Skip advert
Advertisement

2014 Paris motor show: The best of the rest

There's more to the Paris show than new MX-5s and hybrid Lambos. Here's our roundup of other Paris appearances

Sports cars and ultra-economical concepts stole the show at the recent Paris motor show, but there’s always more to the Parisian exposition than mainstream launches.

Not that regular, down-to-earth vehicles didn’t also make a splash. Two of the most significant were the BMW 2-series convertible, whose roofless form is more or less what you’d expect from an open-topped 2-series, and the Fiat 500x, which is more or less as ungainly as you might expect from a 500-inspired crossover.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The latter was immeasurably improved by a stripy-painted version on Fiat’s stand, though the Italian automaker’s decision to set it on a rapid spin was fairly perplexing. Easier on the eye and less likely to hypnotise, Fiat also had a uniquely-sculpted take on the original rear-engined 500.

Citroen also harked back to its heritage with immaculate examples of the 2CV and DS, but its present-day products are perhaps more appealing than those of Fiat. Most innovative in the current range is the C4 Cactus and the Airflow concept took that a step further, with aerodynamically tweaked bodywork and a 141mpg claimed economy figure.

Citroen C4 Cactus Airflow: Paris motor show 2014

PSA partner Peugeot had much to offer too, including its DKR – next year’s Dakar rally challenger – and the stunning Exalt saloon concept from Beijing. Will they build the Exalt? Probably not, but it’s a surefire sign Peugeot is regaining its styling mojo.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve already covered Renault’s striking Eolab concept but the Espace turned a few heads too. The evergreen people-carrier has taken on crossover cues for this generation but Renault maintains its practicality is as high as ever.

Practicality is the name of the game with the MINI 5-door, demonstrated at Paris with an open-doored example hanging from a wall, but closer to earth was the MINI Superleggera Vision concept  first seen at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It’s just as stunning to behold as it was on first acquaintance.

The same can be said of Maserati’s Alfieri and the Jaguar Project 7. Both are now green-lit for production. Nissan brought its IDx concepts to Paris too. It’s even less clear whether Nissan will carry either of those through to production.

Maserati Alfieri concept: Paris motor show 2014

Perhaps surprisingly, Toyota’s three-wheeled, tilting i-Road really is in production, albeit in limited numbers for trials in France and Japan. For the time being, the cars will be used in car-sharing and short-term hire schemes – think of it as Toyota’s answer to the Renault Twizy.

Civic Type R aside, Honda’s Paris stand wasn’t particularly inspiring, but the company did field one of the show’s most desirable models. The 1965 RA272 was the first Japanese car to win a Formula 1 race, Richie Ginther taking that year’s Mexican Grand Prix. Honda’s restored example is resplendent in its rising sun colour scheme and a beautiful reminder of the sport’s ‘golden age’.

Check out Henry Catchpole’s ‘best of the rest’ video to see more Paris motor show curiosities – and let us know your own car of the show in the comments section below.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8
Golf GTI TCR
Reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR (2019) – Mk7’s soft sendoff still bests any Mk8

Quick and composed on road or track, the Golf GTI has talents we miss, even if it didn’t sparkle when new
13 Feb 2025
Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry
Porsche Taycan charging
Opinion

Ill-conceived government legislation will kill the UK car industry

The car industry and legislators cant meet in the middle and find a compromise soon enough
13 Feb 2025