Best of Beijing 2014: Our show stars

Beijing continues to grow in stature as the cream of European manufacturers choose this show to launch ever-more significant models. Here are the stars of Beijing, as voted for by Autocar's team on the ground.

Peugeot Exalt - Chas Hallett

There was a clear winner for me. I thought the Peugeot Exalt was a terrific concept made all the more appealing by the confidence that it shows - and the fact that there’s a fighting chance of it becoming a production reality. 

Audi TT offroad - Hilton Holloway

The Audi TTQ - as it will be called in production – is a masterful re-think of the TT's iconic design as a forward-thinking urban SUV. As such, it’s bound to be a smash hit and in my eyes is the most original Audi in years.

Chery Concept Alpha - Mark Tisshaw

Far from an obvious choice, but the Chery Alpha swoopy saloon concept (and the Concept Beta SUV) is significant in showing that Chinese car makers can design good-looking cars off their own backs without Western involvement through a joint venture. If this is what Chery can do before the fruits of its partnership with Jaguar Land Rover are revealed, then what it comes up with in the future could have even greater significane beyond Chinese borders. 

Volkswagen Golf R400 - Greg Kable

The stunning R400 takes the humble Golf to a whole new level of power, performance and sheer desirability. The fact that the concept is production based serves to raise its appeal even further. Can Volkswagen afford not to build it?

Peugeot 2008 DKR - Andrew Frankel

I don’t just love the Gotham-inspired design of this monstrous long-distance dune buggy, I love the reason for its existence: after its success at Pikes Peak, Peugeot is returning to the Dakar Rally in 2015 and the kind of competition it does best. I detect confidence on the rise within the company, a fact reflected of late in its product both on road and, now, off it as well.

What were your show stars from Beijing? Let us know in the comments section below.