Retro Comebacks, Hydrogen Power & Electric Dreams
The Paris Motor Show 2024 has brought a mix of nostalgia, cutting-edge tech, and a glimpse into the future of motoring. Once considered the hub for unveiling new cars, motor shows have become less crucial with the rise of digital media, but Paris this year has captured the attention of enthusiasts, especially with the French manufacturers leading the charge. From iconic revivals to hydrogen-powered innovations, let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest announcements.
Renault: Bringing the Past into the Future
Renault kicked things off with some serious nostalgia. First, we’ve got the Renault 5 E-Tech—a modernised take on the classic hatchback. Bigger, sharper, and fully electric, the 5 E-Tech is already out, impressing with its retro looks combined with future-ready features.
But that’s not all. Renault followed up with the return of another classic, the Renault 4 E-Tech. For those unfamiliar, the original Renault 4 was like the French Mini, a practical, no-nonsense car that became a global success. The new Renault 4 E-Tech channels that heritage, but this time it’s going electric. Built on the same platform as the 5, it’s larger, taller, and packed with modern features. With two battery options offering up to 250 miles of range, this isn’t just a tribute—it’s a reimagining for the EV era.
Alpine: A Farewell to the Iconic A110
On the performance side, Alpine is saying goodbye to one of its most beloved cars, the Alpine A110. The A110 Ultime is the swansong model before Alpine shifts entirely to electric cars. Boasting 345 horsepower and an array of upgrades, this final version is every bit as thrilling as the A110 name suggests. With a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds, it’s a fitting farewell to Alpine’s petrol-powered era.
But don’t worry, Alpine fans—there’s more in store. Alpine also teased the A390 Beta, an 85% production-ready concept for a fully electric SUV. While it might be a departure from the low-slung sports cars Alpine is known for, it promises family-friendly thrills with a performance twist.
Dacia Goes Big with the Bigster
Moving over to Dacia, they’ve unveiled the Dacia Bigster, a larger, more rugged SUV that’s set to take on the likes of the Ford Kuga. Building on the success of the Duster, the Bigster represents Dacia’s push into the competitive midsize SUV segment. With hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains on offer, it’s not only practical but also promises affordability, with pricing likely to start from around £30,000.
Peugeot and Stellantis: Electrifying the Line-Up
From Peugeot, we saw the debut of the all-electric Peugeot E-408, offering a range of 280 miles and stylish, French design for around £42,000. It’s yet another strong contender in the electric crossover market.
Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo introduced the Junior Ibrida, a hybrid version of their city car, while their popular Tonale SUV also got a refresh. And Stellantis made a big play in the EV market by securing a 20% stake in Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer, marking a significant shift in their approach to electrification.
New Mini JCW Electric Models
MINI came in hot with the Mini JCW Electric and Aceman JCW Electric models. These sporty, all-electric versions pack 254 horsepower, making them true performance EVs, with a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds. MINI is proving that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing that go-kart-like fun they’re known for.
Skywell’s European Debut
Finally, making their European debut at Paris was Skywell, an emerging EV brand. Their new Skywell Q hatchback offers over 300 miles of range and comes equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a panoramic parking camera. Skywell is clearly aiming to make an impression in Europe, backed by a 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
The 2024 Paris Motor Show has delivered a fascinating mix of retro revivals, electric innovations, and powerful hydrogen concepts. Whether it’s the return of Renault’s classics, Alpine’s stunning farewell to the A110, or the bold new entries from Dacia and Skywell, this year’s show has something for everyone. What was your favourite debut from Paris? Let us know in the comments!
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