Paris Motor Show 2008

Volkswagen GX3

We don't quite know what to make of the radical Volkswagen GX3. Peugeot stole the GX3's thunder somewhat at the Frankfurt Show last year with a very similar three-wheel concept sportscar. Peugeot was quite clear on its concept's show-stealing purpose in life, where as Volkswagen seems to think that there is a production future for its GX3. Conceived in California, the GX3 is described as a new type of motorcycle, rather than a three-wheeled car. Dig deeper and you'll begin to understand; in California, there is a carpool lane that cannot be used by drivers of cars without passengers. However, motorcycles can utilise it... Blatant rule-bending aside, the GX3 could be a real hoot. Though it packs only a 125bhp 1.6-litre engine, it weighs less than 600kg, so performance is brisk (VW claims 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds), handling is fun and as a bonus, fuel consumption is pleasingly low. Perhaps the GX3 concept is not as ridiculous as it might seem.

Wednesday January 18

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