Paris Motor Show 2018 round-up

One of the most important car industry shows of the year – especially for the European and UK markets – is the bi-annual Paris Motor Show. This year’s event offered the first public glimpse of a range of new models, many of which were key launches in their respective manufacturers’ line-ups.

Audi will hope to build on the success of its A1 with an all-new version, the seventh generation BMW 3 Series has big shoes to fill and the Mercedes EQC represents the German giant’s first foray into mass-market electric cars, taking on the excellent Jaguar I-Pace and the pioneering innovation of market leader, Tesla.

Large SUVs continued to be on-trend, with the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Skoda Kodiaq vRS all making their public debuts. A number of important models were facelifted and improved for the year ahead, while all-new models like the BMW Z4 and Peugeot 508 SW look set to shake things up.

Read on for a rundown of Carbuyer’s most important cars of the Paris Motor Show 2018 – all of which you’ll be able to own very soon:

Audi A1

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Price: from £18,000 (est)On-sale date: late 2018Summary: Audi’s popular small hatchback gets a ground-up redesign

The Audi A1 has been a major success for the German manufacturer, so it’ll be hoping to wow buyers with this all-new version. Based on the same mechanical underpinnings, the A1 will only be offered with five doors and a choice of four petrol engines when it arrives, with a sporty S1 model likely to follow. A sharp new look with sporty detailing will doubtlessly appeal to younger buyers, while inside there are plenty of features design features taken from the latest larger Audis.

Audi e-tron

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Price: from £65,000 (est)On-sale date: January 2018Summary: Audi’s answer to the Jaguar I-Pace is a more conventional take on the electric SUV trend

The Audi e-tron was one of many electric SUVs to be shown at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, and has been built to take on the Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC. Sitting between the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 SUVs in terms of size, the e-tron is styled much like its siblings, but is very different under the metal. A pair of electric motors produce the equivalent of 356bhp, with power delivered through Audi’s e-quattro four-wheel-drive system; 0-62mph takes less that six seconds and there’s a claimed effective range of 250 miles – not too far shy of its main rivals.

BMW 3 Series

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Price: from £28,000 (est)On-sale date: early 2019Summary: The all-new seventh generation of BMW’s benchmark compact executive saloon

The all-new BMW 3 Series has been hotly anticipated, not least because it's the car that traditionally sets the bar in its class, where its main rivals include the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Volvo S60. The new version looks set to retain its trademark combination of comfort and driver involvement, with a sharp chassis and a range of powerful yet frugal engines – plus two plug-in hybrid models. The closely related new BMW 4 Series coupe should come later next year.

BMW X5

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Price: from £56,710On-sale date: Now (deliveries December 2018)Summary: The BMW X5 gets a ground-up redesign to take on its premium SUV rivals

The BMW X5 is another long-serving model in the range shown in its latest form at the 2018 Paris Motor Show – although you can place an order at dealers now. The new X5 is bigger yet more efficient than the old car, with a choice of petrol and diesel engines with economy as high as 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions ranging from 158 to 193g/km. Although still a rival for sporty large SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, the X5 now offers a little more practicality thanks to its larger size, plus the option of a seven-seat layout.

BMW Z4

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Price: from £30,000 (est)On-sale date: March 2019Summary: The result of a joint venture with Toyota, the all-new BMW Z4 is aimed squarely at the Porsche 718 Boxster

The all-new BMW Z4 is a big step forward; the car is set to return to its sports car roots in an attempt to take on the Jaguar F-Pace and all-conquering Porsche 718 Boxster in the showrooms. Developed alongside the forthcoming Toyota Supra, the Z4 uses the same chassis, but gets its own range of engines, from a 194bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the sDrive20i model to a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 335bhp under the M40i’s bonnet. The Z4 doesn’t skimp on the styling front, either: a long, shark-like nose, wide and purposeful rear end and a svelte folding soft top (which folds in 10 seconds) all help set the new car apart.

DS 3 Crossback

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Price: £21,000 (est)On-sale date: Spring 2019Summary: DS’s answer to the Audi Q2 and MINI Countryman brings style and flair to the small premium SUV class

DS – the luxury arm of PSA, the parent company of Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall – is set to expand its range with this new DS 3 Crossback SUV. Taking inspiration from the larger DS 7 Crossback, the car will offer a left-field and stylish take on the small premium SUV. Based on the same underpinnings as the forthcoming all-new Vauxhall Corsa, the DS 3 Crossback will be powered by a choice of three petrols and one diesel – although the all-electric E-Tense model (expected towards the end of 2019) is the most exciting, boasting an effective range of 200 miles.

Honda CR-V hybrid

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Price: Approx £30,000On-sale date: Early 2019Summary: Next-generation CR-V majors on economy and practicality

The 2019 Honda CR-V is the first version of the Japanese company's family SUV to have a seven-seat option, and a hybrid version was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. It uses a clever 'intelligent multi-mode drive' (i-MMD) hybrid system, which dispenses with a conventional gearbox in favour of linking its petrol engine directly to a pair of electric motors, with claimed improvements in smoothness and efficiency. Front and four-wheel-drive versions will be offered, the former achieving a claimed 53.3mpg.

Hyundai i30 Fastback N

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Price: £30,000 (est)On-sale date: early 2019Summary: The Hyundai i30 N hot hatch gains a boot and four-door coupe looks

The Hyundai i30 N was a surprise hit when it arrived in 2017, taking on the hot-hatch establishment with its well judged blend of performance, handling and sporty styling coming together to create a thoroughly engaging experience – all for a few thousand pounds less than its closest rivals. Hyundai hasn’t fixed what wasn’t broken with this Fastback version; the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 272bhp remains, as do the clever configurable set-up options and subtle styling additions. With few rivals offering a car of this type with such focused performance, the i30 Fastback N should be in a class of its own.

Kia Proceed

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Price: £21,000-29,000 (est)On-sale date: late 2018Summary: A rakish shooting-brake version of the Kia Ceed that aims to take the model upmarket

The Kia Proceed will join the standard hatchback and Sportswagon estate in the Ceed range when it arrives later this year after its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The new car gets a low, coupe-like roofline, but with five doors and a large 594-litre boot, filling a niche that few other manufacturers have explored. Kia hopes the Proceed will tempt buyers away from premium rivals, so a focus on quality should be noticeable, too. A range of three and four-cylinder petrol engines will be offered, along with a sole 1.6-litre diesel.

Mercedes A-Class saloon

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Price: from £27,875On-sale date: now (deliveries early 2019)Summary: Mercedes CLA replacement promises greater driver appeal

With the latest Mercedes A-Class hatchback already a firm fixture in the showroom, its saloon sister was launched at the Paris Motor Show. It replaces the Mercedes CLA and shares the hatchback's sharp exterior styling, as well as bringing the interior feel more into line with bigger, more expensive models such as the Mercedes C-Class saloon. The 161bhp 1.3-litre A 200 petrol and 114bhp, 1.5-litre diesel A 180 d diesel will be the first models to go on sale, with more powerful and entry-level models expected to follow.

Mercedes B-Class

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Price: £23,000-33,000 (est)On-sale date: Mid-2019Summary: Spacious new B-Class follows A-Class hatchback style inside and out

The new Mercedes B-Class is set to follow in its predecessor's footsteps, sitting halfway between a traditional five-seat hatchback and a small MPV. It's a direct rival to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, but also counts the Volkswagen Golf SV among its competition. 2019's model promises to channel the sharp style of the Mercedes A-Class hatchback, with a similarly hi-tech interior and sophisticated infotainment equipment. It's also rumoured that plug-in hybrid or even fully electric versions could be in the pipeline.

Mercedes EQC

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Price: From £60,000 (est)On-sale date: Late 2019Summary: Mercedes' first all-electric SUV sets the scene for future EQ models

Mercedes is serious about conquering the electric-car market, as the forthcoming Mercedes EQC amply demonstrates. As the brand's first electric SUV, the EQC is a direct rival to the Jaguar I-Pace and will also challenge the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron for zero-emissions car customers. A 279-mile battery range is promised, with 0-62mph possible in 5.2 seconds thanks to two electric motors and the equivalent of 402bhp. With distinctive looks, the EQC serves as a tantalising preview of future cars from Mercedes' new EQ sub-brand.

Mercedes GLE

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Price: From £60,000-80,000 (est)On sale date: Early 2019Summary: All-new Mercedes GLE SUV puts technology and economy first

Mercedes has a lot invested in the all-new GLE. The outgoing model became a pivotal part of the brand's range and next year's promises gains in style, interior space, technology and efficiency. There'll be a plug-in hybrid version alongside the expected petrol and diesel engines, with high-performance Mercedes-AMG models expected to join the range in 2020. The new GLE will also offer Mercedes' latest infotainment and semi-autonomous driving features, as well as a seven-seat option for the first time.

Peugeot 508 SW/PHEV

Price: £27,500-£35,000 (est)On-sale date: Early 2019Summary: Stylish SW estate and plug-in hybrid extend Peugeot 508's appeal

Although launched to take on the Skoda Superb and Ford Mondeo, the sleek, eye-catching Peugeot 508 hatchback furrowed the brows of certain executive rivals when it was launched this year. Now it looks like its 508 SW estate sister could have the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate worried for sheer visual appeal, too. There's also a plug-in hybrid version on the way, for which Peugeot claims an all-electric range of 30 miles. That should be enough to cover many motorists' daily commutes, bringing big reductions in CO2 emissions and running costs.

Porsche Macan

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Price: £46,000-65,000 (est)On-sale date: Available to order nowSummary: Updated Macan brings more power and sharper looks

The updated Porsche Macan can be ordered right now, but its official debut took place at the Paris Motor Show. As this is one of the best handling SUVs you can buy, it's understandable that the German brand has made no radical changes to the updated model, but tweaks include an interior that's closer in visual spirit to the Porsche 911 sports car. With 252bhp from the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol engine and 434bhp for the range-topping Macan Turbo, driver engagement looks to remain central to the Macan's appeal.

SEAT Tarraco

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Price: £27,000-38,000 (est)On-sale date: December 2018Summary: Tarraco SUV flagship will be biggest, comfiest and most expensive SEAT yet

The SEAT Tarraco will assume a position at the top of SEAT's range in 2019 and is the brand's most upmarket model yet. The flagship SUV shares its platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan, but is slightly longer and will offer a seven-seat option. A 'premium' finish is promised inside, with the latest infotainment technology and a tactile wood finish on the dashboard. Petrol and diesel engines will come first, but a plug-in hybrid is known to be in the pipeline.

Skoda Kodiaq vRS

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Price: £38,000 (est)On-sale date: Early 2019Summary: Skoda brings its vRS knowhow to an SUV for the first time

Earlier this year, Skoda set a new lap record for a seven-seat SUV at the famous Nurburgring race circuit. The time of 9m 29.84s was set by the upcoming Kodiaq vRS; the first SUV to carry those respected initials. Until now, the vRS badge has been reserved for the Skoda Fabia supermini and Skoda Octavia saloon and estate. Like its stablemates, the Kodiaq vRS has a specially tuned suspension system and sporty look inside and out, while a 236bhp, twin-turbocharged diesel engine gives it the performance to justify its racy image.