Paris Motor Show 2008

Thursday, 02 October 2008

The 2008 Paris Motor Show got underway today and here take a first look at some of the cars making the headlines. A1 FOR EFFORT: Audi showed off its A1 concept model, which is believed to be a near production version. Manufacturing is expected to start at the end of 2009 in Belgium and the car should go on sale in March 2010. Audi hopes the A1 will rival BMW's Mini. Three and five-door versions as well as a convertible variant will eventually arrive in showrooms. CALIFORNIA DREAMING: The wraps finally came of Ferrari's brand new California coupé-cabriolet. Available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top, the new model features aluminium chassis and bodywork, in line with the rest of the luxury brand's current range. FACELIFT: Mazda's MX-5 roadster took centre stage on the Japanese carmaker's stand. The refreshed version features a new six-speed transmission for the first time and the front roll centre has been lowered as well to improve handling. There are also new equipment features for the whole line-up. GTI TEASER: Paris witnessed what is thought to be a thinly disguised version of the next Golf GTi. This sixth generation model marks the latest chapter in the GTi's 32 year history which has seen 1.7 million sales of what was supposed to be a low volume niche car. The full production model will be revealed next month with UK sales starting early next summer. ALTO -GETHER NOW: Suzuki unveiled the all-new Alto - the fifth and smallest member of its lineup. The carmaker aims to achieve annual sales of 60,000 units in Europe following a sales launch in spring 2009.

RENAULT ROSTA: Renault took advantage of being on home soil by making three key world debuts. The most important car on the stand was the new generation Mégane hatchback, which reaches UK dealerships on 28 November and will compete head to head against next year's new Golf. The car is priced from £13,995 to £18,795.



KA SHOW: Ford revealed the new generation Ka ahead of its debut in the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, at the end of the month. The new line-up will feature a diesel for the first time, with a sub-120g/km 1.3-litre TDCi unit capable of 67.2mpg in the combined cycle. UK sales are due to start in January.



ARTISTIC LICENCE: Citroen has extended its Picasso branding to its C3 range. The new baby-MPV reaches UK showrooms next year and is the third model in the brand's line-up to bear the name. The car makes the most of its short but high dimensions and will be powered by a choice of two diesel and two petrol engines.



MINI EXPANDED: A future addition to the Mini line-up was previewed in the form of the Crossover Concept. The all wheel drive car will be the biggest Mini to date measuring over 4m in length and 1.6m high. The brand is remaining tight lipped on when production is likely to start.



I SPY: Hyundai took the wraps off its sub-compact i20 model which is due to be launched here in early 2009. Designed at its European design centre in Germany, the five-door Getz replacement is longer and more spacious than its predecessor. Built on a new platform, the brand went to some lengths to emphasise the car was designed and engineered with European tastes in mind.

IMO the three best are the Mini , The Audi and the Golf.