THE Geneva Motor Show next week promises much for the car fan.

It is one of those shows that may not be particularly large when compared with Frankfurt or Detroit, but it is viewed by manufacturers as the ideal neutral showground from which to launch many spanking new ideas as well exciting vehicles.

Renault's new baby city car, code name Z17, is to be unveiled. It is actually a three-seater, and comes with a built-in boot positioned behind the driver's seat.

Chevrolet, who took over the Daewoo brand recently, is planning to launch a new version of the popular Matiz. It goes on show at Geneva before appearing in the UK showrooms in June. Although the design is new, a number of the styling cues of the original model remain, in particular the smiley face headlamp and grille design, together with its five-doors and storage space. The new model is 3.50 metres long and viewed as perfect for city driving. It will be available in two trim levels, SE and SX. There will also be a choice of engines, a 0-8-litre three-cylinder 52bhp unit and a 1.0-litre four-cylinder 66bhp engine.

Fiat Auto's new Croma will make its first public appearance at the show, before going on sale in Italy during June. The name recalls the successful medium-large saloon that was on sale between 1985-1994, with more than 450,000 sold during that period. the new Croma will offer buyers the choice of three trim levels, five engines and either manual or automatic gearboxes. Engine options will comprise both petrol and turbodiesel units: 1.8 16v 130bhp and 2.2.16v 150bhp (petrol), 1.9 16v MultiJet 120bhp, 1.9 16v MultiJet 150bhp, and an entirely new 2.4-litre MultiJet with 200bhp.

SUBARU is to unveil a new mini as well as a large seven-seat sports utility vehicle. The stylish R1 mini has just gone on sale in Japan and, at present, there are no plans to bring it to Europe. Nonetheless, Subaru has seen fit to show it to Europe's motoring world, together with the seven-seat B9 Tribeca, another model that is unlikely to be coming here.

The mini is an all-wheel drive version powered by a 660cc engine and fitted with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

MERCEDES-Benz plans to take the wraps off its new compact sports tourer, the B-Class, which is likely to be in UK showrooms by the winter this year. It is an innovative car concept, with the space-saving arrangement of the engine and transmission partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger area, able to offer the shoulder, leg and headroom of larger saloons and estates. Depending on the number and position of the seats, the load area can be increased from 544 to up of 2245-litres that is with the rear seats and front passenger seat removed. There is a choice of six four-cylinder engines with outputs ranging from 95bhp to 193bhp, with the most powerful, the B200 turbo, capable of taking the car from 0 to 62mph in 7.6-seconds. The diesel line-up is headed by the B200 CDI producing 140bhp.

The new Lexus IS makes its world debut at Geneva, and the unveiling will also see the arrival of the company's first diesel engine, an all aluminium, 2.2-litre four cylinder unit that is the most powerful in its class with a maximum output of 175bhp. A new 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a direct injection will be available, too.

The all-new SAAB 9-3 SportWagon takes the Swedish manufacturer into the growing premium, mid-size estate car segment for the first time. United Kingdom deliveries are scheduled to start in September.

Updated: 09:00 Friday, February 25, 2005