2018 Paris Motor Show: The cars to watch out for
- Once every two years, the Eiffel Tower makes way for the Paris Motor Show as the most-visited attraction in the capital of France. The first ever motor show in the world, the Mondial de l'Automobile pulled in more than a million visitors in 2016, making it the largest motor show in the world, in terms of footfall. Celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, it's set to take place between Oct 4-14, with two exclusive press days before it opens to the public. The Paris Motor Show serves as an important stage, for European manufacturers especially, to premiere all-new vehicles. And while there's a sizable list of manufacturers conspicuous in their absence, this year's edition will have a handful of new cars, including ones which will make it to India eventually. Here's a quick round up of what you can expect to see at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
Audi A1Â
The smallest car from the Audi stable is set to enter its second generation, and with it,will finally break the 4m mark - in length. This will be the first time the car is seen in the flesh.
Audi will also reveal the refreshed A4, on whose platform the current A5 is based. No wonder then, styling on the A4 has been sharpened, and it's likely to get updated equipment as well. There's a good chance India will see the launch of this facelift soon.
Another model entering its second generation, the Q3 perhaps shows the most aggressive styling update, which will bode well for it when it's launched in India. Expect larger dimensions, more space and hugely updated interiors.
BMW 3-Series
Possibly one of the most awaited cars from Paris, the seventh-generation 3-Series from BMW is all-new, from the ground up. Based on the CLAR-architecture, which opens the door for alternate powertrain, the new 3 will build on styling cues established from the larger cars in the series, while adding it's own unique touches. Especially if the camouflaged cars and leaked images are to be believed.
The big-daddy-BMW-SUV. The X7 will be the largest vehicle in the portfolio, and match the 7-Series for luxury, technology and, likely, space. It's been previewed in concepts, and spy photos but we await a bare-metal sighting.
Ferrari Monza SP1 & SP2
This limited-series pair of barchettas from Ferrari hark back to the company's motorsport legends from the 1950s. With V12 engines, and sub-3 second 0-100kmph times, the duo should liven up the show floor.
Hyundai i30 Fastback N
Hyundai's N division adds another car to its list, with the Fastback version of the sporty i30 N hatchback, which furthers power to north of 270PS.
The new B-Class is a roomier version of the new A-Class, sharp styling and all. From what we've seen so far, which have been only spy shots, it appears less van-like than the outgoing model.
Apart from the vastly updated exteriors, Mercedes-Benz's best-selling mid-size SUV grows in wheelbase, to offer much more space in the rear bench. Also, on offer for the first time, a third row of seating. We'll be keeping our eyes on this one.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
The EQC will be shown in its production guise at the show. It's a big deal alright - this is the first all-electric vehicle to wear the three-pointed star, the first of the company's pure electric range to come. An electric motor on each axle come together for 765Nm of torque - the headline figure, apart from 402PS of power.
Peugeot E-Legend
Trust the French to come up with an autonomous electric concept for the future, styled as a throwback to the 504 coupe, dated 1969. It will undoubtedly be a crowd-puller.
Skoda Kodiaq RS
The most powerful diesel Skoda has ever made will see its public debut at Paris. The Kodiaq RS uses a twin-turbocharged 2-litre diesel to good effect - 240PS, 500Nm torque and 0-100kmph in under 7 seconds.
Skoda Vision RS
Also seeing the light of day for the first time is a plug-in hybrid preview of a Skoda hatchback to come, internationally at least. The Vision RS concept combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with electric power to achieve hot hatch status.