The 2016 Paris Motor Show is the last major event of its kind in Europe this year, and provides plenty of insight in terms of what cars we can expect to launch in countries including Britain later this year and early next year.
A lot of big manufacturers have arrived at this year’s show in Paris, showing off important models which are either an all-new generation or facelifted.
Here we round-up the most interesting new cars and concepts on show during this year’s show in Paris. Keep an eye on this page, as we’ll be posting more updates as the show progresses and more reveals are made.
Audi
Audi waited until the Paris Motor Show had already kicked off before making two major model reveals - the new Q5 and the RS 3 Saloon.
The Q5 is the second-generation of the premium crossover and it's much lighter and more sophisticated than ever before in its bid to rival the likes of the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace. The RS 3 is much like the original except it's not a five-door Sportback but takes on the A3's saloon bodystyle instead.
BMW
A major announcement from BMW at Paris this year is the reveal of a concept for the all-new X2. This crossover slots in between the smaller X1 and Q5-rivalling X3 SUVs and it features very sporty styling.
Reports indicate we'll have to wait until 2018 to see X2 models on UK roads and it's likely to cost around £30k.
Citroen
Citroen first revealed its bold-looking new C3 back in mid-August. The Paris Motor Show is the first proper chance for members of the public to get up close to the supermini, which has borrowed more than a few styling cues from the quirky C4 Cactus.
In light of Citroen’s involvement in the 2017 World Rally Championship with the C3, a hot hatch version of the new supermini has been rumoured as well.
Dacia
Dacia fans rejoice as the budget brand is using this year’s Paris Motor Show to reveal refreshed versions of three of its current cars.
The Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV are all getting updated front ends and improved interiors, while maintaining their low, low prices.
Ferrari
Ferrari is present at this year’s Paris show in order to show off its LaFerrari Aperta hypercar to the public for the first time.
It’s a special chance to see what’s unquestionably a rare and special convertible. Don’t expect to be able to buy one anytime soon if you haven’t got order confirmation already. After all, as we explain here, even having the money is not always enough to get a Ferrari.
Honda
The big news from Honda in Paris this year is the reveal of their new-generation Civic hatchback, coming in 2017. The design is very different compared to the previous generation. In fact, it looks a lot different to any previous Civic.
Not only that, Honda has also given us our first at a prototype of the Type R hot hatch version of the new Civic.
Hyundai
Hyundai are using this year’s Paris Motor Show to unveil a very sporty concept called the RN30, which has come from the company’s performance-focused N division.
The RN30 concept, which could easily pass off as a rally car or track-day motor, previews a hot hatch for the next-generation i30.
Speaking of the i30, the standard versions of the new-generation family hatchback do look rather sporty, although nothing compared to the RN30. Also in Paris ahead of a 2017 launch is a facelifted version of the popular i10 city car.
Kia
The biggest reveal from Kia is its new-generation Rio supermini, which wants to really take the fight to the likes of the Fiesta and Corsa next year.
It launches in Britain in February next year and will be sold only as a five-door model. Featuring a new lightweight three-cylinder engine and the latest smartphone app support, the Rio has a better chance than ever before of becoming the new class leader.
Also present in Paris from Kia are facelifted versions of the Soul and Carens.
Land Rover
Virtually every car in the Land Rover range has been replaced with a new-generation model in the last few years, but the evergreen Discovery has stood as an exception to this pattern up until now.
Things change in 2017 though with the new, fifth-generation Discovery, which is making its public debut in Paris.
Mercedes
Performance cars is the main theme for Mercedes in Paris this year, as the German premium brand is showing off the attractive AMG GT Roadster, a convertible version of the 911 rival. Included in its line-up is the ultra-hot GT C model which offers 549bhp and a top speed of 196mph.
Also present is an AMG tuned version of the GLC crossover, the V6-powered GLC 43.
Nissan
The big star for Nissan at this show is the new, fifth-generation Micra supermini. Compared to previous Micras it’s bigger, more aggressive looking and considerably more gadget-filled.
Compact but punchy turbocharged engines are also on the agenda for this new Micra, which aims to be a stronger rival to the likes of the Fiesta and Corsa next year.
Peugeot
Peugeot has revealed radically-redesigned versions of two of its family cars, the 3008 and 5008.
Both cars take on more SUV-style quirks than before and are all-round much sleeker and modern looking than their boxy predecessors.
Porsche
This year’s Paris event marks the public debut of the new-generation Panamera. This car has in the past split opinion with its styling, but the new version of the saloon borrows more than a few traits from recent Porsche sports cars including the 911 and 718s.
The new styling may prove less divisive and the car is also lighter, more aerodynamic and quicker than before.
Renault
Renault’s fully-electric supermini, the ZOE, is getting updated for 2017. Styling-wise it’s virtually the same but the powertrain has a new and more powerful battery which nearly doubles the car’s range.
The new official travel range in fact comfortably surpasses what’s offered from the Nissan LEAF 30KWh and updated BMW i3.
Skoda
The Paris Motor Show this year gives the wider public their first proper chance to look at Skoda’s brand-new large SUV, the Kodiaq, in the metal.
The Kodiaq, which is available with up to seven seats, was previously presented at a conference in Berlin, and the car is due to go on sale in the spring.
SsangYong
SsangYong has revealed a new large SUV concept in Paris this year called the LIV-2.
This modern and stylish-looking model is essentially a preview of what the next-generation Rexton SUV will look like. The car is looking like it will be a major step forward in terms of technology and powertrains over its rivals.
Suzuki
Suzuki cars present in Paris this year include a facelifted SX4 S-Cross, which has a very different looking grille to what it had previously.
Also present is the all-new Ignis, a very compact crossover with a ‘mild hybrid’ system that stores energy from decelerating and braking to boost the car’s power.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen has revealed a fully-electric concept car which is very important not just for the company but potentially the whole future car industry.
It’s an autonomous, five-door hatchback with a projected travel range of up to 370 miles on a single charge. Roughly the same size as a Golf, this 168bhp concept can seat four and can reportedly take delivery of packages on the owners’ behalf when they’re too busy to get them.
