After seven years of absence, Lisbon’s FIL was the venue for the “Salão do Automóvel e Veículo Ecológico 2015”, held between the 31st October and 8th November. With over 95% of the brands which compose the Portuguese automotive market present, there were plenty of cars to lust after, from the average econobox to the brand new Ferrari 488 GTB.
With tickets costing 6 euros, there were plenty of visitors in the site, although there wasn’t that much space to move about. It was… strange to see that this event only occupied two out of four buildings of the complex, even considering the fact that there were many models missing, a reflection of the dealers presence, instead of the brands at an official level.
Of course Photorevvin’ had to be there, so let’s proceed to the highlights of the show.
Aston Martin
Aston’s display was one of the tiniest of the exhibit, with only two cars on display, a Vantage N430 and a Rapide S, both very well-optioned. We enjoyed that only a small amount of people at a time were allowed near the cars, as there was way more space to enjoy and, of course, photograph the pair of British brutes.
Can we send an address for the N430 to be delivered, please?
Audi
One of the best displays of the show, featuring cars like the TTS, a 5-door S1, a RS3, RS5 and the new A4 Avant, which will soon be a common sight on Portuguese roads, mostly with diesel engines.
We absolutely fell in love with the RS3, it sure looks as well as it goes.
We absolutely fell in love with the RS3, it sure looks as well as it goes.
BMW
Once you see a “30 Jähre” M5 and an i8, could you really look at other Bimmers around? Well, neither did we. The M5’s Frozen Dark Silver looks absolutely gorgeous in person (and it is very, very camera-friendly), and the i8 is one of the most interesting packages around, an hybrid with the purpose of increasing the car’s capabilities. And it’s not exactly what you’d call ugly, is it?
Oh, a X6 M50d was there too.
BP
Since BP is one of the sponsors of Miguel Barbosa’s Mitsubishi Racing Lancer, why not bring the car to the show? Menacing looking machine, no doubt about it.
Citroën
Since the DS cars were at a separate display, we only had eyes for this interesting shade on the C4 Cactus, which makes the Airbumps look surprisingly good.
DS
So many people around the DS3R… that we couldn’t even take pictures of it. Also on display, the DS3 Cabrio, the DS4 and DS5.
The LED lights on all these cars were capable to make your eyes tear, such was the intensity.
Ferrari
A California T, a F12 Berlinetta… and the new 488 GTB, in the mandatory Rosso Corsa. You could see that the 458 Italia is its base, but the redesigned front end, the enormous air intake on the side of the car and new tailights and rear bumper, with an exhaust similar to the 458 Speciale, make for a very interesting car.
We want to see it outside, ASAP.
Ford
Yeah, ‘Murica!
The new Mustang is now sold in Portugal, finally, and you could see people going absolutely crazy with this car’s presence on the event, and it is easy to see why. The ‘Stang is breathtakingly beautiful, too bad it was filthy with fingerprints all over the doors and side windows.
On a classier note, you could also see the Vignale, the top range version of the Mondeo. Think of it as an Aston Martin of the real world.
Honda
The new Jazz and HR-V will surely have interesting sales figures in our country, and show a better design comparing to its ancestors. Nice colors, too.
But there was a demon nearby, the new Civic Type-R. With its “look at me” features such as the massive rear wing, the red details on the front lip, rear bumper and wheels and the exhaust with four tips, it looks ready to provide some fun to the driver at all times. Also, with a top speed of 270 kph and 0-100 in 5,7 seconds, it’s no stickers and sunroof special edition.
The Japanese boys have not failed us, once more.
Soon, part 2 of 3.
