CARS ON THE HORIZON
Paris Motor Show 2026: Fresh brands, affordable EVs and revived heritage badges
CARS ON THE HORIZON
Paris Motor Show 2026: Fresh brands, affordable EVs and revived heritage badges
At the Paris Motor Show, fleets were given an early glimpse of a crowded 2027. Many of the vehicles displayed are set to arrive in the UK over the next 12 months, among them models from brands that are still building a presence here and from Chinese manufacturers expanding their line-ups. A central topic was value, with small and compact electric cars positioned at lower price points. At the same time, ultra-rapid charging and a wide spread of electric, hybrid and extended-range drivetrains showed that manufacturers are still hedging on how motorists will make the transition. Meanwhile, established European brands turned to concepts to bring back familiar names and to hint at the styling of their forthcoming models. Below is our summary of the show’s main announcements. By Simon Harris and Natalie Middleton.
BYD Atto 8
The first ‘five-minute charge’ EV was unveiled by BYD at the Paris Motor Show, and due to arrive in the UK in spring 2027.
The Atto 8 is a seven-seat SUV and comes with the company’s second-generation Blade Battery and Flash Charging capability, reducing the time needed for charging stops to a few minutes.
The flagship SUV has battery capacity of 115kWh, and uses the new charging technology to reach 70% capacity in five minutes, or 97% in nine minutes. Cold weather, which has an impact on battery charging efficiency, adds three minutes to the charging time.
The entry-level Design variant offers 462hp, 365Nm of torque and rear-wheel drive, achieving the 0-62mph sprint in eight seconds. It has a WLTP combined range of 405 miles on a full charge.
The Excellence AWD uses an additional motor at the front and produces 775hp and 775Nm of torque, reaching 62mph from zero in 4.6 seconds. The maximum range on the WLTP combined cycle is 374 miles.
It’s backed by a Flash Charging network expansion that will see 3,000 stations installed across Europe by the end of 2027.
BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said: “As a technology company, BYD is all about turning intelligence into reality – and the Atto 8 is the perfect example of this. It blends our latest powertrain and second-generation Blade Battery to offer more than 600km of range, seven-seat flexibility and our latest innovations in cabin technology.
“And Flash Charging is the breakthrough for EVs that everyone has been waiting for – recharging as fast as refuelling, removing range anxiety. With this model, we’re really demonstrating how our investment in R&D isn’t just focused on coming up with fresh ideas; we’re putting these improvements into the hands of customers around the world, to improve their lives.”
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Leapmotor B03
Leapmotor has launched a compact electric hatchback in Paris, taking aim at the Volkswagen ID. Polo, MG4 and BYD Dolphin.
The Leapmotor B03 is 4,175mm long, with a 2,605mm wheelbase, offering surprising interior space and flexibility. As with the Honda Jazz, the rear seat cushions can be lifted upwards to create a space for carrying tall items, while the luggage capacity ranges from 405 litres with the rear seats in place, to 1,305 litres to roof height with the seats folded flat.
Powered by a 194hp electric motor, the B03 has a 53kWh battery offering a range of up to 242 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. A heat pump is standard, which reduces the impact of using the heating and ventilation controls on the car’s range.
The car will reach 62mph from zero in 7.6 seconds, while maximum speed is limited to 101mph. Three driving modes are standard with ‘normal’ as the default setting, ‘comfort’ for maximising energy recuperation and range, and ‘sport’ for sharper responses.
There is a single specification, which, as well as the now mandatory ADAS features, also has automatic lane-changing assistance, front vehicle departure warning, adaptive cruise control, front and rear collision warnings, plus an alert for approaching pedestrians and cyclists when opening doors after parking. Safety systems also include electronic stability control and anti-rollover mitigation.
The interior has a 14.6-inch central touchscreen display with an 8.8-inch driver information panel straight ahead.
Every car comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree parking camera, automatic air-conditioning, automatic LED exterior lights, automatic wipers and electrically operated heated and folding exterior mirrors.
The driver’s seat features six-way power adjustment, while both front seats and the steering wheel are heated.
Prices will be confirmed closer to the car’s release date in the UK in 2027, but are expected to be around £25,000.
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Volkswagen ID. Tiguan
Volkswagen unveiled its ID. Tiguan medium SUV a few days ahead of the show, transitioning one of its most well-known global nameplates into a fully electric model.
Scheduled for launch in early 2027 to join the existing petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid Tiguan, the ID. Tiguan arrives as a direct successor to both the ID.4 and ID.5 as part of a mid-life revamp that also brings a new look and new technology.
The move continues the brand’s shift away from purely numeric branding and back to classic, well-known combustion model monikers under the True Volkswagen naming strategy, as already seen with the ID. Polo and ID. Cross.
The new front end adds in a full-width LED light strip with an illuminated VW badge, abandoning the soft, rounded look of the older ID.4. The rear gains a 3D light design with depth effect and there’s new 20- or 21-inch wheels, more ergonomic door handles and a focus on “timeless elegance with modern accents” for the colour options.
The cabin receives extensive upgrades focused on more intuitive use, completely eliminating the heavily criticised touch sliders. Highlights include a 12-inch front passenger display – a first for a European Volkswagen – alongside a new 10-inch driver’s display and a 15-inch central infotainment screen. Additionally, the multifunction steering wheel returns to tactile physical buttons instead of capacitive touch controls.
This focus on easy-to-use functionality also has an element of fun as shown by the ‘Retro’ display, already seen in the ID. Polo.
Other changes include the arrival of the ‘PowerSocket’ vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, a new Digital Key, one-pedal driving and Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition.
Mechanically, the ID. Tiguan will continue to use the MEB architecture shared with the current ID.4 and ID.5. There’s 534 litres of boot space, slightly down on the 543 of the ID.4, while folding the seats gives up to 1,577 litres of space when loaded up to the roof, plus the ‘frunk’ compartment.
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Citroën 2CV
Citroën has unveiled the 2 CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a lightweight, minimalist production EV slated for launch by 2028 with a targeted entry price of around €15,000 (c. £13,000).
Making its debut 78 years ago at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, the original 2CV was designed as a cheap, robust utility tool for rural France before evolving into a global cult classic.
Inspired by the spirit of the original, this concept represents the core values that have always defined the 2CV – affordability, lightness, practicality, versatility and a distinctive character unrivalled on the road. Citroën also used the Paris stage to debut the 2 CV Fourgonnette Concept as a potential electric van spin-off, replacing the passenger cabin’s rear seats with a traditional box body, ribbed flanks and a split rear door as a nod to the original work van.
Manufactured in Europe, the production version of the 2 CV Concept will comply with forthcoming European E-Car regulations, ensuring extra regulatory carbon credits for Citroën while providing consumers with low running costs.
The concept incorporates much of the charm of the original 2CV, reinterpreting it in a contemporary version that pays numerous tributes to its predecessor.
The production model will be built on an all-new, ultra-low-cost electric platform and will sit between the Ami and the C3, “offering greater freedom of movement without compromising on character”.
At 3.76m, the 2 CV Concept is even shorter than the original 2CV in a ploy to “recapture the pleasure and agility of small cars, whilst making driving and parking easier”.
By engineering the vehicle to weigh under one tonne, Citroën can use a smaller, highly cost-effective battery. This lightweight strategy ensures the car delivers an optimal range for daily use while keeping running costs to a minimum. The 2 CV Concept also features design choices that take into account mass production and ease of repair. These include flat surfaces and direct air intakes beneath the windscreen, and bumpers that are separated from the bodywork and replaceable independently.
The concept also introduces a technology developed with Michelin called the “universal tyre digital twin”. This system continuously monitors tyre conditions, allowing the vehicle to dynamically adapt its handling to the surrounding environment.
Design takes the 2CV’s instantly recognisable silhouette, reinterpreted through tauter lines and generous volumes to convey greater energy while retaining the iconic chevrons. The exterior styling is rounded off by 19-inch steel wheels directly inspired by the original car.
Inside, the open cabin eliminates the traditional dashboard in favour of a minimalist steering cylinder, a single control lever and a pull-out front seat. Features include an 8.0-inch square touchscreen, comic-book-inspired digital graphics, door handles made from soft fabric straps, a fabric sunroof and a ‘Radioën’ detachable radio that doubles as a portable wireless speaker for picnics etc.
Citroën 2CV
Citroën has unveiled the 2 CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a lightweight, minimalist production EV slated for launch by 2028 with a targeted entry price of around €15,000 (c. £13,000).
Making its debut 78 years ago at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, the original 2CV was designed as a cheap, robust utility tool for rural France before evolving into a global cult classic.
Inspired by the spirit of the original, this concept represents the core values that have always defined the 2CV – affordability, lightness, practicality, versatility and a distinctive character unrivalled on the road. Citroën also used the Paris stage to debut the 2 CV Fourgonnette Concept as a potential electric van spin-off, replacing the passenger cabin’s rear seats with a traditional box body, ribbed flanks and a split rear door as a nod to the original work van.
Manufactured in Europe, the production version of the 2 CV Concept will comply with forthcoming European E-Car regulations, ensuring extra regulatory carbon credits for Citroën while providing consumers with low running costs.
The concept incorporates much of the charm of the original 2CV, reinterpreting it in a contemporary version that pays numerous tributes to its predecessor.
The production model will be built on an all-new, ultra-low-cost electric platform and will sit between the Ami and the C3, “offering greater freedom of movement without compromising on character”.
At 3.76m, the 2 CV Concept is even shorter than the original 2CV in a ploy to “recapture the pleasure and agility of small cars, whilst making driving and parking easier”.
By engineering the vehicle to weigh under one tonne, Citroën can use a smaller, highly cost-effective battery. This lightweight strategy ensures the car delivers an optimal range for daily use while keeping running costs to a minimum. The 2 CV Concept also features design choices that take into account mass production and ease of repair. These include flat surfaces and direct air intakes beneath the windscreen, and bumpers that are separated from the bodywork and replaceable independently.
The concept also introduces a technology developed with Michelin called the “universal tyre digital twin”. This system continuously monitors tyre conditions, allowing the vehicle to dynamically adapt its handling to the surrounding environment.
Design takes the 2CV’s instantly recognisable silhouette, reinterpreted through tauter lines and generous volumes to convey greater energy while retaining the iconic chevrons. The exterior styling is rounded off by 19-inch steel wheels directly inspired by the original car.
Inside, the open cabin eliminates the traditional dashboard in favour of a minimalist steering cylinder, a single control lever and a pull-out front seat. Features include an 8.0-inch square touchscreen, comic-book-inspired digital graphics, door handles made from soft fabric straps, a fabric sunroof and a ‘Radioën’ detachable radio that doubles as a portable wireless speaker for picnics etc.
Geely Monjaro
Geely has debuted its flagship Monjaro EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV, offering a new rival to the Škoda Kodiaq and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Showcased to European audiences for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, the family SUV teams up performance, efficiency, handling, safety and “intelligent comfort” in a comprehensive, affordable package.
Named after Africa’s highest peak, the Monjaro is said to embody a philosophy of power, restraint and composure.
The vehicle introduces Geely’s advanced EM-i Super Hybrid technology alongside an available Intelligent Electric AWD system tailored specifically for mainstream drivers.
Michael Yang, managing director at Geely Auto UK, said the brand has high expectations for the Monjaro EM-i in the UK market.
“Designed and engineered as a global product from the start, the Monjaro EM-i is our flagship experience for our UK customers. From the way the car responds to and handles on the road, to the confidence provided by its safety systems, to the comfort of its cabin and the intelligence of its technology, the Geely Monjaro stands out from the crowd.”
It features Geely Auto’s EM-i Super Hybrid system, already seen in the smaller Starray medium SUV. This pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with either a single electric motor in the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model or dual electric motors in the intelligent all-wheel-drive (e-AWD) variant. Adding to its everyday practicality is a 6.6kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which transforms the car into a mobile power source capable of running external electronics and equipment.
The AWD version can also be specified with adaptive damping. Drivers can select between Comfort, Standard and Sport suspension settings, while there are four different driving modes in the standard version, pure, hybrid, power and snow. The AWD version adds two extra driving modes: sand and off-road.
There are 633 litres of boot space, expanding to 1,532 litres, while maximum longitudinal storage length of 2.8m and 34 storage compartments add to the everyday practicality.
The seating system features 11-layer composite seats, with optional massage function offering eight massage points, six massage modes and three intensity levels.
Renault E-Space
Renault uncovered its new E-Space Concept, reviving its iconic 1984 nameplate as a futuristic, all-electric MPV designed to challenge the dominance of mainstream SUVs.
The modern-day successor reboots the founding principles of the MPV as Renault outlines its vision for the car of the future. While a showroom version could follow the public debut, immediate production has not been confirmed. Although a future model is under consideration, Renault has said commercial rollout is not a concrete project yet, as development priority remains firmly fixed on mainstream vehicles and upcoming electric vans.
The six-seater MPV features “clean lines with an MPV-body style and open layout, bathed in natural light”.
Renault says it’s “designed first and foremost as a living space”, delivering a “people-centred” alternative to conventional SUVs and saloons, with a spacious, modular interior and extensive glazing.
The vehicle features a commanding footprint, measuring 4.70m long, 2.02m wide and 1.67m tall. While its overall height and length-to-width ratio reflect the dimensions of the pioneering 1984 model, the concept introduces a modern stance via ultra-short overhangs that push 23-inch wheels right out to the four corners of the chassis.
The interior is accessed by double rear-hinged doors without a central pillar, while the glass-walled cabin draws heavily from Bauhaus architecture, paying particular homage to the work of pioneering German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The sweeping windscreen and ultra-low waistline also reference the classic 1984 model, flooding the interior with natural light and allowing drivers to ride with their elbows on the door.
Inside, the cabin features six individual seats set on a completely flat floor. The second-row seats can rotate 180 degrees to face the rear, allowing the space to be easily adapted for travelling, relaxing or family time. In the standard forward-facing setup, second-row passengers can access folding tray tables equipped with 12.3-inch screens mounted on the front seats.
Alternatively, in a spacious four-seat configuration, the second-row seats fold down completely to form a large central table for the third-row passengers, who still get a clear view of the primary screens in row one.
The high-tech dashboard features a full-width OpenR Panorama screen that spans 1,130mm across the entire cabin and is designed to improve visibility, ergonomics and interior space. Renault says the technology will also feature in future executive models, beginning with the next-generation Rafale and Scenic.
The compact steering yoke provides an unobstructed view of the panoramic screen and uses steer-by-wire technology, which means it has no mechanical links and frees up interior space.
The cabin also focuses heavily on sustainability, exploring a range of bio-based materials.
Nodding to its famous 1970s ‘pop’ interiors, Renault is also bringing vibrant styling back to the forefront with an interior drenched in shades of red, including scarlet, purple and garnet. A standout feature is the 3cm tufted carpet, which features a distinctive gradient effect.
Renault E-Space
Renault uncovered its new E-Space Concept, reviving its iconic 1984 nameplate as a futuristic, all-electric MPV designed to challenge the dominance of mainstream SUVs.
The modern-day successor reboots the founding principles of the MPV as Renault outlines its vision for the car of the future. While a showroom version could follow the public debut, immediate production has not been confirmed. Although a future model is under consideration, Renault has said commercial rollout is not a concrete project yet, as development priority remains firmly fixed on mainstream vehicles and upcoming electric vans.
The six-seater MPV features “clean lines with an MPV-body style and open layout, bathed in natural light”.
Renault says it’s “designed first and foremost as a living space”, delivering a “people-centred” alternative to conventional SUVs and saloons, with a spacious, modular interior and extensive glazing.
The vehicle features a commanding footprint, measuring 4.70m long, 2.02m wide and 1.67m tall. While its overall height and length-to-width ratio reflect the dimensions of the pioneering 1984 model, the concept introduces a modern stance via ultra-short overhangs that push 23-inch wheels right out to the four corners of the chassis.
The interior is accessed by double rear-hinged doors without a central pillar, while the glass-walled cabin draws heavily from Bauhaus architecture, paying particular homage to the work of pioneering German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
The sweeping windscreen and ultra-low waistline also reference the classic 1984 model, flooding the interior with natural light and allowing drivers to ride with their elbows on the door.
Inside, the cabin features six individual seats set on a completely flat floor. The second-row seats can rotate 180º to face the rear, allowing the space to be easily adapted for travelling, relaxing or family time. In the standard forward-facing setup, second-row passengers can access folding tray tables equipped with 12.3-inch screens mounted on the front seats.
Alternatively, in a spacious four-seat configuration, the second-row seats fold down completely to form a large central table for the third-row passengers, who still get a clear view of the primary screens in row one.
The high-tech dashboard features a full-width OpenR Panorama screen that spans 1,130mm across the entire cabin and is designed to improve visibility, ergonomics and interior space. Renault says the technology will also feature in future executive models, beginning with the next-generation Rafale and Scenic.
The compact steering yoke provides an unobstructed view of the panoramic screen and uses steer-by-wire technology, which means it has no mechanical links and frees up interior space.
The cabin also focuses heavily on sustainability, exploring a range of bio-based materials.
Nodding to its famous 1970s ‘pop’ interiors, Renault is also bringing vibrant styling back to the forefront with an interior drenched in shades of red, including scarlet, purple and garnet. A standout feature is the 3cm tufted carpet, which features a distinctive gradient effect.
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Smart #2
Smart unveiled the #2, resurrecting its iconic ultra-compact two-seater concept as an all-new, fully electric model.
Heading to the UK in summer 2027 with a targeted sub-£20,000 price tag, the dinky newcomer arrives exactly 30 years after the brand’s original city car concept debuted in the French capital. The vehicle is the latest product of the 50/50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz, which oversees the design, and Geely, which handles the engineering and production in China.
Unlike the previous electric Fortwo EQ, which shared its architecture with an internal combustion engine platform, the Smart #2 is built from the ground up on Smart’s Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). This delivers an “all-new proprietary architecture and technological platform” along with more than double the electric range.
Measuring just 2,746mm in length, the #2 retains the classic ‘wheels-at-the-corners’ stance to maximise cabin space while offering a tight 6.95m turning circle. It also brings back signature design cues, including a two-tone body finish and a split tailgate.
The rear-wheel-drive vehicle uses an 82hp electric motor while a 35.8kWh LFP battery delivers a targeted WLTP range of up to 180 miles and supports 65kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in 20 minutes. It also offers 11kW AC charging and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities.
The chassis features a five-link rear suspension setup and a Tridion Cell Evo safety structure, while wider rear tyres enhance stability and dynamics.
Standard driver-assistance systems include Smart Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and highway assist.
The UK will get two core grades – Pure and Premium – alongside a limited Couture Edition. All versions come with a bench-style seating arrangement, a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-year connectivity package. A standout detail is the Smart Pillar in the dashboard, where small gadgets can be mounted for quick access on the go.
The Premium version adds in the 11kW AC charging capability and a heated driver’s seat. Additional features include a glass roof, heated faux leather seats and a dedicated seven-speaker Sennheiser Sound System, while colour combinations offer further configuration options — including two-tone body colour finishes — paired with matching interior selections.
The Couture Edition is limited to 999 units in Europe. It features Atelier White Matte exterior paint with a Platinum Gold roof, complemented by 16-inch Lyra rims with gold details. It comes with the full Premium specification as standard, including the glass roof, ambient lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, Sennheiser sound, wireless charging and navigation, combined with a numbered interior badge.
Full UK pricing for the Smart #2 will be announced later this year. Pre-orders are set to start from spring 2027.
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