2018 Paris motor show: Autocar's star cars

Autocar's staffers pick out their favourite machines from this year's Paris motor show

Autocar

3 October 2018

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Paris motor show: Autocar’s star cars

There was plenty of new metal on show at this year's Paris motor show – despite it being something of a quiet year for new releases, with several manufacturers choosing not to attend. But with big reveals like the BMW 3 Series, new Mercedes-AMG A35 and a handful of electric concept cars, there was still enough to make it tricky to choose a favourite.

That's exactly what we've done here, with the whole Autocar team selecting which cars stood out the most for them.
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Kia e-Niro

Don't judge the new all-electric Kia crossover by looks alone, because the e-Niro embarrasses many premium EVs in in the balance of range and value and deserves to do so in the sales charts. Its range of 301 miles is a game changer for mainstream EVs, while it's spacious, well equipped and should cost less than £30,000.

Lawrence Allan
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Peugeot e-Legend

The French car firms are always under pressure to deliver the goods at their home show, and Peugeot has absolutely delivered with the 504 coupé-inspired e-Legend. There can surely be no more stylish way to showcase electric and autonomous tech.

James Attwood
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Renault K-Ze

The funky-looking K-Ze was one of the true surprises of the Paris motor show, showcasing the next step for Renault EVs. Renault says the K-Ze must be “affordable”. If the car maker can make that the case in the UK, I imagine it would be a popular choice for an SUV-like electric runaround. Rachel Burgess
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BMW 3 Series

There's a bubbling sense of confidence coming out of BMW about the work they've done to improve the new 3 Series dynamically. For every car enthusiast who prioritises driving enjoyment, this battle for supremacy with the likes of Alfa Romeo and Jaguar must be cause for celebration.

Jim Holder
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Mercedes-Benz GLE

There's something about the new GLE; from the rear particularly, it's satisfyingly chunky and well proportioned – far more so than the previous generations. It'd look even better spattered with mud, although it's doubtful that many ever will be.

Jimi Beckwith
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DS3 Crossback E-tense

My star car is the DS 3 Crossback E-tense, the battery-powered supermini concept that will eventually share its underpinnings (in production) with battery versions of the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208. It loses a bit of boot space to the batteries, but it’s still spacious and has a suitably luxurious interior.

Steve Cropley
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Mercedes-AMG A35

As the horsepower race filters down to hot hatches, the Volkswagen Golf R has been the archetypal exponent of less is more with its 300bhp going through four driven wheels. For that, it’s always been the sweetest and most rounded car in the class. That Mercedes has arrived at the same formula with the new A35 is no surprise. Bring on the twin test.

Mark Tisshaw
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Bugatti Divo

My star car is the Bugatti Divo. It’s a tad odd looking, is based on an existing car and it’s highly unlikely we’ll see an example outside of a motor show, but cars like the Divo are what got me hooked on everything with four wheels. The design is extreme, even controversial, and pushes boundaries many manufacturers wouldn’t dare go near. I wish we’d see more like it.

Sam Jenkins
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Hyundai i30 N Option

The i30 N is easily my favourite hot hatch of 2018, but I still wanted to see a bit more drama in the styling department; park one next to a Ford Focus RS or Honda Civic Type R and it’s just not as mean looking. The N Option range certainly ticks that box, with bonnet scoops, lashings of carbonfibre and massive wheels that are all but guaranteed to make the i30’s N mode even more punishing on your spine - even with uprated bucket seats holding you in place in corners. Tom Morgan
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Toyota Camry

A sign of the increasing electrification of the UK fleet, the Camry is making a return to the UK after a 14-year hiatus. For more than a decade the best-selling US saloon, the Camry, has been the byword for fail-safe motoring mid-America style. Now powered by an on-trend hybrid, the Camry replaces the Avensis, the model developed for Europe around diesel engines and UK local assembly. Shortly we will find out if hybrid power is sufficient to overcome the UK’s distrust of large, comfort-focused American saloons. Now that really would be a motoring revolution.

Julian Rendell
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VinFast Lux A2.0

This crisp new saloon is an impressive start from new players VinFast, its style arguably cleaner than the new BMW 3 Series’. Ironic, given its BMW mechanicals. This is a fine demonstration of the fact that sourcing high- grade parts (BMW, interior supplier Faurecia) and hiring high-calibre services (Pininfarina, ItalDesign) can quickly produce a competitive product. If you have a huge pile of cash.

Richard Bremner

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