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2018 Paris motor show: What to expect

Who will be there, and who won't? It's a mixed bag for the 2018 Mondial de l’Automobile


Every second year, the Porte de Versailles in Paris hosts Europe's second-biggest motor show, shaded only by the event held every alternating year in Frankfurt.

But the concept of motor shows as we know them is in danger, with more brands deciding to explore other options - either hosting their own dedicated events or opting to spend their millions at tech shows such as CES.

Nevertheless, more than 20 of the highest-profile car companies will have a presence from October 2, with a collection of world (or just European) premieres. Here's a look at some of the highlights.

We'll have a few journos over there covering everything we can, so stay tuned.


Audi

The Four Rings won't have a manufacturer presence in Paris (LA show is its focus from here, in 2018) but its French division will likely be showing off its latest reveals.

These include brand new offerings like the second-generation A1 Sportback and Q3 crossover models, plus the e-tron quattro electric SUV fresh from its recent world premiere.


BMW

The company's best-known model, the 3 Series, enters its new generation in Paris. Reveals don't get much bigger. We've driven a disguised version...

The new Z4 convertible will also feature in the flesh for the first time, alongside other recent reveals such as the 8 Series, X2 M35i, Vision iNext.

MORE: BMW 3 Series
MORE: BMW Z4


Citroen

The Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid concept makes its premiere. It's a PHEV version of the lovely new C5 Aircross SUV.

Citroen has confirmed the PHEV will go into production, with a market launch scheduled for early 2020.


DS

The PSA Group's upmarket brand, DS, is showing off the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense 4x4 PHEV SUV.

It's also got the 'unusual' looking DS 3 Crossback baby SUV, headlined by the availability of an all-electric powertrain.

It's based on the PSA Group's Common Modular Platform (CMP), to be shared with the upcoming next-generation Peugeot 208 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa.


Ferrari

The single-seat Monza SP1 and two-seat Monza SP2 are the first models in the company's new super-exclusive range of Icona limited-edition models "aimed at dedicated clients and collectors".

Both cars are powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine generating 603kW of power at 8500rpm, and 719Nm of torque at 7000rpm.


Hyundai

The Hyundai i30 Fastback N is the second model from the company’s N Performance Division, following in the wheel tracks of the hot-selling hatch model.

The good news for Aussie punters who like the swoopy coupe-like styling is that it’s on track to arrive locally by March 2019, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.1sec.


Infiniti

Infiniti is expected to reveal its production-ready, performance hybrid Q60 Black S, though it's been quiet...

The 500hp (370kW) Black S model will tap into the company’s collaboration with the Renault Sport Formula 1 team.

A twin-turbo V6 engine will be paired with an energy recovery system (ERS) that re-deploys captured energy to augment power and torque.


Kia

The new Kia ProCeed will star. But it's not a manual-only three-door any more. Instead, it adopts a rakish, but still practical five-door 'shooting brake' body.

Meanwhile the new Kia Ceed GT hot hatch (150kW/265Nm) appears, and tells us a lot about the Australian-market Cerato GT, coming in 2019.

The company may also stage the European debut of its new Niro EV crossover (sister to the Hyundai Kona Electric), with a 380km range.


Jaguar

JLR is getting nostalgic. Examples of every Jaguar XJ, representing all eight generations produced during the past  50 years, will be on show.

Company founder Sir William Lyons' personal Series 1 will be there, as will the most recent XJ50 special edition.



Land Rover

Land Rover will continue to celebrate its 70th anniversary by unveiling a hardened, drone-carrying Discovery that will enter active service with the Red Cross.

The bespoke Discovery will star alongside the Range Rover SV Coupé and the modern-day interpretation of where it all started, the Land Rover Series I ‘Reborn’.


Lexus

Lexus' two-door RC coupe gets its first update, with a sleeker design at the front and rear, and some cabin tweaks. Pretty minor stuff in the grand scheme...


Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has announced three new models will make their public debut at the Paris motor show next month – the recently-revealed AMG A35 hot hatch and GLE SUV, along with the all-new B-Class.


Peugeot

Peugeot's slinky new 508 SW, a load-lugging wagon rival to the Volvo V60, will appear in-person unveil at this year's show. Tres chic.

Then, there will also be the unutterably gorgeous e-Legend Concept, an all-electric two-door with looks inspired by the 504 coupe.


Porsche

The updated version of Porsche's mid-sized Macan SUV actually premiered recently in Shanghai, but you'd expect the Euro version to be in Paris.

Tweaked styling hides a thoroughly-overhauled interior. As for power? They're not telling us...


Renault

The updated Renault Kadjar crossover (which shares its parts with the Nissan Qashqai) will emerge.

But hey, this is a French brand at its home show. If there's not some sexy mystery concept, we will eat our hats. Remember the 2016 TreZor?...


Seat

Essentially Seat's take on the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the Tarraco is based on the Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous MQB architecture. It looks bloody good.

No dice for Australians though...


Skoda

The company is revealing a hotted-up Kodiaq RS crossover, and also a concept called Vision RS, which we suspect previews its Rapid replacement.

This time it'll be closer to the VW Golf in size and quality. Rumour has it the concept has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.


Suzuki

The wonderful (but three-star Euro NCAP), rugged, pint-sized Suzuki Jimny 4x4 makes its European debut ahead of its hotly anticipated January 2019 debut in Australia.


Toyota

The stretched Toyota Corolla load-lugging wagon makes its premiere. The new Supra? Still not ready to appear without a camo wrap...


Brands giving it a miss:

Fiat Chrysler (including Alfa Romeo and Jeep), Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volkswagen and Volvo are all skipping the event.


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