Freshly rested after the rigours of the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, I’m trying to reflect on the new launches I was able to view during the frantic press day.

As with all the motor shows AM covers, the business of interviewing carmaker’s executives meant the time allowed for checking out the products was limited. But a few still stood out.

Suzuki’s Splash looks a fun and funky little number, and Fiat was going big – literally - with the 500’s stand: a supersized replica 500 whose wheels slid aside to allow two real 500s to drive out on a track.

Audi’s new A4, launched next spring, has more interior space than the current model thanks to using the A5’s platform, and will be loaded with refinements. A revised Focus was also displayed, bearing front end styling in line with Ford’s ‘kinetic design’ direction. New Mazda6 looks promising, sharing much of the Mondeo’s underpinnings and claiming more space and a better driving experience.

 

Concept-wise, Kia’s Kee coupe (above) is a hint at the brand’s future design direction under the pen of ex-Audi design chief Peter Schreyer, who wants future Kia models to have style as well as value and quality. Renault unveiled a Laguna coupe, expected to follow the estate’s launch next year although minus the scissor-opening doors.

I’ve also brought home two odd memories from Frankfurt. One was the vast quantity of delicious, crisp roast pork and sauerkraut served up at the Apfelwein Wagner restaurant in Schweizer Strasse. The other was a colleague from a tabloid newspaper who was busy examining whether the spare wheel well in a Renault Scenic might accommodate a child’s body. I'm glad AM only reports on the motor industry.