Madrid International Auto Show Provides Setting For More Than 90 New Features

MADRID - May 22, 2006: Car manufacturers have once again chosen the Madrid International Auto Show as the ideal forum for presenting their latest new features, many of them world exclusives. The 48 makes present at the Show will present more than a dozen world-wide and European unveilings and more than ninety new features in Spain. A considerable level of expectation surrounds what is destined to be a spectacular edition of the Madrid Auto Show, an event where, as is customary, a number of world-wide launches will play a leading role.

Among the international launches that have been confirmed for this edition (without ruling out other last-minute surprises), we might mention three entirely new vehicles from Kia, Fiat and Peugeot. The Korean manufacturer will launch on a world-wide scale the new generation of the Kia Carens, the compact people mover which will be taller, longer and wider than the previous model, allowing it to offer a seven-seater interior. The Madrid Show will also present on a world-wide basis, the new Fiat Ducato, a completely new trade vehicle, although it has kept the name of its predecessors. The new model will be completely equipped as standard and it will offer the chance of choosing between three diesel engines and 253 available versions.

Likewise, the French manufacturer Peugeot will display for the first time the new generation of the Boxer, one of the best known trade vehicles in Spain. The new Boxer will show a very modern exterior design, as well as new, sophisticated equipment elements: stability control, parking aid sensor and even pneumatic suspension. There will be a choice between three turbo-diesel engines: 2.2 HDI with 100 hp, 2.2 HDI with 120 hp and 3.0 HDI with 160 hp.

The makes will also launch on a world-wide basis some spectacular versions and new motorizations of models as representative as the new Seat León FR. This model will add two sporty versions to the range of this suggestive and attractive compact-coupé, The Seat León FR (the "FR" stands for Formula Racing) offers two powerful engine options: the new 2.0 litre TDI that generates 170 hp, which is based on a variable geometry turbo engine, 16 valves, a particle filter and a series of innovative piece pump injectors (PPD) that guarantee optimum combustion and great performance; and the gasoline-powered 2.0 litre TFSI, which features a direct injection turbo format and generates 200 hp. The changes to the new Seat León can also be observed in the car's exterior, featuring new 17'' or 18'' wheels of exclusive design, new front bumpers, presence of the FR logos, etc.

SEAT will also present the world unveiling of the new Altea FR with a gasoline-powered 2.0 litre TFSI engine that generates 200 hp, a model that will maintain the sporty characteristics of its diesel twin that was presented in Geneva. We will also see the new diesel format for the SEAT Toledo, which will be endowed with a 2.0 litre TDI engine that generates 170 hp. Furthermore, SEAT will present the new features that make up its year 2007 range at the Madrid Auto Show, encompassing models such as the Ibiza, the Córdoba and the León and Altea.

Among the new motorizations and restyling to be admired at the Show is the new Volvo XC90, which incorporates many improvements in design and equipment, as well as a new, powerful V6 petrol engine. Likewise, the US manufacturer Hummer will present the H3 by Custo, an exclusive version of the four-wheel drive. On the other hand, Land Rover will display for the first time - also worldwide, the Range Rover 2007 Vogue TDV8, the new 2007 range of which incorporates, as its main attraction, an unusual turbo-diesel V8 engine.

A very special series will also be presented by Nissan, with its Micra C+C Jordi Labanda, named after the renowned Catalan designer. This car will be available with a gasoline-powered 1.4 litre 16V engine that generates 88 hp or a 1.6 litre 16V engine that packs 110 hp. The designer's contribution to the exclusive equipment level will be reflected in various features, such as the bodywork, the mats, the headrests, etc. Furthermore, the car will present an elegant bluish-coloured leather upholstery, whilst the gear-stick will present a series of inlaid Swarovski crystals.

European Launches

Visitors to the Madrid Auto Show will also gain an exclusive glimpse of a number of models that are to be launched in Europe for the first time. This is the case of the Bentley GTC, a totally new convertible that recently made its debut in New York and that lands on the European continent at the Madrid Show ; as well as the case of the Ssangyong Rexton II, the re-styling of this four-wheel drive vehicle that reaches the Madrid Show after its presentation in Korea; and the new Toyota Avensis 2006 that features a sportier look and incorporate high-quality features typical of the medium-upper category segment. The new Avensis 2006 will present a range of highly competitive diesel engines, including the new high-technology 2.0 litre D-4D that generates 126 hp. This is an additional development of Toyota's 'Clean Power' strategy to reduce harmful emissions thanks to a diesel particle filter.

More Than Ninety New Features in Spain

The Madrid Auto Show will also present the setting for more than ninety launches in Spain, including new features in all categories designed to cater for all tastes: people-carriers, saloons, sporty designs and competition cars, not to mention four-wheel-drives, city run-arounds, compact cars, etc ... A veritable treat for all car lovers and motoring enthusiasts.

Within the people-carrier segment, which will be packed with new features, visitors will be able to discover the following models, among others: the new Fiat Ulysse 2.0 JTD 120; the Ford S-Max, a completely new people-carrier; the new Hyundai H1 4x4, the all-wheel traction version of this people-carrier; the new generation of the KIA Carnaval; a version of the Opel Zafira that is propelled by natural gas; and the Skoda Roomster, an entirely new model. Among the saloons, which are highly popular among Spaniards, visitors will be able to gain a glimpse of the following vehicles: the Citröen C5 2.2 HDI 173, which is endowed with an advanced bi-turbo-diesel engine that generates 173 hp; the new luxury super-saloon from Lexus, the LS 460 h; the Class E Mercedes; and the Peugeot 407 with its new and revolutionary turbo-diesel 2.2 litre HDI and 2.7 litre HDI V6 engines.

We will also see numerous unveilings in Spain of a series of sports designs, including models as spectacular as the following: the convertible Alfa Spider; the second generation of the Audi TT Coupé; the Ford Focus CC, the luxurious Jaguar XK; the Opel GT, an impressive two-seater roadster; the Clio Renault Sport; and the Mazda RX-8 Limited Edition, an exclusive series of one of the most advanced coupés in the world that has been designed specially for the European market.

Within the four-wheel-drive segment, which will be strongly represented at the Show, we will be able to admire a number of models that are still unfamiliar to the Spanish public, such as the new Chevrolet Captiva, the Fiat Sedici, the Mahindra Goa, the Suzuki SX4 and the B9 Tribeca, the luxury four-wheel-drive from Subaru.

These are just some of the many new features in Spain that visitors will be able to discover at the Madrid Car Show, bringing the number of launches in Spain to nearly one hundred in all.

Prototypes and Concept Cars

In addition to the ideas and designs that are already on the market, or that shortly will be, the Madrid International Auto Show will offer us a fascinating glimpse of the future, based on an exhibition of spectacular prototypes and concept cars.Amongst the many and interesting future proposals are the Honda Civic Type-R, which previews what the next 3-door sports Civic could be like; the Nissan Terranaut, and advanced, impressive four-wheel drive prototype that could also perfectly carry out the functions of a mobile scientific laboratory; the Santana PS-10 Short Line is an eye-catching concept that could be the three-door version of the popular four-wheel drive vehicle, the Anibal; the Saab Aero-X, which forms a spectacular coupe prototype that impresses due to its futuristic lines, its impressive exterior size, or the Volvo C30 Design Concept, a concept car that features a sporty look and a three-door bodywork.