Like any major auto show, Geneva is a venue where automakers love to reveal to the public what they're thinking of next. Concept cars are their way of doing this. Yes, reactions from you and buyers alike provide vital consumer feedback and help in the decision making process. Will a concept receive the production green light or will it be sent to the crusher? Or is it simply a design study meant to showcase the skills of a styling team? All are possible, and this year's crop of concepts at Geneva happened to be rather interesting.
Maserati is currently going through a renaissance, and it'll soon kick off its new design language with one incredible debut. A new 2+2 sports car is on the horizon, and it'll compete head-to-head with the likes of the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911. Maybe even Maserati sister brand's California T. The potential is huge here, and our confidence in Maserati's ability to make it happen was secured with the Alfieri Concept. Just look at. It's utterly beautiful from every angle. Assuming it gets the green light, the production version likely won't look all that much different from this.
We've been longtime fans of the current Mazda2, but its styling was never something we were totally thrilled about. In fact, we never really came to like Mazda's previous design language. But soon the next-gen Mazda2 will go on sale, which is heavily previewed by the Hazumi Concept. Without question this was one of the surprises of the show. It's the small hatchback that can be described as both sexy and practical. Based on our discussion with a Mazda rep, the Hazumi is nearly 95 percent production ready, at least from the outside.
Skoda is the more economical brand in the VW Group lineup. It's basically for Europeans who won't (or can't) spend a bit more on a VW. But Skoda apparently has more design talent than we ever thought. The VisionC Concept is without question one of the best-looking four-door coupes we've seen to date. Seriously. With its sculpted lines and triangular lamps, the VisionC would make a great competitor to the likes of the Mercedes CLA and even the newly launched Audi A3. A production version won't be as luxurious as the former two, but it definitely has the potential to look just as good, if not better.
No, you're not looking a reborn Honda Del Sol with newly added VW badges. The T-Roc Concept is an interesting idea the folks at VW have cooked up. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, the two-door concept also features a removable targa-like top. You could even consider it sort of a crossover targa. It's hard to figure out what exactly a production version would compete against (the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul have four doors), but VW may be on to something nonetheless.
Audi managed to surprise everyone with the reveal of its 420HP TT Quattro Sport Concept. Take a wild guess as to its power output. With a 2.0-liter TFSI engine under the hood, Audi claims the concept can go from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Consider it to be a lightweight high performance version of the new TT, weighing 2,963 lbs. Designers removed things such as the speakers and armrests in order to create space for a pair of racing helmets. Along with its 20-inch wheels, there's also LED headlights and a carbon-fiber diffuser and front splitter. Audi was mum on specifics, but we wouldn't at all be surprised to see this hit the track one day very soon.
Honorable Mention: Volvo Concept Estate. Without question, this is the concept that Volvo needs to build. Sadly, chances are there's no market for a three-door shooting brake such as this. But still, we can always hope.