Paris Motor Show round-up: What was on show?
Since the pandemic, there’s been a distinct lack of motor shows, but this year the Paris Motor Show has returned.
The Paris Motor Show is traditionally one of the largest and most anticipated events and, despite the absence of several major manufacturers, this year’s event gave us an insight into a host of brand’s plans.
The show was not only dominated by the domestic French manufacturers, but a number of new entries into the European market from China. Here’s a round-up of all the important stuff that was on show.
BYD
BYD is an all-new brand for the European market, and it has plans to launch its Atto 3 crossover in the UK very soon. It’s set to rival cars like the MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3. Taking centre stage in Paris, however, was the sleek BYD Seal.
This fastback-style saloon is another all-electric model that benefits from a potent 82kWh battery. We’ll bring you more info as the brand reveals further details in the coming months.
Dacia
While there were no Dacia production cars on display that we hadn’t already seen, the budget-focused brand used Paris as an opportunity to reveal its new brand identity. All the models on show featured the new insignia that can be seen on the grilles, wheels and trim pieces.
The highlight was the unveiling of the Manifesto concept. This buggy-like car has been designed to reflect the values Dacia stands for: simplicity and robustness. Stand-out features include airless tyres and a distinct lack of doors – helping to keep weight down and make this a car that ensures “passengers can feel at one with nature”. We’ll have to wait and see if any of its features trickle down to production models in the future.
DS
Stellantis’ upmarket DS brand was present, and had several models on show. These included the revised DS3 crossover and DS7 SUV – both of which have now dropped the Crossback name. As nice as they are, they can’t quite match the bold style of the E-Tense electric concept pictured above.
Fisker
The Fisker Ocean is set to hit UK shores next year, with prices to rival the likes of Volkswagen’s ID.4. We actually saw it in full earlier this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but Paris is the American brand’s opportunity to showcase its upcoming SUV to the European market.
Jeep
Jeep had several new cars on show in Paris, with the most important model coming in the form of the Avenger. Why’s it important, you might ask? Well it’s the brand’s first electric car for starters, and with dimensions that put it in the same bracket as cars like the Peugeot 2008 and Nissan Qashqai, it’s an important model that essentially replaces the Renegade.
Ora
Ora is yet another Chinese brand that had a large presence in Paris, with its Funky Cat on display. It’s a much anticipated EV that rivals the likes of the Mini Electric. We’ve already covered this model here, and lease deals are now available if you want to pre-order one.
Peugeot
Peugeot had a varied selection of cars on offer, including the refreshed e-208 along with the all-new 408. The latter features SUV coupe-like styling, and the brand has dubbed it a “dynamic fastback”. It sits on the same platform as the Citroen C4 and, just like this model, it’ll be available as an all-electric model soon.
Renault
Renault wowed the Paris crowds with a variety of new production models, including the Austral SUV. Its biggest emphasis was on its electric concepts, mainly because both the 4L and 5L are likely to make it into production in the near future. Based on iconic models of the brand’s past, it’s all part of an effort to electrify its entire line-up by 2025.
The 4L features a back-to-basics approach, just like the original. The 5, on the other hand, has a sportier design that incorporates some key styling cues from the original model of the 70s. If the Renault stand is anything to go by, it’s going to be an exciting and busy few years for the French marque.
