Full round-up of the Paris Motor Show 2018. All the biggest news with the best pictures and videos
The 2018 Paris Motor Show gave car manufacturers from across the globe the chance to lift the curtain on their future plans. We saw a varied range of new production car launches but also a tantalising line-up of concept cars previewing design and technology innovations that will shape the road cars of the future.
In one sense, Paris 2018 was standard international motor show stuff, but it also came in a period of dramatic upheaval for the world of cars. The Paris show halls seemed the perfect place to take the temperature of the automotive industry as a whole. As always, the Auto Express team did exactly that and we saw a group of powerful global brands in rude health. The challenges of electrification, the creep of technology and the drive for improved environmental performance are being addressed with real fervour and optimism – in many innovative ways.
The 2018 Paris Motor Show showcased true innovation and groundbreaking thinking on the design and engineering fronts and left us genuinely excited about the cars coming to market in the short and medium term. We saw a plethora of great new production cars including the new BMW 3 Series, the Kia Proceed, the Mercedes B-Class, Hyundai’s i30 Fastback N, the revised Porsche Macan, the Skoda Kodiaq vRS and the DS 3 Crossback. Plus dramatic concepts in the shape of the Peugeot e-LEGEND, Skoda Vision RS and Smart ForEase amongst others.
Below, we’ve got all the star cars of the 2018 Paris Motor Show listed A-to-Z by manufacturer with links to our in-depth stories on each model. Our round-up features the star cars of the show and some of the other models that you might have missed while our live gallery documents Paris 2018 in picture and video form.
Scroll down for all our great Paris Motor show content…
Paris Motor Show 2018: round-up
• Best cars of the 2018 Paris Motor Show
• Best concept cars at Paris 2018
• The cars you might have missed at Paris 2018
• Paris Motor Show 2018 gallery
Paris Motor Show 2018: the key cars
BMW 3 Series – BMW’s next Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 rival was the Paris centrepiece
DS 3 Crossback – DS have added a second, smaller crossover, and there’s an electric version too
Porsche Macan facelift – Updated version of Porsche’s best seller gets new six-cylinder engines
Mercedes GLE – All-new BMW X3 rival a key car for Merc
Mercedes B-Class – New B-Class proves that MPVs aren’t dead just yet
Kia Proceed – Shooting brake version of latest Kia Ceed injects a little fun into firm’s family option
Big news stories from the Paris Motor Show
• Two new electric Skoda SUVs on the way
• Mazda confirms return of rotary engine as EV range extender
• Renault reveals plans for Clio, Captur and Megane hybrids
• Electric Mercedes-EQ models to get AMG treatment
• Bentley Bentayga Diesel axed in Europe
• Peugeot e-Legend concept could be built after 2020
• Ionity charging network coming to UK this year
• Jaguar kills off XJR 575 super saloon
• New Toyota Corolla could gain hot hybrid GRMN model
Paris 2018: live gallery
Paris Motor Show 2018: manufacturer A-Z
Scroll down to find out what each manufacturer is up to at the 2018 Paris show…
Audi
• Audi A1
• Audi e-tron
• Audi SQ2
• Audi R8 LMS GT3
On the eve of the Paris show, Audi revealed the new SQ2: a hot compact SUV which shares its 296bhp engine with the VW Golf R. A four wheel drive system allows it to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The new e-tron electric SUV also featured in Paris, and was joined on Audi’s stand by the new A1. Finally, the new Audi R8 LMS GT3 race car – that may carry clues as to the design of the forthcoming facelifted production model – was on show.
BMW
• BMW 3 Series
• BMW X5
• BMW Z4
The all-new BMW 3 Series was the biggest story at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Under the bodywork it switches to BMW’s lightweight CLAR platform, enabling new-generation and alternative powertrains to be fitted. As such, a fully electric variant of the next 3 Series is in the pipeline. Alongside the new 3 Series, we got to see the new X5 SUV and Z4 roadster for the first time in public.
Citroen
• Citroen C5 Aicross SUV Hybrid Concept
A hat full of plug-in hybrid cars from PSA are on the way, and Citroen isn’t one to be left behind. A plug-in variant of the new C5 Aircross SUV is in the pipeline and though Citroen isn’t ready to reveal the final car just yet, it wants you to know that PHEV versions of the Peugeot 3008 and DS 7 Crossback won’t be your only options. That’s why Citroen brought a very thinly veiled C5 Aircross Hybrid Concept to Paris.
DS
• DS 3 Crossback
• DS 7 Crossback E-Tense
DS has added a second SUV to its line-up, and it made its public debut at its home show in Paris. Called the DS 3 Crossback, it rivals the likes of the MINI Countryman and Audi Q2. Making use of the PSA Group’s new CMP platform, it’ll also be ready for electrification, with an E-Tense model to follow the petrol and diesel options later in 2019.
Meanwhile, DS has long spoken of a 300bhp plug-in hybrid version of its DS 7 Crossback flagship SUV, and we were also been given the chance to see that at the show.
Ferrari
• Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2
The Monza Ferrari SP1 and SP2 are both limited edition cars designed to kick off a new Ferrari line-up called ‘Icona’. These will be hyper exclusive models designed to evoke some of the brand’s most iconic vehicles. the SP1 and 2 are nods to the 750 and 850 Monza racing Barchettas of the 1950s, based on the 789bhp 812 Superfast and priced at over £3 million each.
Honda
• Honda CR-V hybrid
Honda had its hybrid CR-V at the Paris show, featuring an all-new twin motor Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain. The hybrid CR-V uses an electric motor and a 2.0-litre petrol engine to produce 181bhp and 315Nm of torque, while an economy figure of 53.3mpg has been achieved.
Hyundai
• Hyundai i30 Fastback N
• Hyundai i30 N Option
The standard i30 N hatch has been such a success that Albert Biermann and Hyundai’s N performance division have now worked their magic on the Fastback model. Just like the hatch, it comes in two states of tune, with the 248bhp entry level car being joined by a more powerful 272bhp Performance version.
The i30 Fastback N was joined on Hyundai’s Paris stand by the i30 N Option, which previews a range 25 possible accessories for the brand’s standard hot hatch, including a large carbon fibre rear spoiler.
Infiniti
• Infiniti Project Black S
We’ve seen the Project Black S before – it made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. But it was also at Paris, and this time there were technical specs to join it: a mix of twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and two F1-inspired energy recovery systems endow this hybrid coupe with 563bhp.
Kia
• Kia Ceed GT
• Kia Proceed
The Kia ProCeed had already been officially revealed, but it made its public debut at the 2018 Paris show. As the latest model to the growing Ceed line-up, the ProCeed is a rakish, shooting brake styled variant of the all-new hatch, sitting alongside both the regular Ceed and the more practical Sportswagon estate.
Joining the ProCeed on Kia’s Paris stand was the warm Ceed GT. Featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 201bhp, it has been designed for driver involvement and greater agility instead of chasing any acceleration or top speed records. Both the ProCeed and Ceed GT are expected to arrive in the UK at the start of 2019.
Lexus
• Lexus RC
• Lexus LC Limited Edition
Lexus brought a revised version of the RC Coupe to Paris. The subtle styling tweaks include a new front bumper, mesh grille and lighting signature for the LED headlights. The engine lineup remains the same, but the new dampers, firmer springs and an adjusted steering setup should change how it drives.
Paris also featured a special version of the RC’s big brother, the LC. The LC Limited Edition gets a unique Naples Yellow exterior paint finish and further yellow highlights on the inside.
Mercedes
• Mercedes A-Class Saloon
• Mercedes GLE
• Mercedes B-Class
• Mercedes EQC
• Mercedes-AMG A 35
• Mercedes EQ Silver Arrow
• Mercedes to slim down its model range
• Electric Mercedes-EQ models to get AMG treatment
The new Mercedes A-Class has spawned a saloon variant. Officially named the A-Class Saloon, Paris was its first public outing. The next-generation GLE was also present, while the new B-Class MPV broke cover on the stand as well.
If that wasn’t enough, the new AMG A35, the all-electric EQC SUV and the EQ Silver Arrow concept made appearances, too. We also learned that there are plans for AMG performance versions of Mercedes’ electric cars.
Peugeot
• Peugeot e-LEGEND concept
• Peugeot 508 SW and PHEV
Peugeot made its play to grab the spotlight in Paris with a stunning retro-futuristic concept car called e-LEGEND. It’s an all-electric homage to the 504 Coupe, complete with autonomous driving features too. The stylish new 508 was also bolstered on two fronts with the full public debut of the 508 SW, plus the arrival of plug-in hybrid versions of the firm’s flagship D-segment offering.
Porsche
• Porsche Macan facelift
• Porsche 911 Speedster
Porsche’s facelifted Macan SUV has been revealed, and it made its first appearance in public at Paris. A subtle redesign joins a revised interior layout and new infotainment, but changes under the bonnet make for the biggest news. No diesel option will be present in the line-up, but two new six-cylinder petrol engines arrive.
The 911 Speedster concept, which has now been confirmed for limited production, joined the Macan in Paris.
Renault
• Renault Kadjar facelift
• Renault K-ZE
• Renault EZ-Ultimo concept
• Renault reveals plans for Clio, Captur and Megane hybrids
Renault celebrated 120 years with a packed stand at this year’s Paris show, but all-eyes were on the facelifted Renault Kadjar. The crossover has been given a series of tweaks inside and out, including tech upgrades and new engines, in an attempt to keep it competitive in the popular sector.
Meanwhile, the French brand also uncovered a new all-electric city car called the K-ZE. It will be just for the Chinese market when it goes on sale in 2019, however it will be rolled out across the globe at a later date.
Renault also revealed the EZ-Ultimo, the third concept car in a series of vehicles designed to preview the French firm’s vision of how autonomous cars will look and operate in the future.
SEAT
• SEAT Tarraco
The SEAT Tarraco had already been revealed beforehand, but it made its full debut in Paris. It’s the firm’s first seven-seat SUV and lines up as an alternative to the Skoda Kodiaq and a rival for the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Edge. Orders open in December.
Smart
• Smart ForEase concept
Smart took the wraps of the funky ForEase in Paris. The ForEase is an open-topped concept which takes inspiration from the 2001 CrossBlade. Unlike that car, the ForEase is electric only – it shares its 17.6kWh battery and 80bhp motor with the regualr EQ ForTwo Cabriolet.
Skoda
• Skoda Kodiaq vRS
• Skoda Vision RS concept
• Two new electric Skoda SUVs on the way
Skoda’s vRS performance brand released its take on the Kodiaq SUV. Skoda tested the Kodiaq vRS at the Nurburgring, setting the lap record for a seven-seat SUV in the process. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel offering 237bhp, while prices in the UK will likely just eclipse £40,000. A new concept was revealed, too – the Vision RS previews the firm’s new Ford Focus rival, which will replace the Rapid.
Toyota
• Toyota Yaris GR Sport
• New Toyota Corolla could gain hot hybrid GRMN model
Inspired by the hot Yaris GRMN, the Yaris GR Sport adds a series of sporty styling tweaks and is powered by the brand’s familiar 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid engine. Further GR Sport models are expected to appear in Toyota’s range further down the line.
VinFast
• VinFast LUX A2.0 saloon and LUX SA2.0 SUV
Vietnamese car company VinFast revealed not one but two new models in Paris. The LUX A2.0 saloon and LUX SA2.0 SUV, are premium cars that Pininfarina has been involved in designing from the ground up. Right hand driver versions are a possibility so we could be set to see VinFast models in the UK, too.
Paris Motor Show 2018: live twitter feed
What are you most looking forward to seeing at the 2018 Paris Motor Show? Tell us in the comments or click on to page 2 to plan your Paris Motor Show visit …
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