Last month, one of the world’s most anticipated car shows took place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, and once again, the Paris Motor Show didn’t disappoint.
For 2018, the prestigious car show featured the best upcoming automobiles and concept cars from the biggest manufacturers in the world. Held through October 4-14, the exhibit was headed by France’s own car companies like Renault, Peugeot (pictured above), PSA, and Citroën, and was attended by hundreds of exhibitors.
Known as Mondial de l’Auto in French, the Paris Motor Show is a biennial auto show held during October in Paris, alternating with the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. The event premiered way back in 1898 and was then called Salon de l’Automobile before officially becoming the Paris Motor Show almost a hundred years later in 1988. In 2016, the motor show was attended by more than 1.2 million visitors, which made it the world’s most visited car show.
In this year’s event, popular car brands like Ford, Volvo, Bentley, Volkswagen, and Roll-Royce failed to show up. Nevertheless, their absence didn’t stop the Paris Motor Show from living up to its reputation as one of the greatest car shows in the world. From the seventh-generation BMW 3 Series to Peugeot e-Legend, we have listed below some of the main exhibits at the 2018 Paris Motor Show for you.
Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2
The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 are the first two models in the limited-edition Icona series by Ferrari. First unveiled in the company’s headquarters in Maranello, the Monza SP1 and SP2 were sent to the Paris car show to be viewed by the public for the second time. These were the only sports cars in the exhibit; one is a fixed-single seater model, while the other is a two-seater. With less than 500 units of these two models slated to be produced, they are sure to become collector’s items in the future.
The Ferrari Monza – Image courtesy Car Magazine UK
VinFast Lux A2.0 and AS2.0
With the help of football superstar David Beckham, the new Vietnamese car company, VinFast, unveiled two cars at the auto show: the Lux A2.0 and Lux AS2.0. The Vinfast Lux A2.0 sedan was based on the BMW 5 series, while Lux AS2.0 was based on the BMW X5 SUV. Both vehicles are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and are available in RWD and AWD drivetrains. Full production of the two VinFast cars will start in September 2019.
The VinFast Lux AS2.0 & A2.0 – Image courtesy Autocar
2019 BMW 3 Series G20
The seventh-generation BMW 3 series with the codename “G20” was officially launched at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The 3 series sedan has been BMW’s best-selling vehicle by far, and with the G20, it is ready to compete with newcomers in the sports sedan segment like the Jaguar XE and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The 2019 BMW 3 Series G20 is longer, wider, and has a new chassis based on the CLAR architecture of modern BMW vehicles.
The BMW 3 Series – Image courtesy Car Magazine UK
Audi e-Tron SUV
Definitely one of the best EVs in the auto show is the Audi e-Tron. This all-electric SUV was initially announced for production by the German company in San Francisco, USA earlier this year and first unveiled in Paris. It has a range of 249 miles and will be competing against the like of Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC. The all-new Audi e-Tron is capable of charging up to 80% in 30 minutes using 150kW fast chargers.
Audi e-Tron SUV – Image courtesy CarSales.com.au
Hyundai i30 Fastback N
The Korean car giant also brought its newest vehicle to the 2018 Paris Motor Show: the Hyundai i20 Fastback N. It is the second hot hatch of the N series and is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with i30 N. The Hyundai i30 Fastback N is capable of 202 kW power and 260 lb-ft of torque. Not surprisingly, its predecessor, the Hyundai i30, is Australia’s top five most popular vehicle of 2017. With a sportier appearance and increased performance, expect the i30 Fastback N to perform just as well in the Australian market.
Hyundai i30 N – Image courtesy Car Magazine UK
Peugeot e-Legend
Combining the elements of the old 504 Coupe and American muscle cars, Peugeot e-Legend Concept is a sports car to watch out for. But despite its throwback look, e-Legend is nowhere near old-school in technology. It’s an all-electric vehicle with dual motors, capable of 370-mile (or 595 km) range and 340kW/590lb-ft output. Peugeot e-Legend will have autonomous driving capabilities once released for production, plus the latest Peugeot i-Cockpit system in its cabin and a 100kW battery underneath.
Peugeot e-Legend – Image courtesy Car Magazine UK
Mercedes-AMG A35
Another hot hatch that was unveiled last week in Paris is the Mercedes-AMG A35. It’s set to rival other European hatchbacks like the BMW M140i, Audi S3, and Volkswagen Golf R. It features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 225kW power and 295 lb-ft of torque, an engine performance between the latest A25 and the 2019 A45. A35 has a four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Mercedes A35 – Image courtesy Car Magazine UK
Aussie Car Loans – New Car Financing
Other upcoming vehicles displayed at the 2018 Paris Motor Show include the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Kodiaq vRS, and Renault K-Ze. Many of these cars are expected to arrive in Australia in 2019. However, you can plan for your purchase of any of these new vehicles as early as now. Contact Aussie Car Loans to get conditionally approved prior to visiting the dealerships and showrooms.