2003 Vauxhall GTC Genève

Vauxhall/Opel is giving a preview of its future designs with the debut of the GTC Genève concept car, GTC stands for Gran Turismo Compact, at the Geneva International Motor Show next month.

Some of the design cues have already been seen in production models like the VX220 and the new Vectra.

Director of design Martin Smith says: With the GTC Genève we want to demonstrate how sporty a three-door sports saloon can be. We set out to make a very dynamic-looking car, with space for four passengers, that is also immediately recognisable as a Vauxhall.

There is a lot going on in car design at the moment, from very traditional to almost eccentric forms, says Smith. With the GTC Genève we wanted to make a clearly sporty statement.

Friedhelm Engler, chief designer in the Vauxhall/Opel compact car studio, adds: The low silhouette and the curved roof, creates a powerful tension that makes the GTC look as if it is ready to pounce.

The interior features sporty and elegant Cashmere and brown leather upholstery. The cabin, conceived without any electronic gadgets, has charcoal interior surfaces.