THE Paris Motor Show takes place from October 04-October 14. And while some significant manufacturers are giving the Parisian showcase the swerve, there was plenty to see. Our correspondent in the French capital was Chris Wright on press day.

BMW – new 3 Series, X5 and Z4

The most significant launch at Paris Show with the unveil of the new BMW 3 Series above. It sports a new design language, lots of driver assistance, control and connectivity technology.

It also features new powertrain technology with higher output, greater pulling power and optimised efficiency. Six engine variants available from launch: four-cylinder petrol models; four-cylinder diesels; plus a six-cylinder diesel unit.

Power outputs range from 150 hp to 265 hp (fuel consumption combined 48.7 – 67.3 mpg; CO2 emissions combined: 132 – 112 g/km).

Intelligent all-wheel drive available from launch in the BMW 320d xDrive Saloon and over the next 12 months a BMW M Performance version will be available along with a plug-in hybrid.

BMW also continued expansion of the X model family with the debut of the new X5 and the addition of the new BMW M5 Competition to the line-up.

The new Z4 (above) made its show premiere including a range of extensively upgraded engines, a new chassis design and a rigid body structure.

Renault – new Kadjar SUV

While Renault’s main unveil was the new Kadjar above, there were some oddball takes on future autonomous drive with a concepts for a driverless taxi, and last-mile delivery.

The Kadjar comes with two power outputs (140 and 160hp). This new generation engine, has been developed jointly by the Alliance in partnership with Daimler and offers a wider power range than the previous TCe engine, increased torque, reduced CO2 emissions and lower consumption.

Lexus – new compact SUV

Lexus will launch its new UX 250h compact SUV crossover in the UK in March next year at prices ranging between £29,900 and £39,100.

There will be three trim levels, UX, F Sport and Takumi and both front and all-wheel drive versions will be available, the latter equipped with Lexus’s compact, lightweight and fuel-efficient E-Four system.

The introduction of the UX 250h marks Lexus’s entry into the growing premium compact SUV crossover segment. In the UK it will be offered exclusively with a self-charging 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain.

Mercedes-Benz – all-new B-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class pictured looks more dynamic than its predecessor and comes with an avant-garde interior and distinctive instrument panel design.

It features Mercedes’ adaptive MBUX multimedia system including voice control, a standard touch screen and functions such as MBUX Augmented Reality.

The interior is now more spacious, while the engines are more efficient and cleaner. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission makes its debut. Start of sales for the new B-Class in Europe is December 03, 2018, with delivery due to begin in February 2019.

Skoda – high-performance Kodiaq SUV

Skoda revealed several details about its new Kodiaq RS (above) which will have the most powerful production diesel engine in the carmaker’s history, all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension, it is the brand’s first high-performance SUV.

Standard equipment includes the individually adjustable virtual cockpit in a carbon surround.

Kia – new Proceed shooting brake

Kia debuted its new Proceed, the halo model of the Ceed range. It comes in the form of a shooting brake (pictured above) to provide more flexibility and adaptability over its predecessor.

Also on the stand the all-new Kia Ceed GT features a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, as well as a comprehensive range of comfort, safety and convenience technologies and will be available with an optional seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission, in addition to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.

Also at Kia the unveil of an electric version of the Niro with a range of 300 miles. Two power outputs available, 39kw and 64kw but the UK will only get the higher powered version – available early next year.

Citroen – future electric models

Citroen showcased a modern and entirely renewed range at the Paris Motor Show.
The new C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid Concept made its global debut and the new look of the brand will enable it to build on recent successes. In the first half of 2018, Citroën achieved growth of 9% globally.

In Europe, the brand recorded its highest level of sales for seven years and grew its market share in both passenger and commercial vehicle sectors. These results highlight the success of Citroeën’s recent launches: C3, New C4 Cactus and New C3 Aircross Compact SUV in Europe, and New C5 Aircross SUV in China.

The C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid Concept hints at a new the Hybrid version which will be Citroen’s first PHEV model as part of the brand’s core model strategy. This will see 80% of the Citroen range with an electric option by 2023 and 100% by 2025.

The future PHEV version of C5 Aircross SUV – which will go on sale from early 2020 – will be the first PHEV model within the core model strategy. Following New C5 Aircross SUV, all new models launched by the brand will have an electrified version, indicating the brand’s commitment to a responsible energy transition.

Peugeot – electric e-Legend Concept

Peugeot unveiled its vision for the future of mobility – a 100% autonomous, electric and connected vehicle called the e-Legend Concept.

“Autonomy and electric are synonymous with even stronger sensations. Boredom will never be part of our DNA,” went the blurb.

The e-Legend offers four modes of driving – two autonomous and two manual – which can be selected depending on the road and traffic conditions, as well as the driver’s preference.
When in either of the autonomous modes, the interior configuration changes, with the steering wheel retracting under the sound bar in order to make the 49-inch central screen fully visible.

The e-Legend is powered by a 100% electric power train, with the 100 kWh batteries reaching 800 Nm torque and 340Kw power, distributed to the four-wheel drive.