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Paris Motor Show Special - All the highlights
publication date: Oct 1, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
All eyes will be on Paris and the fashions of the
world's car makers over the next two weeks.
Europe's biggest motor show this year opens to the
public at the weekend and continues until the middle of October. Against a backdrop of expected sales sliding in
Europe and other parts of the world as Governments put the brakes on sales
incentives which have kept the industry motoring through the recession, the car
makers are showing they are prepared to fight to survive. Along with the latest petrol, diesel and hybrid
models are the street ready electric cars and even scooters and pedal cycles
are being updated and shown in the French capital.
Here is our guide to the highlights.
AUDI
|  | | Audi will quicken the tempo of its A1 premium
compact hatchback at the Paris Motor Show with the help of a new ‘dual charged'
petrol engine channelling 185PS through a standard seven-speed S tronic
twin-clutch transmission. The A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS will make its world public
debut in Paris on Saturday October 2, combining strong and remarkably
persistent response with 47.9mpg economy potential and CO2 output of
just 139g/km. UK ordering will begin towards the end of 2010. | Employing both supercharging and turbocharging for
the first time in an Audi road car, the new compact and lightweight
four-valve-per-cylinder engine powering the A1 1.4 TFSI 185PS propels it from
rest to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds*, and on to a 141mph top speed*. As the pace
builds, the supercharger intervenes at 1,500rpm to increase thrust, and in most
cases disengages at 2,400rpm, to be followed from around 3,500rpm by the
turbocharger spooling up to provide another welcome surge. As the supercharger
takes care of low-range boost, it has been possible to use a larger
turbocharger designed with optimum efficiency in mind, and this is reflected in
impressively strong fuel economy and low emissions.
The light and compact seven-speed S tronic
twin-clutch transmission that is fitted as standard to the top ranking A1
directs power to the front wheels. | | | |
 | CHEVROLET
| Four world debuts, ground breaking electric
technology and a proud display of its racing credentials will make up the
mouth-watering Chevrolet presence.
At Paris, Chevrolet has news to tell in just about
every segment and corner of the market with world debuts of the new Aveo small
hatchback, the striking Orlando MPV and the Captiva SUV, and a first appearance
in show car form of the Cruze 5-door hatchback. | Chevrolet's ground breaking Volt electric vehicle
will also have a significant presence, just weeks before its on-sale date in
select U.S. markets, while road and race car versions of the Cruze and Corvette
will be displayed side by side as a demonstration of the intrinsic link between
racing success and production car development.
"Paris 2010 is a once-in-a-lifetime show for
Chevrolet with four world premieres," said Wayne Brannon, President and
Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "The Chevrolet stand is a preview
of the all-new Chevrolet line-up customers will see at our showrooms in our
centenary year, 2011."
Chevrolet's first entrant into the European MPV
segment, the Orlando, will be one of the star attractions in Paris on September
30, when the full production model makes its world debut. It will be one of
four Chevrolet world premieres at the show.
Based on the show car concept first seen at Paris
in 2008, the Chevrolet Orlando is a true family car for the times, combining
7-seater practicality and interior flexibility with striking crossover style
design.
The Orlando is based on Chevrolet's successful and
award winning Cruze saloon, already proven to offer excellent ride and
handling. Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet's latest
fuel efficient engines: one petrol engine will be available, a 1.8 litre with power
output of 141 hp and two diesel units, the latest version of Chevrolet's 2.0
litre engine with outputs of 131hp (low output) or 163 hp (high output).
Customers will also be able to choose from four
trim levels in the UK with standard equipment on all cars including electronic
stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and electrically heated and
adjustable door mirrors.
Full production of the Chevrolet Orlando starts in
October with the car going on sale across Europe in early 2011.
The new Captiva SUV will be seen for the first time
at the Paris Motor Show, sporting a new front end design, a range of
enhancements to the interior and new engines and transmissions. Captiva will be
one of four Chevrolet world premieres.
Captiva is Chevrolet's full-blooded sports SUV with
confident and dynamic new styling and an active on-demand all-wheel drive
system that distributes power as needed.
At the same time the new Captiva retains the
advantages of its adaptable, theatre-style seating in three rows which
comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers.
Joining the Orlando MPV and Cruze hatchback show
car will be the eagerly awaited Chevrolet Aveo 5-door, which like the Orlando
makes its world production debut.
The Aveo RS show car was displayed at the Detroit
and Geneva motor shows earlier in 2010, and with the final production-ready
model, Chevrolet has a car that looks every bit as good as the earlier concept.
Entering the highly competitive global small car
segment, striking design elements of the new Chevrolet Aveo include the
aggressive looking front with its exposed twin-headlamps and dual port grille,
compact taut body panels with a rising shoulder line and short rear overhangs,
the 'hidden' rear door handles which now feature in the c-pillar and a 'body
in, wheels out' profile which is now very much part of the new Chevrolet design
language.
Reminiscent of the recently introduced Spark, the
new Aveo is unquestionably a car that will appeal to younger customers with its
sporty hot-hatch look. With is practicality and good interior space Chevrolet
also expects the new Aveo to appeal to families.
The story of the Chevrolet Cruze goes from strength
to strength with the latest chapter heralding the launch of a new 5-door
hatchback model, further evidence of Chevrolet's intention to bring value for
money to all mainstream segments in Europe.
A show car version of Chevrolet's compact contender
will be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, on September 30. It
will be one of four world Chevrolet premieres at the show.
With the introduction of the new Cruze hatchback,
customers have an alternative body style to the traditional saloon and
Chevrolet has raised the bar again with a vehicle that brings new levels of
value against some of the more established competition. | | | |
FORD:
|  | The new Ford Focus will take centre stage at the
Paris show ahead of its arrival in the UK next year.
For the first time, the complete global Ford Focus
line-up of production-ready bodystyles will be displayed together, providing
customers with a full insight into this significant new model before it goes on
sale in Europe and North America early in 2011. | Ford is also delivering on its promise to introduce
a global performance version of the new Focus with a world premiere for the
exciting flagship of the range, the muscular 250PS Focus ST. The dramatic new
ST (above) will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30 at the Ford
stand by Alan Mulally, Ford's president and CEO, and Stephen Odell, chairman
and CEO, Ford of Europe.
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 | HONDA
| A hybrid version of Honda's much-loved Jazz will
make its world debut, bringing lower
emissions and improved fuel economy to the practical supermini.
The introduction of Honda's petrol-electric IMA
system to the Jazz, makes the car the world's first B-segment hybrid.
Featuring the practicality and flexibility of the
current Jazz, but with reduced CO2 emissions and improvements to
fuel economy, the hybrid version will go on sale in the UK in early 2011. | | The car will feature the same engine as the Insight
hybrid; a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, with an electric
motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. The hybrid
Jazz - like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models - will be capable of running on
the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions. |
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HYUNDAI
|  | Hyundai will celebrate the world premiere of its
new B-segment Multi Purpose Vehicle.
To be presented as the Hyundai ix20, a
sketch shows the new model as a striking departure from the boxy ‘minivan'
image typically associated with the segment, adopting a more dynamic, sportier
profile in line with Hyundai's reputation as a modern, progressive automaker. | Designed and developed at Hyundai's European
R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the ix20 is the second European car,
following the ix35, to adopt Hyundai's new ‘fluidic sculpture' design language.
The name ix20 reflects the new model's crossover-like versatility - a vehicle with
the ability to simultaneously serve as a functional people-carrier while
providing a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience.
Another model making its world premiere at Paris is
the new i10. This upgraded version of Hyundai's popular city car
benefits from a comprehensive set of enhancements in terms of design,
specification and competiveness - including a new 1.0-litre engine with CO2
emissions of just 99 g/km. |
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| INFINITI
|  | A high performance V6 sports sedan with a hybrid
half that makes motoring with zero tailpipe emissions more pleasurable than
ever is set to headline on the Infiniti stand at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
| | The production-ready Infiniti M35h stands out for
all the best reasons, not least the fact that the first European deliveries are
set to start next Spring when Infiniti will offer luxury sedan buyers a choice
of V6 petrol, V6 diesel and V6 petrol/electric hybrid powertrain options. It is also unveiling plans for a premium grade
Performance Line of models beginning with the G Cabrio concept. |
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KIA
|  | | Kia Motors will continue its tradition of unveiling
convention-challenging and design-led concept vehicles at motor shows when it
reveals an all-new electric concept car.Called the ‘P OP', Kia's latest concept car
boasts zero-emissions - whilst in use - and at three metres long, yet with a
three seat layout, brings innovative design chic and dramatic styling to the
city car segment. | |
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 | MASERATI
| The new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be
the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in the Maserati range when it goes
on sale in the first quarter of 2011.
Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the
race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the two-seater Maserati GranTurismo MC
Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show will feature razor-sharp
handling and will break the 300km/h barrier. | The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale responds to
demands for a GranTurismo which can balance on-road driving needs with
race-driving desires, incorporating the handling and aerodynamic lessons from
Maserati's three racing programs.
It produces more aerodynamic down force without
producing more aerodynamic drag, it produces more power - 336kw, 450 hp -
without using more fuel and it is more agile without sacrificing the GranTurismo
S's highly praised ride quality. |
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 | MAZDA
| The lightweight, Mazda2 - voted World Car of
the Year 2008 - has received an upgrade and will be given its European premiere
in Paris.
Joining the upgraded Mazda2 will be the all-new
Mazda5 premiering with a new, more economical MZ-CD 1.6 diesel engine.
The new Mazda3 with an upgraded MZ-CD 1.6 diesel
engine will also be introduced. Offering more power and torque, while lowering
fuel consumption and emissions | | |
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NISSAN
|  | Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the LEAF electric
car in showrooms, Nissan is also tantalising with its ideas for a new high
performance electric coupe.
Not to be left behind in the traditional areas, it
is also about to launch the crossover Juke model with its conventional engine
but also some clever fuel saving technology under the skin. |
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 | PEUGEOT
| In its 200th year, Peugeot, the world's
leading French automotive brand, will display a range of mobility solutions for
today and tomorrow at its home Paris Show.
On its world premiere, centre stage will go to the
508, which embodies the new Peugeot design language first showcased on the SR1
concept and sets a new standard in quality and comfort.
| Available in Saloon or
SW body styles, each beautifully proportioned, with a distinct elegance and a
purity of style, the 508 once again reignites a passion for automotive touring.
With streamlined body shapes carefully sculpted for efficient progress, the 508
has excellent aerodynamic qualities and a luxuriously appointed cabin.
Under the bonnet, the focus on efficiency continues
with a range of sophisticated and highly economical engines with power output
ranging from 112 to 204 bhp. The range introduces fuel-efficient technologies,
including the new e-HDi system which will enable this imposing car to achieve
CO2 emissions from just 109 g/km. The 508 will in due course also
benefit from Peugeot's unique HYbrid4 technology which will emit CO2emissions
from just 99 g/km yet also delivering 200 bhp and 4-wheel drive.
The first car in the Peugeot range to benefit from
the HYbrid4 system is the 3008 and this will be on display at the Paris Motor
Show. It is the world's first production diesel hybrid vehicle, and the 3008
HYbrid4 combines an efficient 2 litre 163 bhp HDi FAP diesel engine driving the
front wheels with a 37 bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. This allows
the driver to choose between different driving modes: zero emissions all-electric;
diesel engine and 4-wheel drive 200 bhp in combined operation, Sport and Auto.
In all, driving the 3008 HYbrid4 can deliver a 35
per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional
powertrains, starting from just 99 g/km. It will be available in the UK in the
Autumn of 2011.
For those looking for the ultimate statement in low
emissions motoring, the Peugeot iOn is the first 100 per cent electric car on
the market, will also feature on the Peugeot stand. Requiring little in the way
of compromise, this spacious, well-equipped and comfortable 4-seat, 5-door
urban car combines excellent handing and lively performance, 90 mile range and
full recharging in 6 hours. Available at the end of 2010, the Peugeot iOn will
be marketed to forward thinking organisations and individuals for £415 a month
over a 4 year, 40,000 mile lease.
The iOn will be complemented by Peugeot's
innovative electric urban concept, the BB1. From its unique body design to its
motorcycle steering, this tiny 2.5m 4-seater city vehicle offers a simple,
effective alternative view of urban mobility.
Peugeot adds yet more electric powered mobility
with the introduction of its electric motor scooter; e-Vivacity, which will go
on sale in 2011, as well as a concept scooter; e-Satelis. These two wheeled
attractions are supported by a renewed range of bicycles, refreshed to mark the
brand's bicentenary. |
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PORSCHE
|  | Porsche is introducing a new 911 Speedster at the
Paris Salon on October 2, and to commemorate its famous ‘50s forebear, the
production run is limited to just 356 examples.
Designed and conceived by the Porsche Exclusive
department in Stuttgart, the 408hp two-seater 911 Speedster is significantly
different from the other members of the 911 family.
| Every Porsche Speedster was
traditionally distinguished by its shortened windscreen and sleek tail, and the
new 911 likewise features a 60mm lowered and raked windscreen and the
characteristic ‘double-bubble' hardcover for the manual soft top.
The striking profile of the new 911 Speedster is
further defined by the use of the Carrera 4 body, the 44 millimetre wider rear
stance of which additionally gives powerful visual emphasis to the rear
wheel-drive configuration of the car and will go on sale in
January 2011 priced from £144,10. |
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 | RANGE ROVER
| The all-new Range Rover Evoque with two-wheel-drive
will make its global public debut at Paris.
The Range Rover Evoque brings the acclaimed Land
Rover's LRX concept car into production reality, faithfully capturing the
original design of this landmark cross-coupé concept. It will go on sale next summer from £30,000.
| In keeping with the ethos of Range Rover, the
Evoque delivers premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and
renowned Land Rover all-terrain capability into a shrink-wrapped more compact
package.
"These are exciting times for our business," said
CEO Dr Ralf Speth. "Not only will the Range Rover Evoque increase our worldwide
market share, it helps to define a new segment for premium compact SUVs that
are more sporting and stylish." |
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 | RENAULT
| Renault
has released initial details for the New Laguna.
A more assertive front end design on the hatch and
Sport Tourer points toward driving pleasure and complete peace of mind.With the
highest level of quality, reliability and safety, New Renault Laguna is more
attractive than ever. The exclusive 4Control four-wheel steering system
will be available in the UK with the dCi 180 engine. | Agile and dynamic, New
Renault Laguna is also respectful of the environment, with Euro 5 engines and
lower CO2 on all engines, including the dCi 110 which emits just
120g/km, 10 grams less than today. Technology abounds with Carminat TomTom
Live® navigation system and Bose® sound system.
Pricing and specification will be announced
mid-October, before going on sale in the UK in November. |
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| SAAB |  | Saab Automobile is taking its first step towards
developing an all-electric vehicle with the Saab 9-3 ePower.
It is the prototype for a test fleet of 70 vehicles
which will participate in extensive field trials in Sweden early next year.
This all-electric family estate represents an important step forward for Saab's
pursuit of delivering cleaner and sustainable mobility solutions. The performance of the cars will be evaluated under
a variety of real-world driving conditions as part of the development process
for a purpose-built, electric Saab vehicle. | Targets to be verified include a
projected driving range of approximately 200 kilometers through the use of
high-density energy storage in lithium-ion battery cells.
The Saab ePower is the first electric vehicle from
Saab and is a result of a co-operation between Saab Automobile, Boston Power
(batteries), Electroengine in Sweden AB (electric power trains), Innovatum
(project management) and Power Circle (Sweden's electric power industry trade
organization).
Saab 9-3 ePower is the first, practical family
estate with all-electric propulsion; Projected all-electric driving range of
124 miles approx; Battery cells set benchmark for energy density and user
trials with 70-strong test fleet starting next year. |
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TOYOTA
|  | Toyota will signal its return to the mini-MPV
segment at this year's Paris motor show with the world debut of the new
Verso-S.
It will also celebrate 10 years of full hybrid technology and look to
its future development with Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Toyota is set to re-enter the B-MPV segment with
the Verso-S, an all-new model that will make its world debut at the Paris motor
show, prior to anticipated launch in the UK early in 2011. | | Small, spacious and smart, Verso-S is an object
lesson in space management. Although it has the shortest overall length of any
B-segment MPV in Europe - less than four metres - careful attention to detail
and a practical, flexible interior design have maximised usable space, comfort
and perceived quality. |
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 | VAUXHALL
| Vauxhall's GTC Paris Concept gives the strongest
hint yet to the Astra Sport Hatch's successor and is set to cause a stir when
it receives its debut the show.
At 4.46 metres, the GTC Paris offers ample space
for five people, yet still maintains a svelte and sporting appearance.
A four-cylinder,
2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with direct petrol injection and Start/Stop
technology is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, providing drivers with high
levels of performance and fuel efficiency.
| | Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel's Vice President of
Design, has described the GTC Paris as, ‘bold, pure and iconic' in its
appearance. Vauxhall has hinted that a production version will not stray far
from the rakish lines of the concept, and if the GTC moniker were to be
adopted, it would be the first time that a Vauxhall has been so named. |
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