Renault Mégane

Renault Mégane

These are the first official photos of Renault's new production Mégane, set to make its public debut at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show. Incorporating styling cues suggestive of the world of sport, the new family hatchback measures 4.3m long, has a 2.64m wheelbase and a 1.55m track.

The design is underscored by sharp front-end looks which feature crown lines that sweep across the hood from the A-pillars to converge on the centrally positioned logo. The headlamp forms prolong the fluid lines of the air-intakes, reinforcing the vehicle's dynamic stance. When viewed in profile, the sloping roofline and dynamic proportions of its flanks suggest forward movement, while the steeply-raked screen and two-part light clusters continue the feature line at the rear.

The cabin exudes a sense of driving enjoyment, with an environment that makes use of fluid forms. The dashboard's fully integrated cowl gives the impression of being suspended, an aesthetic aspect enhanced by taut horizontal lines that highlight the curve of the trim. All the controls have been positioned to fall easily to hand, both close to the steering wheel and on the center console.

Mini Crossover Concept

Mini Crossover Concept

Mini will be adding another variant to the range, previewed by this Crossover Concept set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept has four doors, four individual seats and is four meters in length - slightly larger than the current Mini Clubman. It also has a longer wheelbase, four wheel drive and is nearly 1.6 meters high.

The Crossover concept features two conventional doors on the passenger's side and a third for the driver. The fourth door, for the rear passenger on the driver's side, slides back along the outside of the car and swivels to one side to facilitate the loading of long items. To increase practicality, there is no B-pillar. There is also a folding roof cover that extends across the whole length of the roof as well as a transport case for the outside of the rear door.

A new three dimensional display and control console called the 'Centre Globe' adorns the IP and starts the car via a 'Keyball' device. The cabin's four seats are visually linked by a matt-polished aluminum fastening rail which extends from the dashboard through the middle of the car. This system allows for storage units and entertainment consoles to be attached and passed between the front and the rear passengers.

Honda Insight concept

Honda Insight concept

Honda’s new 'affordable’ hybrid has broken cover, in the form of the Insight concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The concept, which shares its styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, provides an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

Taking its name from the original two-seat gas-electric hybrid introduced in the US in December 1999, the five-passenger Insight concept has a low center of gravity and an aerodynamic design identifying its fuel efficient purpose.

The new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan and go on sale in the U.S. next spring, furthering the accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Honda’s new 'affordable’ hybrid has broken cover, in the form of the Insight concept set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The concept, which shares its styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, provides an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

Taking its name from the original two-seat gas-electric hybrid introduced in the US in December 1999, the five-passenger Insight concept has a low center of gravity and an aerodynamic design identifying its fuel efficient purpose.

The new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan and go on sale in the U.S. next spring, furthering the accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Nissan Pixo

Nissan Pixo

Nissan will be revealing the all-new Pixo at the Paris Auto Show. The five-door four-seater is a compact urban car built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India. The car will compete in the fast growing A-segment.

Nissan will be revealing the all-new Pixo at the Paris Auto Show. The five-door four-seater is a compact urban car built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India. The car will compete in the fast growing A-segment.

Measuring 3565mm long, 1470mm tall and 1600mm wide, the Pixo has a wheelbase of 2360mm. The no frills design is intended to be sufficiently compact for city driving while offering a roomy interior and generous luggage space thanks to its efficient design and packaging.

Powered by an efficient three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, lightweight construction will benefit performance and enable very low fuel consumption and emissions. Nissan claims the Pixo will be an accessible city car providing the best 'eco-car' value in the small city car category.

Hyundai i20

The Paris Motor Show will mark the debut of an all-new car from Hyundai called the i20. Designed at Hyundai's European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new five-door is more dynamic in appearance and has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, allowing for more interior space.

Following from the i10 and i30, the new car features Hyundai's trademark chrome-topped grille and teardrop headlamps at the front, while stacked rear light clusters give the rear end a distinctive look.

"The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs," said Kun Hee Ahn, President for Hyundai Motor Europe. "It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive."

Citroën Hypnos concept

Citroën is always touting a fresh take on vehicles, especially when it comes to those unveiled at the automaker's home show in Paris. True to form, this year the automaker will be unveiling a new concept called the Hypnos.

Citroën Hypnos concept

The crossover concept is claimed to combine the vitality of a coupé with the elegance of a sedan and the space of an SUV. The well balanced exterior design aims to rouse emotions, communicating power through its flowing and expressive lines, while also demonstrating the vehicle's new hybrid technology.

Inside, the initial appeal of the exterior design is confirmed by the cabin, which features original colors and has the ability to transfer a powerful sensory experience onto both the driver and passengers through technology that is said to be 'more human and approachable'.

With a 200bhp engine, Citroën's latest concept is claimed to combine dynamic performance with a low 4.5 l/100km fuel consumption and 120g/km of CO₂ emissions.

The Hypnos will be unveiled on October 2, so check back with us then to read our Highlights and see our unique in-depth photographs of the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda Kiyora concept

Mazda has released these images of the Kiyora compact urban concept car the automaker will reveal at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Based on an all-new platform designed to maximize weight reduction, the Kiyora is claimed to represent the harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features.

Meaning 'clean and pure' in Japanese, the concept of 'Kiyora' helped the designers to imagine a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape, with water as the design theme. Mazda says the concept also features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle.

The Kiyora is powered by a 4-cylinder direct injection engine featuring the company's unique Smart Idle Stop System, claimed to achieve 'excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions'. The improved aerodynamic performance of Nagare design also contributes to these factors.