Paris Motor Show 2018 Round-up: The hottest cars, coolest concepts, plus news and pics
You know it’s a quiet year when one of the unexpected announcements at an event turns out to be a B-Class from Mercedes-Benz.
With diesel sales falling and Brexit featuring in most talks, the 2018 Paris Motor Show seems very much a wait-and-see affair. Perhaps that’s why there was a noticeable lack of manufacturers at the event with no Volkswagen, Fiat, Nissan or Volvo.
Model cycles have something to do with that of course, while many companies appeared to be holding their cards close to their chest ahead of an anticipated onslaught of EV announcements next year.
But let’s get straight down to it, we’ve been there for the press launch to take a look at the cars that are there. And there’s still some crackers.
New models announced
The BMW 3 Series proved to be one of the most significant vehicles at the show. Sitting on a new platform, it adds a host of connectivity tech as well as a plug-in hybrid option. It is expected to arrive in the UK in March 2019.
Making its European debut having previously been revealed in Shanghai last year, the Porsche Macan has been a huge success since its launch in 2014. The latest model brings further enhancements in terms of its design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics to the compact SUV segment.
Aiming to revitalise one of the lesser-known models in the Mercedes line-up, practicality is still the name of the game albeit with a slight move away from the MPV-specific look of the previous edition.
Set to go on sale by the end of the year, the range-topping production-ready variant of the e-Niro gets a claimed range of up to 301 miles on a single charge. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact they’ve managed to rope Robert de Niro in to front their marketing campaign. Are you talkin’ to me?!
DS unveiled its new compact SUV, the DS 3 Crossback. Available with a diesel or petrol engine, or as a full electric version, it will be available in 2019 and ties in with the brand’s aim for every new DS model to have an electrified version going forward.
The All-New i30 Fastback N is Hyundai’s second high-performance model in Europe and follows the i30 N five-door hatchback. It also has the distinction of being the first and only five-door performance coupe in the C-segment.
Engineered on European roads, for European drivers, the ProCeed promises to be engaging to drive with an unmatched combination of design, space and versatility, with the shooting brake body, following the blueprint laid down by ProCeed Concept.
Sharing much of its look with the upcoming hatchback, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sport features a steep, raked rear window and sloping roof to give it more shooting brake-like look, rather than all-out estate.
After months of testing and a series of teaser pics, Skoda finally unveiled its hotted-up Kodiaq vRS. Featuring a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel, the Kodiaq vRS isn’t what you’d call super quick, but considering its size it still puts in some good performance figures: 0-62mph takes seven seconds, and top speed is 138mph.
Concepts
Renault EZ-Ultimo
Introducing the EZ-ULTIMO concept car: an electrical and autonomous robo-limousine that will transform the journey.
Get to know the EZ-ULTIMO at the Paris Motor Show.#RenaultEZULTIMO #ParisMotorShow #ConceptCar #FutureofMobility pic.twitter.com/ZsjvaBgJqb— RenaultUK (@renault_uk) October 3, 2018
A self-driving luxury limo, the EZ-Ultimo is the latest concept Renault has unveiled under the EZ brand and is envisioned as a mobile ‘first-class lounge’.
Peugeot e-Legend
Stealing the show: The #PeugeotELegend concept. Full electric. Autonomous driving. Legendary design. #UnboringTheFuture #ParisMotorShow pic.twitter.com/9u3YuXTWC2
— Peugeot (@Peugeot) October 2, 2018
As one of the coolest concepts we’ve seen in a while, expertly balancing retro looks with a futuristic appeal, the e-Legend is based every so slightly on the Peugeot 504 coupe (which explains the 70s-inspired velvet upholstery) and offers 456 hp a 0-62 in less than 4 seconds.
Other industry news
- Mazda has confirmed it will return to the use of a rotary engine as EV range extender in future models.
- Renault plans to launch hybrid models of Clio, Captur and Megane.
- Bentley Bentayga diesel will be axed in Europe
- Ionity charging network will be opening in the UK this year
?? “Live at the Paris Motor Show 218”https://t.co/qalBE5zWWj
— ContractHireAndLeasing (@ContractHire) October 3, 2018