CARS ON THE HORIZON
Paris Motor Show 2026
Fiat Multiplay
Fiat introduced the Multiplay concept on the eve of the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Measuring 4.45m long, the vehicle can change from a six-plus-one-seat family arrangement into a four-seat pick-up with an open load bed.
According to Fiat, the concept merges the packaging efficiency of an MPV, the presence of an SUV and the adaptability of a pick-up. The company called Multiplay a “laboratory” for ideas and made clear that it is not a preview of any particular production model.
The conversion is based on what Fiat terms the C-Pillar ‘Metamorfosi’ architecture, a rear section that moves lengthwise. In family configuration, the interior provides six seats plus a modular ‘Petsenger seat’, capable of taking a child seat, carrying a pet, or functioning as a small table or storage area. When configured as a pickup, four seats remain and an open bed is available for bicycles, sporting gear and large items. In that setup, the rear spoiler pivots into a bike rack that can hold up to two bicycles.
Fiat also drew attention to a practical rear compartment that, it says, can fit up to two children and, if required, an adult. Meanwhile, the front passenger seat can swivel rearward and become a lounge-like ‘Sunseat’ for use while the vehicle is parked.
The concept takes cues from two earlier cars: the 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla, which carried six people in roughly 3.5m, and the 1998 Multipla, which provided six seats across two rows in a car under 4m long. Inside, Fiat chose a watermelon-inspired colour scheme, monomaterial knitted fabrics and a dashboard-integrated display that vanishes when the vehicle is switched off.
The concept was shown to the media by Olivier François, Stellantis’s company strategic advisor, and Arnaud Belloni, chief executive of Fiat, Abarth and Lancia. François ceremonially gave Belloni the keys, an act Fiat said signalled a new chapter for the brand. Belloni said Multiplay was meant to make the car “useful in everyday life”.
Fiat did not disclose any information about the concept’s powertrain, battery or performance.
Fiat Multiplay
Fiat introduced the Multiplay concept on the eve of the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Measuring 4.45m long, the vehicle can change from a six-plus-one-seat family arrangement into a four-seat pick-up with an open load bed.
According to Fiat, the concept merges the packaging efficiency of an MPV, the presence of an SUV and the adaptability of a pick-up. The company called Multiplay a “laboratory” for ideas and made clear that it is not a preview of any particular production model.
The conversion is based on what Fiat terms the C-Pillar ‘Metamorfosi’ architecture, a rear section that moves lengthwise. In family configuration, the interior provides six seats plus a modular ‘Petsenger seat’, capable of taking a child seat, carrying a pet, or functioning as a small table or storage area. configured as a pickup, four seats remain and an open bed is available for bicycles, sporting gear and large items. In that setup, the rear spoiler pivots into a bike rack that can hold up to two bicycles.
Fiat also drew attention to a practical rear compartment that, it says, can fit up to two children and, if required, an adult. Meanwhile, the front passenger seat can swivel rearward and become a lounge-like ‘Sunseat’ for use while the vehicle is parked.
The concept takes cues from two earlier cars: the 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla, which carried six people in roughly 3.5m, and the 1998 Multipla, which provided six seats across two rows in a car under 4m long. Inside, Fiat chose a watermelon-inspired colour scheme, monomaterial knitted fabrics and a dashboard-integrated display that vanishes when the vehicle is switched off.
The concept was shown to the media by Olivier François, Stellantis’s company strategic advisor, and Arnaud Belloni, chief executive of Fiat, Abarth and Lancia. François ceremonially gave Belloni the keys, an act Fiat said signalled a new chapter for the brand. Belloni said Multiplay was meant to make the car “useful in everyday life”.
Fiat did not disclose any information about the concept’s powertrain, battery or performance.
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Vauxhall STX
The Vauxhall STX concept is set to influence the next-generation Astra, which Fleet World says should appear around 2029.
Its first public outing came at the Paris Motor Show, when the Sports Tourer eXperimental concept was revealed. Vauxhall presents it as a look ahead to the estate body style’s future, as well as to design cues that will later filter through to other models. The present Astra was given a mid-cycle refresh in mid-2026, a change that would ordinarily allow the existing generation to remain on sale for a few more years before its replacement arrives.
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall and Stellantis UK, said: “With the STX Concept, we are reimagining the estate for the electric era, combining bold, visionary design with functionality, efficiency and driving pleasure.”
An electric platform underpins the concept, which also features all-wheel drive and a maximum speed of more than 124mph. Vauxhall has not disclosed battery, power or range data. It sits on 22-inch wheels wearing 285/35 R22 Goodyear tyres, while an active aerodynamic setup deploys diffusers and shifts components behind the wheels to cut drag at higher speeds. Traditional door mirrors are replaced by cameras.
Stylistically, the car adopts a more elevated evolution of the Vizor front end and debuts a redesigned Griffin emblem for the first time, with the flag element from the previous version removed. Vauxhall says this badge will be used on its next entirely new production model, which is scheduled to be shown in 2027. No images of the interior have been released.
The next Astra is expected to ride on the STLA One platform, which it will share with the next Corsa, and to be offered with a wide spread of powertrains. Vauxhall has not said which body styles will be available.
As the Astra is a key high-volume fleet model, the decisions Vauxhall makes for its successor will influence future corporate choices.
Li Auto
Li Auto, a name not previously established in the UK market, plans to make its debut there in the third quarter of 2027, about one year from now, following the presentation of its European business plan at the Paris Motor Show.
At the event, the company introduced the European-spec Li 6, which is its first model intended for the continent. According to Li Auto, deliveries of the Li 6 are set to start in the Netherlands and Norway in the first quarter of 2027, after which local sales, delivery, aftersales and service operations will be put in place and the brand will expand into additional European markets.
“From Paris, our European business officially sets sail,” said Tie Li, chief financial officer of Li Auto.
The company says the Li 6 was created for international markets. It features a dedicated battery-electric architecture, an 800V platform and 5C supercharging, while its chassis has been tuned for European roads. Li Auto has also built a separate overseas software platform that supports eight European languages and includes localised mapping and navigation, Amap, Spotify and Apple CarPlay. Major over-the-air software updates are planned every quarter.
For aftersales, Li Auto is setting up a regional spare-parts distribution centre in the Netherlands, plus roadside assistance and a customer call centre. These are scheduled to be up and running in December 2026. The company also intends to provide technical training and support for its dealer network.
From 2027 to 2029, Li Auto plans to add at least one new European model each year. It is following a dual-powertrain strategy that pairs battery-electric vehicles with extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and says both will be developed simultaneously.
Li Auto describes itself as the top-selling Chinese brand in China’s premium car market, with more than 1.8 million customers accumulated over eleven years of development. Its Paris display also included the Megahome, Li L9 and Li L6.
Omoda 4
The new Omoda 4 crossover has broke cover at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a new intelligent technology and design philosophy ahead of its UK launch in 2027.
The Nissan Juke rival introduces the brand’s bold ‘Cyber Mecha’ design language and a gaming-inspired smart cockpit, reflecting Omoda’s ambition to target a new generation of customers.
First revealed globally at Auto China 2026, the Omoda 4 sat centre stage at Omoda&Jaecoo’s first-ever stand at the Paris Motor Show, equipped with the brand’s Super Hybrid System (SHS-H). This features a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain paired with a small electric motor and 1.83kWh battery pack. Omoda has also confirmed that a fully electric version will be offered.
In the UK, the Omoda 4 will join the Omoda 5 as a compact SUV aimed at younger, technology-focused buyers, and will be the first model in the line-up to feature the Super Intelligent Cockpit – a technology-led starship cockpit inspired by gaming and digital environments. Designed to understand driver intent, learn user habits and deliver increasingly personalised interactions, the Super Intelligent Cockpit marks a major step forward for the brand’s intelligent in-car technology.
Exterior design uses sharp geometric forms, multidimensional surfaces and ‘o-universe’ lighting. The compact SUV also introduces Omoda’s ‘Be the One’ philosophy, with individuality and self-expression at the heart of its design.
The debut follows Omoda&Jaecoo UK’s record-breaking September, with 22,296 registrations, up 106% year-on-year, and the Jaecoo 7 taking the lead as Britain’s best-selling new car for the month.
Gary Lan, CEO of Omoda & Jaecoo UK, said: “Our Paris debut is an important moment for Omoda, and it’s fantastic that Omoda 4 has now made its European motor show debut. Omoda has always had a strong sense of individuality, and I think this new model really captures that while also representing an important part of the brand’s future. It’s youthful, fashion-conscious and technology-led, bringing a fresh perspective to the crossover market and appealing to customers who want something a little different.”
The Omoda 4 has also since been displayed at Omoda&Jaecoo International User Summit in China. Held under the theme ‘Drive to the Next Vibe’, the event brought together customers, partners and colleagues from around the world, providing a further opportunity to explore the dual-brand’s future product, technology and design direction.
Omoda 4
The new Omoda 4 crossover has broke cover at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a new intelligent technology and design philosophy ahead of its UK launch in 2027.
The Nissan Juke rival introduces the brand’s bold ‘Cyber Mecha’ design language and a gaming-inspired smart cockpit, reflecting Omoda’s ambition to target a new generation of customers.
First revealed globally at Auto China 2026, the Omoda 4 sat centre stage at Omoda&Jaecoo’s first-ever stand at the Paris Motor Show, equipped with the brand’s Super Hybrid System (SHS-H). This features a 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain paired with a small electric motor and 1.83kWh battery pack. Omoda has also confirmed that a fully electric version will be offered.
In the UK, the Omoda 4 will join the Omoda 5 as a compact SUV aimed at younger, technology-focused buyers, and will be the first model in the line-up to feature the Super Intelligent Cockpit – a technology-led starship cockpit inspired by gaming and digital environments. Designed to understand driver intent, learn user habits and deliver increasingly personalised interactions, the Super Intelligent Cockpit marks a major step forward for the brand’s intelligent in-car technology.
Exterior design uses sharp geometric forms, multidimensional surfaces and ‘o-universe’ lighting. The compact SUV also introduces Omoda’s ‘Be the One’ philosophy, with individuality and self-expression at the heart of its design.
The debut follows Omoda&Jaecoo UK’s record-breaking September, with 22,296 registrations, up 106% year-on-year, and the Jaecoo 7 taking the lead as Britain’s best-selling new car for the month.
Gary Lan, CEO of Omoda & Jaecoo UK, said: “Our Paris debut is an important moment for Omoda, and it’s fantastic that Omoda 4 has now made its European motor show debut. Omoda has always had a strong sense of individuality, and I think this new model really captures that while also representing an important part of the brand’s future. It’s youthful, fashion-conscious and technology-led, bringing a fresh perspective to the crossover market and appealing to customers who want something a little different.”
The Omoda 4 has also since been displayed at Omoda&Jaecoo International User Summit in China. Held under the theme ‘Drive to the Next Vibe’, the event brought together customers, partners and colleagues from around the world, providing a further opportunity to explore the dual-brand’s future product, technology and design direction.
Aion UT Cross and Aion GS7
Aion expanded its upcoming UK product portfolio at the Paris Motor Show with the unveiling of the electric UT Cross and the GS7 hybrid SUV, ahead of their market launches in 2027.
The double debut builds on the brand’s rapid expansion strategy, which will see its UK line-up grow to five models within the next 18 months on the way to an eight-strong family by 2030.
Leading the arrivals, the electric UT Cross is a jacked-up, soft roader version of the standard UT hatchback, sharing its 204hp powertrain and 60kWh battery, but adding in a 20mm lifted ride height and outdoor styling elements. These include rugged matt black wheel arches and lower body protective trim, a ‘floating’ roof with practical black roof rails and distinct signature lighting, for a “commanding and purposeful road presence”.
Created at the company’s Milan Design Centre, the UT Cross also beefs up styling with wider 225mm tyres and unique alloy wheels, while carrying over a 440-litre boot and spacious cabin for both front and rear passengers.
Due to arrive in early 2027, the crossover will provide fresh competition for the Renault 4 E-Tech. Aion will confirm UK pricing and specifications ahead of the UT Cross’s official launch.
Alongside the UT Cross, the Aion GS7 made its European debut in Paris. Already on sale in several markets across South America and Central Asia, this five-seat SUV is set to reach the UK in 2027, with plans for both hybrid and plug-in hybrid power in what will be Aion’s first expansion outside of full EV powertrains.
The first production model built on a new EV+ platform, the GS7 will offer “luxury-car refinement and a plush cabin complete with new technology and premium features not yet seen on Aion models”.
More details and full specification will be revealed closer to the car’s arrival in Aion’s expanding dealer network.
Denza urban driving assistance
Denza has said its Z9GT grand tourer will receive an urban driving-assistance feature in 2027 through an over-the-air update, timed with the Paris Motor Show where the company presented its European range.
Named City Navigation on Driving Assistant (CNOA), the feature broadens the brand’s ‘God’s Eye’ driver-assistance package beyond open roads and into city traffic. According to Denza, it is able to halt at red lights, give way at roundabouts, obey speed-limit signs, turn left and move around vehicles parked double. It is also intended to yield to cyclists and pedestrians. Responsibility stays with the driver at all times, while the system keeps track of eye gaze, head posture and hand position.
The software has not gone on sale yet. Denza says it is currently in calibration before it seeks type approval under UN Regulation R171. The Z9GT already includes the required hardware as standard equipment: one Lidar sensor, 11 cameras, three millimetre-wave radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li said: “The necessary hardware has been fitted to the Z9GT since launch, and the software is expected to be available in 2027.”
At Paris, Denza displayed the Z in Coupe, Spider and Racing specifications. All three versions use a triple-motor setup delivering 1,604hp and 1,240Nm. The brand says the Coupe can reach 0-62mph in 2.25 seconds and 186mph, while the Racing variant, fitted with optional semi-slick tyres, drops to 1.96 seconds and climbs to 217mph.
Every car is equipped with a 76kWh battery. Denza states a range of 254 miles for the Coupe, 248 for the Spider and 236 for the Racing. It adds that its Flash Charging system can charge the battery from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Measuring 4,780mm in length, the Z is the smallest Denza model sold in Europe. It seats four.
Bao 5 brings hybrid SUV option
The Bao 5, the brand’s first SUV, combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear electric motors to produce 544PS and 760Nm. In practice, the petrol engine chiefly creates electricity for the 31.8kWh battery and the motors. Denza quotes 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.
The company also gives an electric-only range of 56 miles and a combined WLTP range of 518 miles when fully fuelled and charged. Fuel economy is stated at 67.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 94g/km. This five-seat SUV measures 4.9 metres long and rides on a ladder-frame chassis.
The Z9GT, offered as either a pure electric model or a Super Hybrid, and the D9 premium MPV rounded out the display.
Peugeot E-T16
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot’s E-T16 concept offered a first look at the styling direction for the next 208 while also celebrating 40 years since the 205 T16’s World Rally Championship victories in 1985 and 1986.
Peugeot called the model an “ultimate vision” of the next-generation E-208. Created together with Peugeot Sport, it brings in the brand’s Feline Future design language, which Peugeot says will appear first on the production version. Design chief Matthias Hossann said the concept “reinterprets the lines of the future Peugeot E-208, pushing every proportion to the extreme.”
Power comes from three electric motors: one mounted at the front and two at the rear. Together they produce 816hp, a figure Peugeot says makes this the most powerful car it has ever built. Peugeot quotes 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds and 0-186mph in 16 seconds. Torque is managed in real time between the rear wheels and across the axles. The company also says the battery cooling system is engineered to prevent power loss, and that in Performance mode the car can complete three laps of the Nürburgring Nordschleife without any power limit.
Its 85kWh battery and 800V architecture are said to deliver a WLTP range of up to 248 miles. Peugeot states that a 10% to 80% charge takes less than 15 minutes.
Styling details include a horizontal take on Peugeot’s three-claw light signature, a ‘cat-ear’ rear wing and a Winchester Matte Grey exterior finish that nods to the original 205 T16. Like the 205 T16, the rear body section lifts open to expose the mechanical parts.
The cabin points to the next-generation i-Cockpit, featuring a 21-inch curved screen positioned above the Hypersquare steer-by-wire control. In this concept, the Hypersquare includes a configurable central display.
The E-T16 remains a concept, and Peugeot has not revealed a production variant or a launch date for the next 208. Still, its performance figures and its connection to the E-208 GTi, which has recently entered the electric line-up, indicate Peugeot may be weighing a more performance-focused model in the next generation, above what is currently available.
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