THE biannual Paris Motor Show was a true carfest. There were lots of important new business cars on show – such as the all-new VW Passat – but also plenty of concept cars and electric vehicles. Bringing you this overview of the Paris Show is the Headlineauto agency special report.THE Paris Motor Show 2010. If you wanted a dominant theme, then it was the number of road-ready electric vehicles and other eco-friendly cars.

Renault unveiled four of them – plus a concept for another – while alliance partner Nissan focused on the Leaf and revealed the Townpod EV, an ultra-flexible utility car.

Over at Kia there was a hybrid version of its new Sportage SUV, while MINI ditched four wheels in favour of two battery-powered ones for its Scooter E concept. Honda unveiled the world’s first B-segment hybrid in the shape of the Jazz, while the equivalent honour for diesel/electric models went to Peugeot and the 3008 Hybrid 4.

However, what was most obvious at the show was the air of confidence. The car makers were in full-on mood about their new products (while also whispering quietly into the ears of trusted hacks about concept cars going into production). Jaguar set pulses racing with the C-X75, a 780bhp 205mph supercar prototype celebrating the brand’s 75 years in existence. Yes, it “hints at an exciting evolution of Jaguar’s design language” but the word was that if demand is strong enough, it will be built.

Renault’s Dezir is a stunning red coupé concept hinting at future new styling cues, and that wide front end will appear on 2012’s Clio. But could it really get the green light?

Lotus sets out new product path

But the award for the most confident car maker must go to Lotus. The Norfolk sports car makers described its Paris presentation as “the dawn of a new era”. It was a fair assessment.

Lotus launched an entire new range of cars: Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne. The plan is to raise the Lotus profile to where it was 20 years ago. And then perhaps some more.

The production showroom stars

Almost every mainstream car maker had new showroom product to shout about. Alphabetically, Audi unveiled a new variant of the A1, while Chevrolet launched four new models including the Orlando MPV and five-door Cruze. Citroen’s stand featured the MkII C4 and DS4. Ford majored on the new Focus family – on sale early next year – and showed the new ST. Bosses were also promoting the all-new C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and revised Mondeo.

The ix20 – Hyundai’s version of the Kia Venga – took pride of place on its stand, while Kia itself showcased the Optima, the Magentis replacement which will go on sale next year.

Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque was undoubtedly one of the show-stars, while Mazda had facelifted versions of the Mazda 2 and Mazda 5. SEAT had the new Alhambra people mover and Toyota its compact MPV, the Verso S. At Volkswagen there was the hugely important new Passat while Volvo showed its new V60 estate.

Not to be outdone, the expensive end of the VW Group brands all had factory fresh product. Bentley’s stand featured the new Continental GT, while Porsche had a striking blue Speedster version of the 911 and Bugatti’s record-breaking Veyron SuperSports was its headline act.

But the award for Most Dramatic Design – and Most Dramatic Unveiling, during Wednesday’s preview night – must go to Lamborghini. The aggressive new Sesto Elemento concept emerged through jets of flame several feet high.

Now that’s confidence… not least on the part of the poor driver.