Autoblog UK

The quest for the stars of the IAA in Frankfurt continues from the selection of fabulous cars on display. Plus, there are the models of a different kind...

Obviously, the cars are the real stars of the Frankfurt Motor Show. The visitors have already chosen their favourite in the shapely form of the Mercedes SLS AMG. But what's at Number Two? We'll find out in the next few days. Until then, we have the opportunity to eye up the models that many visitors are secretly more interested in – the glamorous girls whose charm and looks enhance the beauty of the vehicles on display.

BMW has launched yet another SUV to join the X3 and the X5. At first glance you might not know it is the new BMW, as it looks so like the X3. In fact, the X1 has a wheelbase just 3.5 cm shorter than the "larger" car. The plan is that the next X3 will grow in size to give the X3 a bit more room but, in the meantime, the X1 and X3 look like they are competing with each other. However the X1 18d is a rather tempting £4,000 less than the X3 18d.
The other issue with the X1 is perceived quality. A few people had already questioned the interior, so we took a close look. As well as a rather spartan dashboard, it was noticeable that some of the interior plastics felt a bit thin. Around the centre console, a moderate press with a finger produced rather more movement than you would expect.

Autoblog's Will Powell reports from the Frankfurt Motor Show

The recently revealed Jaguar XJ has received a positive reception from punters here at the Frankfurt motor show. One static XJ show car takes pride of place on British brand's stand in the central hall, but Jaguar has cleverly been exposing its new luxury large saloon to the public, by ferrying executives around on the road in pre-production prototypes.

Last night, a chauffeur driven XJ was spotted parked proudly outside a well known centre-of-town hotel (the bar of which happened to be full of car hacks), while Jag boss Mike O'Driscoll popped in for a drink.

A Jaguar insider revealed that the prototype fleet of XJs that have been rolled into executive taxi service are actually on their way to the Nurburgring for final testing before the flagship saloon goes on sale next year.

No one was left in any doubt that the Ian Callum styled XJ - with its sleek, long and elegant shape - makes a more positive, eyeball-attracting impression in context on the road than it did on any motorshow stand. We can't wait to see it in showrooms in February next year.

Autoblog's James Baggott reports from the Frankfurt Motor Show

VAUXHALL'S new Astra will debut a host of clever technology when its
hits the road later this year.

The new car, unveiled officially at the Frankfurt Motor Show today, will
feature a clever 'Opel Eye' system that reads the road ahead.
The camera, mounted on the front of the dashboard, can tell drivers when
they stray out of a lane and even read speed limit signs and display
these on the dash.

The new Astra, which is available to order now, is the 10th generation
of the vital model. It has been consistently in the top three best
selling models across Europe throughout its production run and remains
vital to the marque's future.

At the launch, Opel's Carl-Peter Foster said: 'The new Astra is a very
important model for us. The new version will play a key role in our
future.

'We intend to work alongside GM as we go forward and can only be
successful by drawing on the economies of scale that partnership offers.
To the doubters I would say let us get on with it and prove we can be
successful.'



The new Astra will be launched in five door guise but an estate and
feisty three-door are coming soon. Fuel usage has been improved by 12
per cent and although there won't be a sub-100g/km car at launch, the
maker is working on getting a model in that free road tax bracket soon.

VAUXHALL's star electric car, the Ampera, will feature a four-cylinder
petrol 'generator' to help boost its range.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel chief Carl-Peter Foster confirmed that
it will have an 'on-board generator' to extend the range to 500kms.
At present, the electric Lithium Ion batteries - which are recharged
using a normal household plug - can power the saloon for 50-60kms.
Vauxhall believes this will be more than enough for the average daily
commute. However, to satisfy longer distance journeys the generator will
kick in to charge the batteries.

The Ampera - seen at the Frankfurt show in all but production ready form
- is still being road tested by the manufacturer, but is in the latter
stages of development.

Look out for more news from Autoblog's James Baggott at Frankfurt Motor Show