Across the pond and more than halfway around the world, the auto industry is in full motion as the 2007 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show is underway. Most of the vehicles there will never set a tire on U.S. soil, but thanks to the Internet, we're able to lampoon or gaze at what the Europeans are coming up with.
Here's a look at a few SUVs and CUVs that we'll never see in the US.
The Peugeot 207 SW Outdoor
First shown in all its "Motor Show finery" at Geneva, the second version of the Peugeot 207 SW now shows its public face at Frankfurt. Sharing all the strengths of the 207 SW, such as great versatility, innovative folding rear seats and increased load area, the 207 SW Outdoor now moves the 207 SW range into the "great outdoors". With a bolder exterior styling, increased ride height, new style alloy wheels and "Narbonnais grey" wheel arch and sill mouldings, the 207 Outdoor has a unique look. Engine options consist of a 1.4 litre VTi 95 bhp or 1.6 litre VTi 120 bhp petrol engine or two HDi diesel engines both 1.6 litres, producing either 90 or 110 bhp. The 207 SW Outdoor shares all the standard safety equipment with the 207 SW and will go on sale in the UK in November 2007.
The Peugeot 308 SW Prologue
With the SW concept which first appeared in 2002 with the launch of the 307 SW, Peugeot created a new motoring concept which has since become available in other models in the range. Today the "SW" is synonymous with a true life style car. The abbreviation also symbolises practicality and versatility, allowing the particular car to adapt to its user's many wishes. The 308 SW Prologue concept car is powered by the 2.0 litre HDi DPFS 136 bhp engine equipped with an additive-enhanced diesel particulate filter system (DPFS). One of the SW's key features is the panoramic glass roof, offering extraordinary levels of interior brightness and an unprecedented feeling of space and visibility, particularly for the rear passengers.
The SEAT Tribu Concept
SEAT has delivered the surprise of this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, with the unveiling of the dramatic Tribu concept. This dynamic-looking compact SUV showcases the latest interpretation of ?Auto Emocion', and is the first model wholly designed by SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke and his team since his arrival at the Spanish brand from Lamborghini. The Tribu signals an evolution of SEAT's current design themes. Elements of current SEAT aesthetics, such as a dynamic line on each flank and a bold grille, sustain the brand's clear identity. However, aside from these trademarks, everything else is different, with a more angular silhouette that communicates power, confidence and dynamism. The SEAT Tribu is clearly an SUV, with its generous ground clearance and four-wheel drive system, but its compact, three-door shape and sports-car-like detailing - such as impactful 20-inch alloy wheels, prominent rear spoiler and the aforementioned dynamic lines - are proof of its feisty, sporty character.
The SKODA Fabia Estate
The latest edition to the Czech firm's line-up is larger in every respect than its predecessor. Buyers will have the choice of six engines altogether (three petrol and three diesel). The Fabia Estate also offers a number of clever features deigned to enhance convenience and make the lives of passengers and drivers more comfortable. Key strengths include the impressive boot capacity, the roomy passenger space, an abundance of storage trays, hooks and cubby holes to keep possessions secure and a boot roller cover with automatic quick release - with one touch the cover is retracted making loading and unloading quick and easy.
The Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a seven-seat vehicle that combines the space and practicality of an MPV with the style of an SUV and the ride, handling and fuel efficiency of a family saloon. The front-wheel drive Dodge Journey will be launched in the UK in summer 2008 and will feature a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Both powertrains will be available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Well, we might see it here.
The RENAULT Kangoo
New Kangoo draws on the fundamentals of its predecessor: quality, comfort, and practicality. At 4,213mm in length, New Kangoo's resolutely contemporary and cheery lines exert a strong appeal. Its short, chunky front end frees up space for the bright, airy passenger cabin, which is further enhanced by its steeply-raked MPV-style windscreen and doors which open into a comprehensively reworked interior.
Via: UK-NewsPress