CAR TALK – BEIJING AUTO SHOW SPECIAL
Beijing shows off beauties like the new Aston Dragon 88
The Beijing Auto Show is underway and if you were in any doubt about the importance of the Chinese economy to the car industry then you should see the roll call of cars unveiled there. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has just introduced its Phantom Extended Wheelbase model, while Aston Martin is showing its Dragon 88 limited run DBS Volante (above), Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S models, created especially for China.
Posh Range Rover wows China
Land Rover chose to launch its Range Rover Evoque Special Edition at Beijing. At £80,000, it’s not cheap – but then what price exclusivity? Just 200 of them will be built and fashion designer Victoria Beckham has added some spice by contributing to its design. Hand-finished in matt grey paint with rose-gold details, the interior is trimmed in vintage tan leather with “baseball” stitch detailing and mohair carpets.
Peugeot crossover could hit London
It wasn’t just luxury cars showing in Beijing. Peugeot has revealed a small crossover vehicle designed for megacities like London that could yet be sold worldwide. Called the Urban Crossover Concept it has been designed in Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo and has styling elements seen in its RCZ sportscar and 208 hatchback. Blending SUV practicality with saloon car refinement it will rival cars like Nissan’s Juke model.