Geneva Motor Show: preview

The 2018 Geneva International Motor Show is almost upon us. Held yearly at Palexpo, a convention centre located near the city's airport, it's probably the biggest and most important of the year's motor shows – and it's the one where most European manufacturers choose to debut their newest cars to journalists and the public.

For 2018, we're expecting new and exciting cars from just about every major car brand. From A to V (Audi to Volvo) we're expecting to see the latest and greatest in vehicle tech, whether it's the latest production model or an up-in-the-air concept car that may or may not get made.

The industry's shift away from diesel and towards electric vehicles means we're expecting to see plenty of eco machines, not to mention the latest in autonomous technology. But motor manufacturers are no strangers to offering up a surprise or two, so don't be shocked if some curveballs are thrown.

The show kicks off with two days open to the press on March 6 and 7, before opening to the public between March 8 and 18. If you can't make it, or have been unable to get tickets – don't worry, we'll bring you the latest news and new car debuts – and here we've rounded up just a few of the cars that have been announced so far...

Audi A6

The latest A6 offers almost all of the luxury tech of its larger A8 sibling, but in an executive-sized, BMW 5-Series rivalling package. It offers clever mild hybrid engines, a slick and virtually button-free interior, and plenty of premium feel.

Citroen Berlingo Multispace

Unveiled alongside similar vehicles from sister brands Peugeot and Vauxhall, the Berlingo Multispace is exactly the sort of vehicle we've begun to miss – a no-nonsense, van-based MPV, with bags of practicality and quirky looks.

Cupra Ateca

The first vehicle from Seat's new standalone performance brand, the Cupra Ateca is based on the standard Ateca SUV – but promises to offer the fun of a hot hatchback along the way. The jury's still out on the Cupra-specific styling touches, though.

Ferrari 488 Pista

The 488 Pista is a special, track-focused version of the halo V8 car – and Ferrari's most powerful 8-pot yet. Specially tuned, it pumps out 710bhp and weighs just 1,280kg – appropriate for a car who's name literally means 'Track'.

Hyundai Kona Electric
The electric version of Hyundai's latest SUV, the Kona, has been unveiled as a stylish rival to big-sellers such as the Nissan Leaf. Kona Electric comes in two versions, capable of either 186 miles or 292 miles on a single charge.

Jaguar I-Pace

The I-Pace is one of the most eagerly anticipated cars of the year, and could cement Jaguar's position as a front-runner – none of its rivals has unveiled a fully electric SUV yet. Mating cutting-edge tech with stylish Jaguar design, it could be a real success for the British brand.

Kia Ceed
Dropping the apostrophe from the Ceed name is a bold move, but not as bold as the newly stylish family hatchback from Korean brand Kia. Longer and wider than the old car, it looks set to be a real rival to class stalwarts such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf.

Lexus UX

First revealed in concept form back in 2016, the UX is now a fully production-ready small SUV – and one of the most eye-catching yet. It's a new market sector for the brand, but it still looks like a Lexus – so expect an efficient hybrid powertrain and incredibly comfortable seats.

Peugeot 508
The old Peugeot 508 was one of the more forgettable cars in the Ford Mondeo-sized family car class. The new car is far more stylish, and could continue the French brand's renaissance as a producer of genuinely premium and remarkably good-to-drive vehicles.

Skoda Vision X

The Vision X concept looks as if it could continue the brand's newfound skill at building solid and dynamic SUVs. It's set to reach production late next year and run a clever hybrid and natural-gas powertrain.

Toyota Supra
We've been looking forward to the Toyota Supra for years, praying that the brand would build a new version of its legendary sports car. Thanks to a tie-up with BMW, that looks set to happen, and we can't wait to get a look at it.

Volvo V60
The greatest Volvos have almost all been estate models – could the V60 be the latest legend? Sharing a platform with the larger V90 and XC60 SUV, it will be offered with a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engine options and a premium interior packed with safety tech.