Blog: The cars we can't wait to drive

As Auto Express's road test editor, I always find motor shows a little frustrating. You see, while it's all well and good being able to get up close and personal with all the new arrivals, what I really want to do is get them out on the open road.

This year's Paris Motor Show has delivered more temptation than ever, because almost every manufacturer has pulled out the stops, delivering exciting new models left, right and centre. So, which are the cars we're most looking forward to getting behind the wheel of?

Arguably the most head-turning of the lot was the McLaren P1. With its outlandish looks, motorsport pedigree and promised power-to-weight ratio of 600bhp per tonne, the British bruiser promises to be the supercar of the decade.

And while we're on the subject of exotic sportscars, the Jaguar F-Type was a real show-stopper. If it goes as well as it looks, then we're in for a real treat. Jaguar's sister company Land Rover was also busy, as it pulled the wraps off the imposing Range Rover.

Aimed squarely at luxury limousine rivals such as Mercedes S-Class, the newcomer is one of the brand's most ambitious models yet. And after a brief passenger ride in a pre-production model earlier this year, I can confirm it's well up to the task of taking of the high-class competition. Yet while these expensive and glamourous machines oozed desirability from every panel, for me they played second fiddle to more mainstream models.

For instance, over at Volkswagen, the MK7 Golf was the standout arrival, as it looks even better in the metal than it does in the pictures. Yes the styling is evolutionary, but the updates have kept it fresh, while the classy cabin is the best in the business. Factor in the gorgeous GTI Concept, and the Golf has all the right ingredients to rocket straight to the top of the class.

Another family hatchback that was begging to be taken for a drive was the Kia Pro_cee'd. Its sleek coupe rear end, aggressive nose and sporty stance helped the rakish three-door stand out from the crowd, while its eye-catching interior rivals the best European brands for upmarket appeal. Better still, bosses are promising a rapid range-topper that will pack a 200bhp 1.6-litre turbo and a sharper chassis set-up.

The Vauxhall Adam probably won't be as entertaining to drive as the hot Kia, but that shouldn't limit its appeal. An almost endless list of personalisation options and a high-quality cabin are real highlights, while entry-level models are keenly priced. It'll have its work cut out against the likes of the Fiat 500 and MINI, but the Adam could lead the sales boost that Vauxhall so desperately needs.

As ever, Ford had something for everyone. We've already driven the brilliant B-MAX, but we're going to have to wait a little longer for the new Mondeo, as Ford battles to iron out a few quality issues. It needs to hurry, though, because the current car has slowly slipped from the top of the class, overtaken by newer and more appealing rivals.

There's no doubting the handsome Mondeo looks the part, while Ford's engineers will no doubt have worked their magic on the chassis. It's clear a lot of time has been spent on the cabin, too, with the company intent on making its large family hatch a true rival for more expensive premium models.

But for me the star of the Ford stand was the Fiesta ST. Not only does it look great, but it promises to be brilliant to drive - Ford insiders reckon it's one of the most entertaining cars they've produced since the legendary nineties Escort RS Cosworth. I can't wait.

Now, you can't mention the Ford Fiesta without also talking about the Renault Clio. The boldly styled supermini took centre stage on French firm's huge stand. The standard model certainly has plenty of promise - although some of the cabin materials look and feel a little cheap. It's packed with useful technology, while the new turbocharged petrol engines should deliver fun and frugality in equal measure. Yet for hot hatch fans, it's the new five-door Renaultsport version that will have caused the biggest stir.

The current car is one of most exciting front-wheel-drive machines money can buy, and is a firm Auto Express favourite. Yet can it maintain its place at the top now that Renault has ditched the high-revving naturally aspirated engine and slick manual gearbox in favour of a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and twin-clutch semi-auto transmission? Well, one thing is for sure - it certainly looks more sporty than the underwhelming Peugeot 208 GTI.

Like the Renault, the Peugeot's got a 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo and an uprated chassis. Yet unlike it's fierce rival, it's almost visually identical to the standard car. I really hope its plain styling isn't matched by a lacklustre driving experience - Peugeot's hot hatches have lived in the shadow of the legendary 205 GTi for far too long.

Anyway, let's end on a brighter note. For me, one of the overlooked gems of the Paris show was the Fiat Panda 4x4. The outgoing model's rugged looks, go-anywhere ability and huge sense of fun made every journey an adventure. Happily, the new version is infused with the same character as its predecessor, which suggests it should be absolutely brilliant.

And it's not the only car at the show that we can't wait to get on UK roads. I've only scratched the surface here, but if you take a look at our comprehensive coverage you'll find lots to get you excited. Now, if only they'd let me near the keys...