One of the year’s biggest automotive events kicked off this week and we travelled out to the French capital to get the full lowdown on the new cars and technology that will soon be making their way to the UK.
The Paris motor show played host to 65 premieres this year and here we’ve picked our favourite models from the line-up which are ideal for company car drivers, plus the key information you need to know ahead of their arrival.
Honda Civic
It seems like only five minutes ago we were watching the covers come off the previous generation Civic in 2011, but a new model is on its way and according to Honda, it’s one of the most significant developments in the firm’s history.
Featuring a sharper and more distinctive design, the new Civic also debuts Honda’s new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines, both of which are available with a reworked six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. A 119bhp 1.6-litre diesel will arrive later in 2017 after the car’s launch in March.
Now in its tenth generation, this new model plans to take the fight back to the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra and makes significant steps forwards in interior quality and refinement. The new car also comes with a whole host of technology and more interior space thanks to a 130mm longer wheelbase.
Click here to read more about the new Honda Civic.
Nissan Micra
One of our favourite cars from this year’s show, the new Micra takes a huge leap forwards from the outgoing model featuring a new stylish design, a raft of advanced technology and more interior space.
Loaded with tech usually unheard of in this sector, the new Micra also comes with a whole host of personalisation options to help make each car feel unique. The centre console features a seven-inch infotainment screen offering connectivity kit like Apple CarPlay and Siri voice command.
Engine-wise there’s a choice of two from launch, a 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel with both developing 90hp. A non-turbo 75hp petrol is set to join the line-up later in the year.
Order books open in March and pricing is likely to be somewhere between it’s Ford Fiesta and VW Polo rivals.
Click here to read more about the new Nissan Micra.
Audi Q5
Taking pride of place on the Audi stand this year is the all-new Q5 SUV. Bigger and 90kg lighter than the model it replaces, the new Q5 is set to go on sale later in the year with first deliveries expected in the spring.
There’ll be a choice of two diesel engines from launch which Audi claims deliver significant improvements in CO2 and fuel economy over the outgoing powertrains.
Like its Q7 and A4 siblings, the Q5 comes with a whole host of technology including a self-learning personal route system which will learn regular journeys and commutes and use the information to suggest more efficient routes.
The new Q5 also includes the firms excellent Virtual Cockpit seen elsewhere in the range and three driver assistance packages.
Click here to read more about the new Audi Q5.
Land Rover Discovery
This fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery has been one of the most hotly anticipated cars of this years show.
Longer and taller than the model it replaces, the new Discovery will be available as a seven-seater only and offers up to 2406 litres of boot space. Inside there’s an uplift in premium appeal and joining the line-up for the first time is the firm’s four-cylinder 2-litre Ingenium diesel engine producing a combined fuel economy of 43.5mpg and emitting 171g/km of CO2.
According to the carmaker, it’s the most connected Discovery ever and offers a whole host of new technology and driver assistance systems.
Click here to read more about the new Land Rover Discovery
Citroen C3
The Citroen C4 Cactus has been a huge hit for the French marquee in both retail and fleet markets, so it makes perfect sense that some of those popular eye-catching design features would filter down into other cars in the firms range.
A car that has previously failed to capture the imagination of the fleet market, Citroen has high hopes for the new C3 hatchback and expects to grow sales tenfold when order books open in January.
Rivalling the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, the new C3 will be available with a range of efficient diesel and petrol engines currently used across the PSA line-up
Click here to read more about the new Citroen C3
Skoda Kodiaq
Paris provided the stage for the world premiere of Skoda’s first SUV. Set to arrive here in the UK in March, the Kodiaq will be available with seven seats and shares its underpinnings with the VW Tiguan and Seat Ateca.
Showcasing a striking design, the Kodiaq is hugely practical too with up to 2065 litres of boot space available – 115 litres more than the Superb estate.
There’ll be a choice of five engines from launch with either front- or all-wheel-drive, predicted to be the most popular is the 2.0-litre 150 diesel.
Inside there’s a total of 22 driver assistance systems available, plus drivers will also get a choice of four different infotainment systems. Prices are expected to start around the £23,000 mark.
Click here to read more about the new Skoda Kodiaq
Peugeot 5008
No longer an MPV, the new Peugeot 5008 moves into SUV territory alongside its 3008 sibling. Due to go on sale in the spring, the new 5008 still offers seven seats and is 11cm longer than the outgoing model with a 780-litre boot.
Built on the firm’s latest EMPT platform, the new car also features Peugeot’s new i-Cockpit interior that includes a compact steering wheel, head-up instrument panel and a large touchscreen system.
The engine line-up is yet to be confirmed, however CO2 emissions will start from as low as 107g/km.
Click here to read more about the new Peugeot 5008
For our full Paris motor show coverage, click here.
