Went to the Motorshow at London ExCel today..............

[Ian]

Today, I spent the day at the British International Motor Show, and have now sat down with a few moments to myself to gather my thoughts and rub my sore feet.

Well my first impressions were of disappointment in that the exhibition hall was quite small, however, I later reviewed that thought and think that the size was actually perfect. The exhibition space at Excel, is around the same size as the Geneva Motor Show - and nobody complains about that - in fact it is one of the most coveted shows of the year. With space a little more limited this year, the manufacturers have tended to concentrate on the new models that they have to show, and the best sellers of the ranges.

There were a number of important world debuts at the show, with the Land Rover Freelander 2, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW M6 Convertible and Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe taking the limelight. In addition, there were a large number of UK debuts in the form of the Honda Legend, Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, Chevrolet Captiva and Bentley Continental GTC.

For me, the real highlights of the show was firstly the unveiling of the new Freelander 2. Land Rover have made a real leap forward in quality and the Freelander 2 now fits in with the quality ethos of the other members of the Land Rover and Range Rover ranges. A big surprise came in the shape of the Vauxhall Corsa. When I saw the press pictures a few months ago, my reaction was 'urggh'. Well all of my concerns were blown to pieces by the new Corsa when I saw it up close. The shape of the car looks considerably nicer in the metal so to speak. It really does look like a mini-Astra, and I am sure that it will fly out of the showrooms. The interior in the original press shot looked a little cheap and nasty. This is not the case, and having sat in a number of different specification new Corsa's, there were certainly no concerns in terms of quality.

The Chevrolet Captiva surprised me alot - this car certainly puts to bed all of the Daewoo-Reject type jokes. It is a leap forward in terms of design from all of Chevrolets other offerings.

For some weeks now, since the Mazda3 MPS was announced, I had been quietly impressed by its blend of looks and power. Having time to crawl over the car, and I came to the conclusion that I wasn't disappointed. I just can't wait to drive it.

With the MPS in mind, I headed over to the Ford stand to have my first taste of the Focus ST. Friends have been on at me for weeks about taking a look at one, but my reaction was always "No, I won't, because I'm sure that I'll buy one". I have always been interested in fast Fords, having owned a Mondeo ST24 and three Focus ST170's in the past. Sadly on this count, I was very very disappointed. Whilst the exterior in ST trim looks lovely, the interior was a major disappointment. I simply wouldn't be able to live with all that Black Plastic and Black Upholstery.

Moving on to the Focus Coupe-Cabriolet (Mustn't call it a CC), the interior is a world apart. The show example had an interior in a two-tone black and cream. That in my opinion lifted the car no end. The chap by the car was keen to point out all the improvements that they had implemented as a result of stripping down a Vauxhall Astra Twintop. As a result, he was able to point out alot of the shortcomings of the Focus's rival. Some of them were a little alarming - hopefully it was exaggerated. If not, I can see a few young childrens fingers being chopped off by Astra Twintops!

Walking away from the large Ford stand, I moved onto the Land Rover stand. Up close, the Freelander 2 is much more dramatic and I don't think photographs have done it any justice. The interior is a real step forward in quality. Sadly I didn't spend much time with the Freelander as there were TV crews queuing up to film it. This, however, gave me a great opportunity to spend time in the Range Rover Sport. Now, what a car. For me, it was the star of the show. I can really see one sitting on my driveway early next year. It has a blend of quality and that just wasn't present on any of the other cars that I sat in today.

Having left drool marks on the Range Rover Sports upholstery, I moved into the other hall. Honda had the Civic Type-R in a pearlescent White which looked absolutely stunning. Mercedes-Benz had the excessive GL-Class which wasn't far off a juggernaut in size and statue. Toyota a Yaris T-Sport concept which looked attractive.

As well as the indoor static displays, there was plenty to entertain, outside in the sunshine. There is a Mazda sponsored race track where you get to drive a Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport and RX-8 PZ. The laps are timed and the best driver of the show, will win the use of a Mazda MX-5 for a year. Also outside are Four Wheel Drive courses, and taster test drives layed on by Citroen, Honda, Seat, Toyota and Vauxhall/GM.

All in all, the show was a great one. It is certainly more compact than the NEC, but is backed up by great facilities with good value eating establishments and watering holes. The food looked to be of good quality, although I didn't get to try any of it (The hospitality of the manufacturers was too good to miss )

The access by public transport is excellent, and so was the parking. On public days, parking is £5 (considerably cheaper than the NEC).

If I have missed out any of the stands that you would like to know about, leave a message here, or don't be afraid to PM me. As you have come to expect from me, I have uploaded copies of alot of the press releases that I was given today. I'm sure there will still be many more to come.

My only message to everyone is - Go and try the new format Motor Show. I had a fantastic day, and I'm sure you will too. If people don't support the show, then sadly I don't think that we will have a show to go to in future years.

[LeRich]

Thanks for the roun-up Ian. I'm going tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it.

[Serge Jonkers]

Question howc was the new Lotus europe in the flesh ? And did TVR had something new/special ?

Thanks

[John]

What a good post, i really wanted to go to this show, but just couldnt due to other commitments.

Thanks Ian

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Serge Jonkers

Question howc was the new Lotus europe in the flesh ? And did TVR had something new/special ?

Thanks

The Lotus Europa looked really great. Sadly at the time that I went past, Mike Brewer was recording a TV report so wasn't able to get up close with it. I plan to when I visit again either tomorrow or Monday.

With regards to TVR, I was expecting to read in their press pack that they were 'Dust', but scoured the release, but nothing. TVR had the Tuscan and Sagaris on show.

[Ian]

Originally Posted by John

What a good post, i really wanted to go to this show, but just couldnt due to other commitments.

Thanks Ian

That is such a shame. I was so impressed by the organisation at the show - it really was alot more friendly than the NEC (And alot cheaper . The catering arrangements are so much more varied and seem to be of better quality.

[Ian]

I've finally had time to upload some piccies from yesterday. Here goes:

1) Land Rover Freelander 2
2) Jaguar XJR Portfolio
3) Vernon Kay on the Jaguar Stand
4) Jaguar XKR
5) The Ford empire
6) Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe
7) Nissan Micra C+C
8) Toyota Yaris T Sport Concept
9) Lexus LS 460
10) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo FQ-360

[Ian]

And some more

1) Honda Civic 3-Door
2) Bentley Continental GTC
3) BMW M6 Convertible
4) MINI Cooper
5) MINI Cooper John Cooper Works GP
6) Citroen C1 Pink
7) Chevrolet Captiva
8) Aston Martin Vantage Nurburgring Car
9) Mazda3 MPS

[MikeM]

..........and had a really enjoyable time. Best bit was the 4x4 experience though the Vauxhall remote control cars were a good laugh (I was rubbish!).

Got there for 11am when the halls were still reasonably empty which meant that we could get around a lot of the stands with ease. By 12.30 it had got very crowded so an early start is a good idea. Son and his mate collected bags full of freebies - the stress balls on the Garmin stand are good value and the free ice lollies from Ford were a godsend in the heat! We also enjoyed the entertainment shows put on by Ford and Vauxhall's bike displays.

Had to laugh at Top Gear and Auto Express stands. You used to get free copies of the mags - now they charge you £1 for the privilege

Most of the stands had quality displays and I was surprised at how many you could get on to with ease and get in the cars. Didn't manage the Merc SL's tho'

A great day out and would definitely go again to the venue, though next time I hope the DLR is working properly!

Mike

[swiftone]

I can't go myself. Does anyone know when the TV show will be on? Theres usually a weekend special thing isn't there?

[MGR_Petrolhead]

I am going this Saturday. What is wrong with the DLR? engineering work?


I'd say snippets of the show will be found on TV, not necessarily a full programme, although that would be nice.

[MikeM]

Originally Posted by MGR_Petrolhead

What is wrong with the DLR? engineering work?

Today it was signal failure at Canning Town No different to any other railway

[MGR_Petrolhead]

I'll be sick of trains on that day, i have to get the mainline down to london then change to tube and DLR of course, similar to you I guess. Glad you had a great day, I like getting all the freebies and special brochures too!

[Alex30013k]

I went there on Sunday and found every stand to be very good!

Apart from Bentley!
OMG they made me feel like dog poo!
I have never felt so unwelcome in my life!
I don’t dress like a kid or act like one but they all looked at me and my mates as if we should not be there!

All the cars were locked as we walked over to them so we just turned round and left!
I went and had a look at the Merc stand and sat in an S Class! The guy come over and started talking to me about the car etc!

Any way nice that there was a MG ZS there with the RAC stand!

Oh and a shame that the Beaulieu motor museum never brought the 75 along on to there stand – but thinking about it they don’t want any old peasant scratching it.
But a very good day!

I left feeling good about my car,

Did the old plastic test and door shutting test on every car. I know what car I would most like to drive home in and yes I did!

[Alex30013k]

Driving there is no problem. just £5 for the day!

[Ian]

Yup I was there again today - got there about 11.30am, although I drove, rather than take public transport.

Was surprising to see the changes made to the stands since Press Day. There were alot more cars on most of the stands, along with them being moved about.

Still love the Range Rover Sport.

Edit: Merged the threads so that everythings together

[paynemgzr]

i have to say that i wasn't bowled over by the place
i also think i prefer some elements of the nec (exept entrance costs)
talking to a couple of the guys on the bmw stand they were pretty dissappointed by the attendance on saturday .they believe it will probably be the last british motorshow they attend .this also came up on a couple of other stands.
i wonder if we have seen the last motorshow in this country!!!!
on the positive side
well done ford for the free drinks/ice lollies (saved a fortune !!!)
some cars really surprised me
i liked the new corsa what a change!!
i also liked
thec6
dodge caliber
and the new kia sedona
on the downside
the 207 is a real disappointment
and i am not sure about the new freelander to me its not quite right but i cant put my finger on why.
overall the food is still to exphensive and everytime we went outside to watch the waterski displays it started raining.!!!
oh well off to play with me bongo!!!!

[Ian]

Yup have to agree that the attendance was pretty poor today in comparison to other shows that I've been to.

In the UK we moan about the passing of the industry but don't get off our butts to support it.

A big big shame.

The BMW display in my opinion was very disappointing and didn't look as though they put in any effort whatsoever. Slapped together some wooden platforms, painted it all White and there you go. Any odd job man could have done a similar job. No wonder no-one could be bother to visit their stand!

[ChrisMG]

Originally Posted by IanRobertson

Yup have to agree that the attendance was pretty poor today in comparison to other shows that I've been to.

In the UK we moan about the passing of the industry but don't get off our butts to support it.

A big big shame.

The BMW display in my opinion was very disappointing and didn't look as though they put in any effort whatsoever. Slapped together some wooden platforms, painted it all White and there you go. Any odd job man could have done a similar job. No wonder no-one could be bother to visit their stand!

When I went on Friday the place was alive with spirit! It was packed.

I have to say it was great, but it would of been better if there was more real British metal there. Most of the stands were just boring Japanese and Korean crap.

However, there were a few British cars













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Ford crown victoria police interceptor history

[MGR_Petrolhead]

Of course the attendance levels will depend on what day it is, I'd say weekends and the press day will be the busiest, with tuesdays and thursdays the quietest, however school and adult holidays are now in force for many and there is no doubting there is a lack of support for the motor show in terms of attendance, just a lot of hype before it and peoples pledges that they will go when in fact the majority of them don't. This was reflected in the proposed .org visit.

That freelander looks lovely in the pictures, just wish they'd but body colour mirrors on them for once.