Motor shows have changed a lot over the years, but they're still one of the best places to get a proper look at what's coming to the market rather than just teaser images and speculation. This year's Paris Motor Show runs from 12 to 18 October, and the list of cars set to appear is genuinely varied, from budget runabouts to full-blown performance flagships.
A blast from the past, reimagined
The headline grabber for a lot of people will be the electric Citroen 2CV, a modern reinterpretation of one of the most-loved cars in French motoring history, styled after the original and expected to launch at under €15,000. It's a bold move bringing back such an iconic name, and it says a fair bit about the direction budget EVs are heading, small, characterful, and priced to actually compete with petrol alternatives rather than sitting well above them.
It's not the only affordable EV on show either. Audi's A2 e-tron, built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.3, is aimed at buyers who want a smaller premium EV without the premium price tag, while the Smart #2 continues that brand's run of characterful small electrics. Chinese manufacturer Chery is also bringing the QQ3, an affordable all-electric compact pitched to rival cars like the Ford Puma.
Mid-range and mainstream
Skoda is expanding its electric range with the Epiq and Peaq, the latter being the brand's largest model yet and priced from around £52,000, a reminder that Skoda's ambitions in the EV space have grown considerably. Renault is going big too, unveiling six electric models including a new Trafic E-Tech van, useful to know if you're weighing up options for a commercial fleet. Peugeot, meanwhile, is bringing a hot hatch version of its e-208 alongside a handful of concept cars.
For the enthusiasts
At the more aspirational end, Mercedes is showing off its new CLA and GLC, plus a four-door electric version of the AMG GT, while Maserati will reveal design concepts for an upcoming SUV and sports car. Denza, part of the BYD group, is bringing a striking supercar concept with a claimed 1,588 horsepower, more a statement of intent than something most of us will see on the school run, but eye-catching all the same.
Chinese brands more broadly, including BYD, Geely, Leapmotor and Changan, are expected to have a strong presence, continuing their push into the European market with an expanding range of models.
Why it's worth paying attention
Motor shows like this give a genuinely useful early look at what's likely to be available to drive, buy, or lease over the following year or two. If you're due a change of car sometime soon, whether that's a straightforward personal upgrade or a decision for the business fleet, it's worth keeping an eye on which of these make it into UK showrooms and at what price point once the dust settles.
We'll be watching closely too, and as new models become available on lease, we're always happy to help you weigh up what suits your budget and driving needs, no obligation, just an honest conversation.