From May 13 to 21, Automobile Barcelona 2023 opens its doors, the 42nd edition of the Barcelona Motor Show, which this year coincides in its first four days with the Motorcycle Show.
The event occupies two pavilions of the Fira (1 and 8), as well as surrounding areas, and in it with the participation of 31 brands from the sector. An important representation although there are some notable absences, such as the Stellantis Group. The 11th began with a conference dedicated to professionals and the press and we went there to learn about 14 new products (11 Spanish and three worldwide). We have been counting them almost live on Twitter and Instagram and here we are going to review them all, in the order that we got to know them:
Mercedes
Its stand has about twenty models, with all types of propulsion, sports signed by Mercedes-AMG and also commercial vehicles. There are three new models so far in our market; the new Mercedes E-Class, the Mercedes EQE SUV and the EQT.
You can also see the Mercedes-AMG VISION prototype, the Mercedes-AMG SL or the Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4, a vehicle next to which you feel tiny, due to its 2.25 meter height.
Astara
Astara may not sound too much to the general public, but it is the Group that markets Mitsubishi, Subaru, Maxus, Aiways in Spain… There are the new ASX, the Solterra, the Aiways U6… and some vehicle that we had not yet seen live , such as the Maxus T-90, an impressive electric pick-up or the MIFA 9, a minivan with the same propulsion system.
There was also talk of Astara Move, the unlimited mileage subscription car service and also the Microlino, a modern and updated interpretation of the Isetta. advertise up 230 km autonomymaximum speed of 90km/h and a boot capacity of 230 litersYou can drive on any road. All this in very little space (2.5 meters long, 1.4 wide and 1.5 high) and with a low weight. One of our salon favourites.
BYD
BYD launch. Its numbers are staggering. They abandoned combustion engines in 2022 and have focused on electric cars. They are already the first manufacturer worldwide and have sold one million units in just six months. They arrive in Spain (they collaborate with Astara, Caetano and Quadis in distribution) with five vehicles. Big and luxurious like the Han and the Tang, a saloon like the Seal and the cheapest Atto 3 and Dolphin.
The latter is the first time it was seen in Spain. Manufactured on the E-Platform 3.0 base that the Seal already uses, with the LFP battery (more durable and safer) that they call Blade Battery integrated to give more rigidity, high-efficiency heat pump, integrated 8-in-1 electric kinematic chain… A whole wake-up call to the European industry.
Mazda
A lot of CX-60 PHEV and CX-60 diesel, the great innovations of recent months with which the brand has gone up a step (or two) in its perception as a brand. But the great protagonist is the MX-30 R-EV, an electric car (85 km of autonomy, ideal for daily movement), with a rotary gasoline engine that works as a generator to avoid anxiety about autonomy. It arrives in September and can already be reserved.
We stop at the great novelty of @MazdaEspana in this #AutomobileBCN ➡ The MX-30 with extended autonomy! 👌@automobilebcnpic.twitter.com/fuISpSA9WJ
— Coches.com (@coches) May 11, 2023
Of course, from its stand we were conquered by the Mazda Cosmo, the first car that used the rotary engine in the firm, at the end of the 60s.
Cupra
In the exclusive pavilion of the firm, the Cupra Tavascan is presented, with a massive reception. It’s an impressive electric SUV inside and out (designed by Spaniard Jorge Diaz), which deserves a detailed analysis that we will do very soon.
Suddenly, Rosalía rings and what was an open secret is confirmed: Wayne Griffiths announces that his next electric model will be the Cupra Raval, which hits the market in 2025 and is expected to be manufactured in Martorell. In addition to taking the name of the popular Barcelona neighborhood, the brand will launch an incentive program to improve that area of the city. Corporate social responsibility that must be applauded.
ebro
Great news. A Spanish brand returns to the market. The legendary brand of industrial and agricultural vehicles, Ebro, which in 2024 will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its foundation, presented its first prototype, a 100% electric pick-up for the first time after its disappearance in 1987.
The new Ebro Automotive Corporation, announced that the Ebro pick-up can circulate in rear-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive thanks to two electric propellers that develop 220 kW (299 CV), powered by a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery, with a autonomy of up to 440 kilometers.
Its dimensions (5,218 mm high, by 1,848 mm wide and 1,785 mm high) allow it to offer ample interior space to accommodate five people, as well as a practical cargo platform. And best of all, it is the first vehicle in its category designed and produced in Europe. It will begin to be manufactured in series in the last quarter of 2024 in the Barcelona Free Zone.
nissan
Bruno Mattucci, General Manager of Nissan Spain, spoke of the importance of electrification in the brand. And he highlighted the importance of the e-Power system that guarantees moving around electric… without having to depend on a recharging infrastructure still in its infancy. There are already models of the brand, such as the Nissan Qashqai and the Nissan X-Trail that have this propulsion system.
In addition, at the stand you can see the Ariya, the brand’s 100% electric SUV. The firm wants to be recognized again as “the Japanese” and announce news. In fact, they are already pushing solid-state batteries to improve the capabilities of zero-emission cars.
Hyundai
Many cars, from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 to best sellers like the Tucson… But the one that concentrated all eyes was the Hyundai Kona.
A Hyundai robot was in charge of discovering this SUV that is bigger than before since the Bayon conquered the small SUV segment. Presented by Mireia Belmonte, is offered in gasoline, hybrid and fully electric versions and sales start along with the show. prices fluctuate between 28,490 to 42,949 euroswithout discounts or aid.
seats
You can see the brand’s vehicles, but the most interesting thing is that Seat exhibits some historical models in Barcelona to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the production of its first car, the Seat 1400.
They also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the start-up of its Martorell factory… and you can see models like the 600, the 850 Spyder (one of the most beautiful), the first Seat Ibiza, which changed the history of Seat or the first electric, a Seat Toledo that accompanied the Olympic torch on its route at the Barcelona 1992 event.
Renault
E-Tech technology is the great protagonist of the Hall. From the Megane E-Tech, an interesting electric compact, to hybrid bets.
There are two cars that can be seen for the first time at the Show. On the one hand, on these lines, the new Renault Espace, which is now a 7-seater SUV with an interesting hybrid system shared with the Austral. And, of course, the new Renault Clio, which wants to continue to be one of the references among utilities.
Dacia
All the units display the brand’s new logo, presented at the end of 2022 and which include its models from the first quarter of the year. It has been used to publicize the new Xtreme finish, which gives models such as the Dacia Jogger or the Dacia Duster, among others, a more aggressive air.
Interesting the new kit to camperize the Jogger. For 1,500 euros, you get an ideal bed for adventures as a couple, without limiting cargo space and without giving up having a 100% functional car when you need it.
The Ciudad Condal contest opens its doors in its 2023 edition, which will remain open until May 21.
Barcelona show 2023
Several cars exposed in the .
With the day dedicated to professionals and the Press, the . It will have its doors open at the Ciudad Condal fairgrounds until May 21, coinciding during its first four days with the motorcycle show.
