The 2018 Paris motor show was smaller this year compared to recent events, with some major brands missing from its exhibition halls.
However, there was still plenty of interesting new metal on display and over the past couple of days, we at The Car Expert have brought you many of the latest models revealed at the show. We round up our coverage with a gallery of some of the other big reveals in the Paris halls.
BMW Z4
Star of the BMW stand at Paris is, of course, the new 3 Series. But the latest Z4 roadster, unveiled a fortnight ahead of the show, commands as much attention. The car debuts at the show as part of a joint project with Toyota that is also producing the next Toyota Supra.
The new Z4 is longer and wider than the car it replaces but with a shorter wheelbase which we are told makes it more agile. Orders can be taken now, with a three-way engine choice, and first cars expected on the road in March 2019.
Renault Kadjar
Chief changes to the Renault Kadjar SUV, which debuts in facelift form at Paris, are a range of revisions to the engine range. They will be available in 140 and 160hp petrol options and 115 and 150hp diesels, the latter significantly more powerful than their predecessors.
Exterior modifications are minor but the interior has undergone several changes, particularly to the controls. The Kadjar is expected on UK sale in Spring 2019.
Hyundai i30 N Option
Alongside the new Fastback version of the Hyundai i30 N performance model, the Korean brand is also showing the hatch variant with the first of a new range of customisation options known as Option.
There will be a choice of 25 different times including such niceties as carbon fibre rear spoilers and bonnets, replacement grilles and matt black body colours.
Kia Proceed
Soon to join the new Kia Ceed five-door in showrooms is the Proceed – yes, this has lost its silly apostrophised name too.
It’s also no longer a simple three-door variant but a five-door shooting-brake style car with a strongly rearwards sloping roofline. Mechanically the Proceed will replicate the Ceed when it arrive s in showrooms early in 2019.
Lexus RC
Making its debut in Paris is the revised Lexus RC coupe, with a number of changes mainly to improve the handling. These include a lower ride height and revised suspension and steering.
The car also boasts subtle styling tweaks and an updated interior, and is expected on sale before the end of 2018.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
Mercedes-Benz is among the many manufacturers heading towards electric drivetrains and the EQC is the first of up to 10 electric models set to be launched by 2025.
It uses two electric motors, one on each axle, with combined power of 408hp giving the car a 5.1-second 0-62mph time. Under the new WLTP testing cycle the EQC’s range is quoted at 249 miles.
Infiniti Q60 Black-S
Infiniti has made a muscle car – this version of the Q60 coupe is known as the Black S and uses a hybrid drivetrain which uses a Kinetic Energy Recovery System developed from Formula One.
Total power output is 571hp which is reputed to produce a 0-62mph time under four seconds – though Infiniti isn’t giving any clues at present. Rumour has it that the car, with all its lightweight carbon fibre bodywork, could go into production…
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ makes its show debut in Paris after its reveal at the Pebble Beach concours, and takes the title of fastest Lambo yet.
Its 6.5-litre engine has been tuned to produce 770hp, 30hp more than the Aventador S and producing a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds and a terminal speed in excess of 217mph. Around 900 are planned at around £356,000 each.
Audi PB18 e-tron
Finally, the Audi PB18 e-tron – also first revealed at Pebble Beach, this electric concept has evolved from the Alcon concept revealed a year ago at the 2017 Frankfurt show.
The all-wheel-drive car pumps out 775hp through an electric powertrain using solid-state batteries and placed in a lightweight body of aluminium, plastics and composites. Rumours suggest it could be a successor to Audi’s renowned R8.
