2009 Geneva Motor Show

Ooh, sobriety reigned as Europe’s carmakers shifted gear towards frugality and affordability in the midst of the GFC. Kings of the eco debutantes were the Hyundai i20, VW Polo V, Chevy/Holden Spark, and Tata Nano.

Still, the show must go on they say, and on a number of interesting newbies also materialised: Skoda Yeti, Renault Scenic III, Opel Ampera, Porsche 997 Series II GT3, Ford Focus RS, Fiat 500C, Ferrari 599XX, Audi TT RS, Audi A4 Allroad, Aston Martin’s One-77 and DBS Volante, and Mercedes E-Class Coupe. Clearly their development cycle commenced before the Icelandic, US and European economies went into freefall…Flights of fancies included the Infiniti Essence and Rinspeed E2, but the Ford Iosis Max, Nissan Qanzana and Dacia Duster concepts all led to productionisation versions.