Paris Motor Show 2018: the cars you may have missed
We dive deep into Paris's stands to explore the less-mentioned and quirky exhibitants
The 2018 Paris Motor Show signalled the launch of some significant new cars. Despite several big names not displaying this year, there were several significant new models on display.
Predictably, the French brands were fully out in force: the stunning Peugeot e-LEGEND concept stole the headlines, but the Citroen C5 PHEV, refreshed Renault Kadjar and DS 3 Crossback all attracted plenty of attention.
• Paris Motor Show 2018: latest news
But turn away from all of the major stands, and there’s plenty of metal that’s either new and quirky or at least unfamiliar to the UK. Below we run through some of the stuff you might have missed.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 made its official French debut in Paris, and the electric BMW 3 Series rival was placed on a stand almost directly facing its Munich competition. European prices aren’t yet confirmed, and an official UK release date is expected during 2019.
Honda Civic Type R ArtCar Manga
As if the Civic Type R didn’t turn enough heads already, Honda displayed a one-off art car in Paris. The Manga-themed wrap seems a perfect match for the already lairy styling; bringing Initial D fantasies ever closer to real life.
Aixam Coupe GTI
The Aixam stand hosted the most ambitiously named car of the show. The Coupe GTI is powered by a 479cc twin-cylinder diesel good for 8bhp and a 28mph top speed. We’re not convinced that the Volkswagen Golf GTI will be given a run for its money any time soon.
Dacia Lodgy
Dacia continues to be popular in the UK, but a couple of the Renault-backed Romanian brand’s cars don't make it here. Take the Lodgy: a seven seat mid sized people mover. In France, it costs from just 10,150 Euros - that’s £9,000. Bring it over here and it’d be the perfect minicab, surely?
GAC
Chinese manufacturer GAC might not have stolen the Paris headlines, but they had one of the largest stands of the show. The Trumpchi GA4 is a model aimed at the domestic market, but the brand, half-owned by Toyota, aims to woo North America’s younger buyers.
DS E-Tense FE 19
Season five of the FIA Formula E season introduces significantly quicker cars, and Paris marked the reveal of the Techeetah team’s challenger. Techeetah bagged last year’s driver’s title with Jean-Eric Vergne, and the big news for next season is that they’ve switched from Renault to DS powertrains. Anyone else see hints of the Jordan 196 Formula 1 car?
GFG Sibylla
The GFG Sibylla made its debut at Geneva earlier in 2018, but this Paris model gained a new colour scheme. The Giugiaro-designed concept features four wheel-mounted electric motors: enough for 804bhp and a four-second 0-62mph time.
Electric Moke
At the more charming end of the EV scale was this tiny Moke. The cheerful Mini-based buggy seems the perfect match for a modern electric powertrain. This version came with a pickup-style rear - ideal for storing bikes and sandy beach gear.
Lego Bugatti Chiron
Look for long enough, and you’d find a Bugatti Chiron in the depths of the Paris halls. But it was a Lego copy that attracted even more attention. One million Lego Technic pieces were assembled to build the replica, which can even move under its own power - though the 12mph top speed can’t quite match the original.
French Classics
Away from all of the shiny new metal, one hall was dedicated to some gorgeous classics, including many of France’s greatest past hits. An original Renault Espace and Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 both featured, but undoubtedly the most beautiful was the DS 19 Decapotable by Chapron.
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