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Paris Motor Show 2012 - preview 1: five weeks to go

Paris Motor Show 2012 - preview 1: five weeks to go

Published on August 13, 2012

Audi

Audi never lets a big show go by without unveiling a few new production models and a concept or two. Paris will be no different. We're expecting the five-door version of the new A3 for starters - called the Sportback of course - plus possibly a hot S3 variant. The facelifted Audi R8 will be on display too, including the new 550hp V10 plus model. We also suspect that the production-ready electric version, the R8 e-tron, will get its world debut. Other rumours surround an open-topped RS 5, a new Audi A2 and a concept previewing the Q2 mini-SUV.

BMW

BMW is unlikely to let Audi steal the show, but it is holding its cards closer to its hairy German chest. Rumours suggest that a radical new front-wheel drive version of the 1 Series will be launched, possibly called the Gran Turismo. Our money is on showroom-ready versions of the i8 and i3 electric cars, plus maybe a concept previewing a 3 Series Gran Turismo. Then again, Coupé and Convertible versions of the new 1- and 3 Series line-ups can't be far away either...

Chevrolet


The Chevrolet Trax debuts in Paris too, sharing a lot with the Vauxhall Mokka mini-SUV. There are suggestions that it'll be joined by a European market version of the Malibu saloon as well.

Fiat


Following its sneak peek at the launch of the Fiat 500L, we presume that Paris will host the world debut of the 500X crossover.

Ford


It's got to be time to reveal the European version of the new global Mondeo, right?

Honda


We know that the new Honda CR-V will be in Paris, but will it be joined by a hot version of the Civic, previewing the next Type-R?

Jaguar


One of the busiest stands in Paris is likely to be that of Jaguar, as it will feature the F-Type sports car, making its public debut. Can't wait to see if it lives up to the hype.

Kia


The Korean manufacturer has told us it'll have an all-new Carens MPV in Paris, but knowing Kia there'll be a concept too.

Lamborghini


It's possible that Lamborghini will have two cars of note, the open-topped version of the Aventador and the production-ready Urus sports SUV. Then again, the Gallardo must be up for replacement soon, right?

Land Rover

We've seen so many spy shots of the new Range Rover that we feel we know it already, but Paris will be the first time it is revealed in full. No doubt it'll capitalise on the good feeling out there for its baby brother, the Evoque.

Lexus


The Japanese luxury car maker is hoping to make a big splash in Paris. Alongside its considerably updated LS line-up (featuring an F Sport model for the first time) will be a coupé-cabriolet concept, likely to be called LF-CC. We're expecting something rather more alluring than the IS 250C...

Mazda


Following its world debut at the Moscow Motor Show, the Mazda6 saloon will no doubt rock up in Paris, probably with the curvy new estate in tow.

Mercedes-Benz


The only new Merc in Paris that we definitely know about is the CLS Shooting Brake, but you can bet that there'll be more, possibly including a couple of new cars built on the B-Class's platform - a compact SUV and a four-door coupé perhaps?

MINI


Reports tell us that the only new model from MINI in Paris will be the Paceman, a coupé version of the Countryman. We're not sure we believe the reports, as there's a lot more to come from MINI soon.

Mitsubishi


Paris will host the launch of Mitsubishi's much talked about plug-in hybrid Outlander.

Porsche


No doubt Porsche will reveal its Macan SUV in Paris, though we may also be treated to a view of the production-ready 918 Spyder. And what of those rumours about a Panamera Shooting Brake? And can Porsche afford to let a motor show go by without launching a new derivative of the 911? Watch this space.

Renault


Star of Renault's stand will be the all-new Clio, along with its Renaultsport alter ego. As it's Renault's home show you can be sure there'll be plenty more - probably the Zoe electric hatchback and a concept or three.

SEAT


Looks like the Volkswagen Group is finally going to invest in SEAT's future and Paris will be a bit step towards that, with a swanky new Leon and the all-new Toledo both debuting.

Suzuki


The first press conference of the show will be from Suzuki, where it will unveil the S-Cross concept. That's about all we know for now.

Toyota

We've all seen the spy pics of Toyota's shapely new Auris, so it's a given that it'll be on hand in France. There should be another couple of cars of interest too.

Vauxhall/Opel


General Motors will no doubt big up the launch of its dubiously named new small car, the Adam, but Paris will also host the first public outings for the facelifted Astra and the Mokka mini-SUV.

Volkswagen

A Beetle Cabriolet may be in Paris, but nobody will notice, as the Volkswagen stand will be all about the Mark VII Golf.

Volvo

If the spy shots we've seen are to be believed, Volvo could launch an XC40 in Paris. Interesting.