The Bologna Motor Show celebrates its 31st year with the news that it has been accepted by the International Car Manufacturers Organisation for the first time as an "International Automobile Exhibition". With that and the promise of 13 world and 12 European debuts in mind, we booked our flights and spent a couple of days soaking up the Italian atmosphere.
Here's what we found at the show:
Alfa Romeo
The Bologna Show marked the first public outing for Alfa Romeo's new Q2 system, which is essentially just the fitment of a Torsen limited slip differential to the torquier front-wheel drive cars in the line-up. The first models to benefit from it are the 147 and the GT coupé fitted with the powerful JTDm turbodiesel engine. The Q2 models are distinguished inside and out from other models in the range too, with an emphasis on the enthusiast.
Audi
Although Bologna was the first European airing for the TT Roadster, there was little fanfare, with just a solitary blue example on the vast Audi stand. Centre-stage went instead to the new Audi R8 supercar and the line-up of S and RS models. We did like the bright white RS4 Cabriolet on display, complete with menacing grey 19-inch alloys.
BMW
Though we've driven the new X5 briefly already, the Bologna Show was the European debut, following the
LA Show by only a few days. Also on the BMW stand was the Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-fuelled luxury car. It's not a concept either; it will be sold in small numbers in 2007.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet launched its first-ever diesel car for Britain at Bologna. The Lacetti (or Nubira as it is called in most of Europe) will soon come with the option of a 2-litre turbodiesel engine.
Citroen
There was nothing new or exciting on Citroen's stand, the French company focusing on the Italian market launch of its new C4 Picasso MPV.
Fiat
The Bologna Show is now as close to a home event as Fiat gets, so it's small wonder that the Italian journalists were swarming all over the large stand. The models draping themselves over an immaculate old Fiat 500 vied for attention with the rest of the display, which consisted mostly of Pandas. Making its world debut was the cleverly-named PanDAKAR, based on the Panda Cross (a restyled version of the Panda 4x4 that is not imported into Britain) and set to compete in the gruelling Dakar Rally Raid in January next year. The compact dimensions of the Panda should make an interesting change of scenery for the lead driver, Miki Biasion, used to winning rallies at the wheel of Lancia Delta Integrales, as well as his exploits in trucks.
Alongside the cool Panda 100HP and the efficient Panda Panda, a concept version designed in co-operation with Dianese was displayed. The Panda Tanker is a back-to-basics design, featuring just two doors and no rear seats. The concept version is aimed at younger buyers with active interests such as snowboarding, but we envisage a new mini-commercial vehicle based on the Panda.
Ford
Ford's stand was one of the busiest at the show, playing host to the world debut of a facelifted Ford C-MAX. Note that the Focus name has been dropped in a bid to align the C-MAX with the S-MAX. This is quite an advanced preview though, as the new car does not go on sale until next summer.
Ford also displayed the iosis X concept and the Mondeo Estate "near production" show car, both of which we saw for the first time at this year's Paris Show.
Great Wall
There was a significant number of manufacturers present from China, one of the most impressive being the Great Wall Motor company. Despite odd names, both its Hover SUV and the Wingle (I kid you not) pickup could compete well in Europe, though we'll do without the stretch Hover Limousine thanks...
Katay
Katay is another unknown name in these parts, but the Chinese company gave its new Gonow Victory and Gonow Troy their debuts in Bologna. They're not quite as successful as Great Wall's efforts.
Lamborghini
Fresh from its world debut in LA, it was only right that Lamborghini brought along the incredible Murcielago LP640 in its new Roadster guise. This is the ultimate Lamborghini of the moment.
Maserati
Though details emerged in the summer of Maserati's exclusive new supercar, the Bologna show was the actual premiere. Only 12 examples of the MC12 Versione Corse will be made and if you're one of the buyers willing to pay a million Euro (plus tax) for such exclusivity, you may be a little disappointed by the fact that the car will not be homologated for road use, nor for entry into any sanctioned motorsport. That's one expensive trackday toy!
Nissan
For the Italian market only, Nissan displayed the Murano Gran Turismo, with just cosmetic and equipment changes differentiating it from the regular Murano. The Bologna Show was also the first Italian outing for the new Qashqai, which went into production in Sunderland on the first press day of the show.
Opel
Much fuss was made of the new Antara SUV and the world debut of the 2007 model year Astra. You'll do well to spot much of a difference between it and the current car.
Peugeot
Italian show goers will love the Peugeot stand, as it features all the concepts that debuted at the Paris Motor Show, including the 908RC and Spider 207.
SEAT
Bologna is the first chance for Italian fans of the Spanish brand to see the new Leon Cupra and the Altea XL.
Skoda
The 'tougher' Skoda Roomster Scout made its world debut in Bologna, but we must admit that, large alloys aside, the Scout is only marginally different to the regular Roomster.
smart
Though we went along to Stuttgart for the media preview of the new smart fortwo, the Bologna Show is the first chance for the public to see the all-new version. Italy is an important car for smart, with more sales in Rome than anywhere else so far.
Ssangyong
Coming to Britain soon will be a sporty crossover design from Ssangyong, called the Actyon; it's a mix of unusual coupé-like styling, traditional 4x4 abilities and a more sophisticated technical specification.
Suzuki
Suzuki's large show stand featured the new Swift Sport, as well as the SX4 WRC concept car and the Project Splash concept.
Toyota
Bologna hosted the world debut of the new Toyota Auris, the replacement for the Toyota Corolla.
Volkswagen
The only all-new car on the VW stand was the CrossTouran, a restyled and jacked up version that we don't think is coming to Britain.
