Paris Motor Show 2014: round-up

The Paris Motor Show 2014 kicked off on 2 October, and within hours we had floods of news, pictures and information direct from the show. We were expecting countless new car debuts, and a first look at some of 2015's hottest cars – and we weren't disappointed, as the wraps came off everything from the Jaguar XE and Mercedes AMG GT, to the new Volvo XC90 and facelifted Honda CR-V.

We've rounded up everything you need to know, including video content and pictures for all the important cars. You can use the navigation below to jump to a particular group of manufacturers:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Alfa Romeo

We've already seen and driven the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe and now it’s the turn of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. Based on the coupe, it gets that model’s hi-tech and very strong construction. This should mean that swapping the fixed roof for a folding fabric one won't lessen the structural integrity of the car or its fun-to-drive ethos. The Spider uses the same 237bhp 1.75-litre engine as the coupe, and will go from 0-62mph in around 4.5 seconds. Its distinctive noise will be even more audible with the roof down. We've already seen a concept version of the Spider earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show.

Audi

With Jaguar’s XE making a public appearance in Paris, it was a surprise not to see the XE-rivalling new Audi A4 at the same show. However, we were treated to a surprise addition in the form of a new Audi TT Sportback concept car. It's a five-door version of the new TT coupe, and features the same virtual cockpit dashboard, allowing drivers to switch between the car's conventional dials, and a crystal-clear sat-nav screen. Make sure you watch our video below for more info.

Paris also saw the public debut of the new Audi TT roadster. Exactly the same as the coupe, bar its folding fabric roof, the roadster will be available with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, while the fast TTS will get a 306bhp petrol engine.

BMW

The new BMW X6 made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show. As with the old model, the new car is a sporty version of the BMW X5 SUV. Its coupe-style body hides a more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system for better on-road grip. BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard and combines with ‘weight-saving optimisation’ and sleeker aerodynamics to improve fuel economy by up to 22 per cent. The range will include the powerful BMW X6M, which uses the same engine as the BMW M5 performance saloon. The new car also boasts up to 75 litres of extra boot space over the outgoing model.

Also making its first public appearance was the new BMW 2 Series convertible. The replacement for the 1 Series convertible has a lightweight folding fabric roof that doesn’t eat into boot space. Buyers can choose from 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines and there will also be an M235i version fitted with BMW’s powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. Prices start from around £29,180.

Ford

New versions of the Ford C-MAX MPV and Ford S-MAX MPV are the stars of at the American giant's stand. Ford is keen to compete with cars made by brands considered more upmarket, so the C-MAX has a classy chrome grille just like the new Ford Focus. It also features the same SYNC2 infotainment system, which has the latest-generation voice-recognition software as well as a split-screen. This presents different displays to the driver and passenger, so the driver can follow sat nav directions while the passenger watches a DVD on the same screen. The C-MAX will get the latest version of Ford’s frugal EcoBoost petrol engine. The 1.5-litre engine is now 20 per cent more efficient than the old 1.6-litre engine.

The new S-MAX also features the new engine and infotainment system, and shares its classy looks with the Ford S-MAX Vignale concept, which was shown in Milan earlier this year.

Ford is also using the Paris show to preview the design of its 'Vignale Lounges' – dedicated areas inside dealerships where its new line of upmarket Vignale models will be sold.

Fiat

Fiat’s small four-wheel-drive model, the Fiat 500X SUV, is on show in Paris. It's based on the new Jeep Renegrade (Fiat now owns the famous American brand), which should mean the Fiat offers credible off-road ability. The 500X uses the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines already seen in the rest of the Fiat range and should offer a similar amount of space to the Fiat 500L MPV.

MAXSAROTTO

Honda

The Honda Civic Type R is arguably the most eagerly anticipated hot hatchback of recent years. It'll rival cars like the Renaultsport Megane Trophy and the SEAT Leon Cupra 280. Those models have been competing fiercely for fastest lap-time honours at Germany’s challenging Nurburgring race track and the Type R aims to be quicker than both.

For the first time, the Civic Type R will get a turbocharged engine, which Honda says will produce ‘more than 276bhp', but will also be more efficient than the old 2.0-litre petrol. Honda hasn’t held back with the styling either. The Type R gets an outlandish rear spoiler, ground-hugging front bumper, huge wheelarches and four exhaust pipes, which combine to make its rivals look plain by comparison.

The Type R is the biggest draw for Honda at the show, but the standard Civic on which it's based has been facelifted and is also on the manufacturer's stand. A new model for the range called the Civic Sport is also on display.

Honda is also giving the Honda HR-V its debut in Paris. We saw the small SUV at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, but this is the first time the European version of the car has been shown off to the public. Honda has focused on making the car very practical and will also offer it with a hybrid engine.

The new Honda Jazz is on the Japanese manufacturer's stand, too, sporting a look that brings it in line with the latest Honda Civic. There should be even more space inside compared to the current Jazz thanks to the new version's extra length and greater distance between the front and rear wheels.

Hyundai

We've already seen pictures of the new Hyundai i20 and Paris is hosting the new model’s first public appearance. Sporting sleek styling, the car feels bigger inside and its new interior is a real improvement in terms of design and quality. The car is a direct rival for the new Skoda Fabia and new Mazda2, both of which have grown in size for improved interior space. The Hyundai will use revised versions of the current model’s engine for improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

Jaguar

Jaguar had a treat in store for show-goers as it pulled the covers off the new Jaguar XE – a rival for the BMW 3 Series and the most important model the company has launched for some time. It has a hi-tech, lightweight body and advanced new engines that will offer everything from 75mpg fuel economy in the most efficient model to 180mph performance in the top-of-the-range car. The XE is packed full of new technology and aims to be the most fun-to-drive model in its class.

Kia

Kia’s relentless drive to create a range of class-leading models continues with the new Kia Sorento, which the company recently released full details of and gave its public debut in Paris. It has an all-new look outside and a high-quality cabin inside. It also boasts lots of interior space and the option to fit seven seats. The car will use the powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine that features in the current model.

Land Rover

It’s not just Jaguar competing for star of the show because Land Rover has unveiled its eagerly anticipated new Land Rover Discovery Sport. The first of three new models, it shares engines with the Jaguar XE and – like the Jag – is set to offer class-leading economy figures and a super-efficient hybrid option. The big headlines come courtesy of the mind-boggling technology that the Discovery Sport is set to offer. That includes an augmented display, which makes the bonnet 'disappear' on screen in order to reveal the ground beneath the car and make it easier to negotiate off-road obstacles. The car is also set to get the latest four-wheel drive system and will be capable of scanning the surrounding terrain before automatically optimising its settings to best cope with it.

Mazda

Mazda revolutionised the sports-car market when it launched the Mazda MX-5 in 1989 by offering British sports-car thrills in a reliable Japanese package. It's now the best-selling sports car ever made and there’s a new model on the way. The car was revealed in Paris this morning and will be 100kg lighter than the model it replaces for improved performance and economy. While the striking show car (below) was fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the engine range for the new MX-5 has not been officially confirmed. However, we expect to see a 2.0-litre petrol option when the car goes on sale.

Mercedes

Mercedes is showing off its new sports car, the Mercedes AMG GT, at the Paris Motor Show. It replaces the Mercedes SLS supercar, but will be much cheaper – putting it in direct competition with the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911. Expect it to blend supercar performance with Mercedes luxury, and be fitted with an automatic gearbox as standard.

Lower down the range, Mercedes is also showing a facelifted version of the Mercedes B-Class. It has revised styling and new engines that are already available elsewhere in the brand's range.

Mercedes has also revealed the Mercedes C63 AMG – the performance variant of the new Mercedes C-Class saloon – at the show. It will have around 500bhp thanks to a 4.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

MINI

One of MINI’s most important new models – the MINI five-door – makes its public debut in Paris. It offers the same fun handling of the standard MINI, but its five-door body allows better access to the rear seats, plus the boot is is much bigger. The five-door uses the same petrol and diesel engines as the standard three-door MINI.

The MINI John Cooper Works concept is expected to make an appearance. The 200bhp JCW is a more performance-oriented version of the fast MINI Cooper S, and is set to be a favourite with enthusiasts. It goes on sale in the first half of next year.

The MINI Superleggera adds an exotic flavour to the MINI stand. It was first shown at the glamorous Villa D'Este classic car show in Italy. The two-seater sports car takes influences from classic cars of the past. A MINI insider told Carbuyer that the Superleggera has proved a big hit – fuelling rumours that the model could make production in some form. It certainly looks less awkward than the current MINI Roadster.

Nissan

Nissan’s rival to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf – the Nissan Pulsar – is also in Paris. The new car shares much of its exterior and interior styling with the Nissan Qashqai SUV. Nissan claims the new model will offer more space than its rivals, and it'll use the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines already seen elsewhere in the Nissan range. We're also expecting to see a faster version with 189bhp, as well as the 215bhp Nissan Pulsar Nismo RS, which will be fitted with a limited-slip differential for quick acceleration out of corners.

Peugeot

Peugeot is using the Paris Motor Show to display two classy new concept cars – the Peugeot Exalt and the Peugeot Quartz.

The Exalt shows us what the replacement for the Peugeot 508 could look like, while the Quartz hints at the sporty design of the new Peugeot 3008. Both look striking inside and out, and are powered by the Peugeot RCZ-R’s 1.6-litre petrol engine – boosted by one or (in the case of the Quartz) two electric motors.

While the concept cars are as much about how they look as how they go, the clever parts of the Peugeot 208 Hybrid Air 2L are all hidden under the body. It uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine that can run on short bursts of compressed air produced during braking and stored onboard. The car is lighter than a normal 208 and also more aerodynamic. The result is fuel economy of up to 141mpg – more than double what the normal 1.2-litre petrol model can manage.

Models coming to a street near you soon include the facelifted Peugeot 508. It has classy new looks that should let the big Peugeot compete better with the new Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. The all-diesel engine range now includes a pair of new 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesels that offer a decent balance of economy and power.

Peugeot is also launching the sporty new 308 GT in Paris, which will become the top-of-the-range 308 model until a GTi-badged version arrives. The car has a striking body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels and a sportier suspension setup to help it compete with cars like the Seat Leon FR and Volkswagen Golf GTD. The 308 GT will be available with a 202bhp petrol engine or a 178bhp diesel engine, which should be economical as well as powerful.

Porsche

Enthusiasts may not have been keen on the Porsche Cayenne SUV, but the model has proved a huge success and we’ve seen the facelifted version in Paris. The car has new bumpers and revised headlights with integrated LEDs. The Cayenne will also be fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that already features in the Porsche Panamera and improves fuel economy compared to the old V8 petrol engine. Turbo and Turbo S models are expected to have their power boosted by around 20bhp.

Renault

Renault pioneered the MPV with the Renault Espace and a new model is starring in Paris. It offers a hugely practical interior, with seven seats and plenty of storage areas. New engines will make the Espace more economical than ever before, but sadly the model is unlikely to be sold in the UK. The current model was removed from the UK range a few years ago after sales dwindled.

Like Ford’s Vignale sub-brand, Renault is set to offer classy version of the Renault Clio and the new Espace, carrying the Initiale badge. They’ll come well equipped and have classy interiors, but are also unlikely to come to the UK in the near future.

Skoda

Taking pride of place at the Skoda stand is the new Skoda Fabia. It shares technology with the Volkswagen Polo and looks more striking than the current model. Skoda claims the Fabia’s 330-litre boot is class-leading, and passenger space is also improved. The Fabia will get technology such as a centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system, keyless entry and a self-parking system. It'll be fitted with the same excellent petrol and diesel engines as the Volkswagen Polo and will also be available as the Skoda Fabia Combi estate, which gets a huge boot.

Smart

The new Smart ForTwo and Smart ForFour are on show in Paris. As before, the ForTwo has space for two, tiny exterior dimensions to make it easy to park and extremely low running costs. The ForFour, meanwhile, has space for four and for the first time has its engine mounted in the back for a more spacious interior and better manoeuvring in town. We expect this version to be available with the electric motor from the current Smart ForTwo electric.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall recently released full specifications for the new Vauxhall Corsa. A hugely important car for the brand, the new Corsa should make big improvements on the current model. The car has new engines, including a nippy and frugal small petrol, plus a diesel engine capable of nearly 90mpg. The model looks similar to the smaller Vauxhall Adam and will seek to match that car’s classy interior. The Corsa can be fitted with a huge range of safety features, while all but the most basic models get Vauxhall’s Intellink infotainment system. This can mirror the screen of your smartphone and is also compatible with smartphone apps for functions such as sat nav and music streaming.

The Vauxhall Adam S is also on the manufacturer's stand in Paris. A production preview concept version was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and now we've seen the car that will roll off the production line next year. It gets a turbocharged 148bhp version of Vauxhall's 1.4-litre ECOTEC petrol engine, a sporty bodykit and the option of an exclusive leather interior.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen is another manufacturer that wants to move its family cars more upmarket, and the new Volkswagen Passat provides a good example of this in Paris. The new model will be available with a powerful diesel engine that'll allow it to compete with upmarket models from Mercedes and BMW, and should come with 4Motion four-wheel drive. Expect the new Passat’s interior to be more spacious and better built than the current model, and we’re told it'll come with a huge 12.3-inch display.

The Golf Alltrack is making its debut in the French capital, too. Offering increased ground clearance, four-wheel drive and some SUV styling touches, the car is designed to cope with light off-roading as well as with trips to the supermarket.

Volvo

After much anticipation, Volvo has finally revealed pictures of the new Volvo XC90. The car looks imposing, has an upmarket interior and sports all the latest safety features. As before, it seats seven in a spacious and practical cabin. The car will be offered with the D4 diesel engine from the rest of the Volvo range, as well as a new T8 ‘Twin Engine’ that couples a petrol engine with an electric motor to produce 394bhp and return fuel economy of up to 110mpg.