The Mondial Salon de l'Automobile de Paris, or simply put, the Paris Motor Show, is one of the most important European motor shows. The biennial event was started in 1898 and takes place in the even calendar years. The 2018 edition will mark the 75th anniversary of the French motor show when it will open its gates on 2 October. This time around, we have some heavy hitters arriving at the show which are also important for the Indian market. So here is an in-depth preview of the 2018 Paris Motor Show
In a bid to rejig its new line-up Audi has revealed facelifts and also new-generations of its model over the past one year. All of them will make their public debut at the Paris stage. Important of them would be the India-bound A4 sedan that received a subtle update with added features.
The sedan will be joined by the second-gen A1 hatchback and the new-gen Q3 on the stage. The latter has grown in size and moves to the MQB platform. Audi also revealed the e-tron electric crossover in San Francisco so it will make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show.
BMW will take the wraps off the all-important new-gen 3 Series at the Paris stage. The G20 3 Series will move to a new platform, will be lighter and have a new range of powertrains while also maintaining its driving dynamics. The new-gen X5 broke cover a few weeks back and the Bavarian SAV will celebrate its first public outing along with the new-gen 3.
Meanwhile, BMW might surprise us with the upcoming X7 production prototype which is reported to be revealed in October. The obvious attendees at the BMW stand will include the third-gen Z4 Roadster, 8 Series Coupe, the X2 M35i and the futuristic electric autonomous Vision iNext concept.
Similar to Audi, Mercedes is busy revamping its line-up. This revamping is spearheaded by the new-gen GLE which was revealed a few days back and is arriving at Paris for the public premiere. It will also arrive on our shores pretty soon. Meanwhile, the AMG division will have two debutants – the A35 hot hatch and the GT 43 four-door Coupe performance sedan.
The 300bhp A35 will be the most affordable AMG model ever and the GT four-door will commence the sale of its three variants. Also, the A-Class sedan will be seen in metal which is expected to come to India. The EQC will be another highlight at the Three-Pointed Star’s stage.
Skoda will focus on its RS performance badge when it turns up at the Paris Motor Show. We’ll get to see the much-awaited Kodiaq RS which smashed the Nurburgring record for SUVs. Joining it will be the Vision RS Concept. The concept will preview Skoda’s new compact car which will also get the RS performance treatment. We think it could spawn the new-gen Fabia which is due for a generation change. The two RS models will be joined by two Karoq trims – Sportline and Scout.
Kia has already revealed the Ceed as a more mature and grown-up car compared to the previous model. The Proceed variant along with Ceed GT and the Sportswagon estate will form Kia’s highlight at the Paris stand. Sales of these Korean cars will commence right after.
The Paris Motor Show is the “home race” for Renault and we expect to see a spectacular concept vehicle from the French carmaker. Last time around, the Renault Trezor was the conspicuous concept which grabbed attention worldwide and won many laurels. This year too we expect something similar from Renault since the show is on its own turf. Meanwhile, the recently updated Kadjar facelift will also be seen in metal for the first time.
We know now that the new-gen 911 is coming this year. What is not confirmed is whether or not the Paris stage will witness the first premiere of the 992-gen 911. However, Porsche will be showcasing the new Macan which received a mid-life update recently.
The Toyota stall will see the new range of Corolla in the hatchback, saloon and estate body styles. The Japanese carmaker will also have on display the Supra prototype in the Gazoo Racing section sitting next to Le Man winning TS050 Hybrid LMP1 racecar. Apart from that, the overhauled RAV4, the Camry and the Yaris hatch will complete Toyota’s line-up for the Paris stage.
Missing out:
Major manufacturers missing the 2018 Paris Motor Show include FCA (Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati), Ford, Mazda and Volkswagen.
