard to address this perception and it is clear to see in the new car’s exterior and interior design. The exterior forms are more clearly defined and integrated, and its jewellery is more confident – witness the large rear lamps which have a double cover; a transparent surface flush with the body that covers an inner translucent red and white surface. The perceived quality of the interior also makes a significant advance over its predecessor and might even (whisper it) eclipse that of the new Golf. With the Astra and Golf making their debut at the same time, and the Mazda 3 joining the fray, it will be interesting to see whether the advances in design that Opel have made will be sufficient to counter the Volkswagen’s stronger brand image and level the playing field. SL
	Smart Forfour For Smart to be a viable brand it had to extend beyond its two product lines and to do so feasibly it had to share a platform with other brands. The forfour is the first Smart to do this, and the first Smart to seat four people. Although far more conventional than the two two seat Smart cars, the forfour has Smart thinking and spirit in its design. The exposed tridion safety cell, graphic facial identity and use of plastic panels are familiar Smart exterior design features. The brightly coloured floating IP, stuck on clock and temperature gauge pods, and clever detailing such as the front armrest that swings backwards to be cupholders for rear seat occupants, are also very Smart. SL
	Citroën C2 The Citroen C2 was previewed at the Geneva show in WRC form earlier this year, but this is the first time we’ve seen the final production baby Citroen and got inside it too. Based on a shortened C3 platform, the 3 door only C2 replaces the Peugeot 106 based Saxo at the bottom of the Citroen range. An assertive face with tall headlamps and a kicked up DLO aft of the B-pillar distinguish this ‘sub B’ or A-class car. The most notable functional design feature of the C2 is its split tailgate, a feature more common on large SUVs, that facilitates easier access to the boot and provides a useful occasional bench to sit on and has an umbrella sized compartment within. The two folding and sliding individual rear seats further adds to the car’s versatility. A distinctive, practically innovative baby Citroen – not since the 1986 AX, or some would say 1948 2CV have we seen that! SL
	BMW X3 This is BMW’s contender in the compact SUV market dominated up until now by the Land-Rover Freelander and Toyota RAV-4. The final styling of the production version of the X3 is somewhat softer than the X-Activity concept shown at Detroit in January, with the unusual double shoulder line now mellowed into a gentle concave sweep. Other design cues such as the kicked-up window line, hawk-eyed headlamps and flared wheelarches remain unchanged from the concept vehicle. The X3 line up will comprise 2.5i, 3.0i and 3.0d with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard on all versions. NH