(Not so) delicate Essen

THOUGHT the motor show scene had packed away its trumpets and pensioned off its go-go girls for another year? Well think again, because Germany’s Essen motor show is Europe’s biggest aftermarket, motorsport and classic exhibition – and the 38th iteration kicks off this Friday, November 25.

Apart from the obligatory appearances of Maybach’s wacky Exelero concept and more than a few monster trucks and drag cars, a number of serious new production models will be among the 570 international exhibitions on display for this year’s 400,000 expected show-goers - some of which have already been heralded.

Opel Meriva OPC

MERIVA is Opel’s answer to compact European people-movers like Renault’s Scenic and the Citroen Picasso that’s allegedly been coming to Australia for two generations now.

The two-year-old model is also the basis for the Opel Performance Center’s fifth model, with the five-seater due to join the Astra OPC (due on sale here next year badged as the HSV Astra VXR), Zafira OPC, Vectra OPC and Vectra wagon OPC on sale in Europe in February 2006.

Powered by a new 134kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder claimed to be the most powerful in its class, Meriva OPC is touted as the world’s first sports minivan.

Along with a 222km/h top speed, Meriva OPC features sports suspension and adaptive headlights, and will be the headline act of Opel’s stand at Essen.

Given Holden has discontinued its mid-sized Zafira people-mover in Australia due to slow sales, Meriva is unlikely to be seen on local roads, so don’t hold your breath waiting for the OPC version.

Nissan Wingroad

Nissan has chosen this year’s Essen show to publicly unveil a redesigned version of its Japanese-market Wingroad compact wagon.

Aimed at buyers with active lifestyles, the new Wingroad features a multi-configuration interior in which the rear seats slide 120mm fore/aft and recline over 10 positions to liberate more rear-seat legroom than most compact wagons.

Further aiding interior versatility, both the front seats fully recline, all seats bar the driver’s can be folded flat by remote control and the 412-litre cargo area features a washable luggage board.

Offered in both standard RX and RS guises plus an Aero sports version, Wingroad is available with either 1.5-litre or 1.8-litre four-cylinder power – the latter mated to a CVT transmission with steering wheel paddles to access its six ratios.

Wingroad’s suspension is claimed to "incorporate the specifications of high-end cars", while satellite-navigation and a rear-facing camera with colour screen are also available.

Volkswagen Polo Dune

Volkswagen has also released photographs of its new Polo Dune (also known as CrossPolo) ahead of the Essen show.

Based on a five-door Polo hatchback, the Dune has raised suspension and an interesting blend off-road and sporting styling themes. Genuine off-road ability? We don’t think so.

Notable design touches include 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, butch front and rear bumpers, body and wheelarch cladding and silver-coloured roof rails and door mirrors.

Interior elements include chrome-plated instrument surrounds, aluminium-look pedal covers and front sports seats.