Our live blog covers every car debut, getting inside scoops and taking you behind the scenes, direct from the Paris motor showWelcome to Autocar's live blog of the 2016 Paris motor show. We'll be posting live updates to keep you informed of all the goings-on at the show this year.*
2003 - We just can't keep our eyes - or cameras - off the Lamborghini Centenario roadster.*
2001 - Despite this, the Renault design boss has promised that the next concept car in Renault's design cycle will be "a more responsible car" than the Tresor. The next concept is due next year.
2000 - Meanwhile in Paris, Laurens van den Acker has explained why the new Tresor concept has such a dramatic shape: "It is a statement of beauty. I wanted the kind of car I would put my bedroom wall when I was seven years old."
1959 - Jim Holder says even SUVs, especially when concepts, can give hypercars trouble: "The biggest stir is inevitably around the Lambo but intriguingly the Seat Ateca concept runs it second. It feels like Seat may finally blossom with the Ateca, and that there is a hunger for the brand's upward curve to keep momentum"
1958 -*Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker has spoken about the challenge of anticipating customer design when it comes to design trends: "What customers say that they need and what they actually buy is often quite different. It is often difficult to know what people really want. For example, if you go to Beijing, with the congestion and smog, you would think the ideal car would be a small EV like a Twizy, but if you ask people on the street there what kind of car they desire, they often say 'the biggest SUV I can afford'."
1956 -*Land Rover has brought along Bear Grylls to unveil the new Discovery. He's on message, talking up the toughness and family friendly usability.
1952 - Of course, all of VW Group's greatest are here tonight - including the Centenario roadster
1949 -*Land Rover is also showing off its back catalogue of Discovery models tonight, perhaps to emphasise the model remains tough despite its plush new look.
1947 - Speth's word play is keeping Mark Tisshaw entertained too: "JLR boss Ralf Speth, in talking up the tech in the new Discovery, says you can 'stream while driving through a stream'"
1944 -*What’s been your favourite moment of the show so far? Let us know, or share any other Paris motor show opinions you may have at autocar@haymarket.com
1941 - Matt Burt is being kept entertained at Renault: "Artist and industrial designer Arik Levy is proving good value during the Renault design discussion. Choice quote: "A worm in the ground has an aerodynamic shape, but it moves quite slowly". Quite."
1938 - The Land Rover Discovery has been revealed.
1937 - It's Renault's time to talk design now: "Over at Renault we're now having a deep dive into design philosophy, not just car design, with Laurens van den Acker being joined by two noted designers from other fields - Arik Levy and Sam Baron."
1933 - Mark Tisshaw is reminiscing at Land Rover's historic setting for tonight's events: "Packington Hall is venue for tonight's Discovery reveal, and it's close to the Solihull plant. Series 1 Land Rovers were first proved here and it became a place for proving land rovers thereafter for generations."
1931 - Renault is employing the latest tech at its design evening: "We've just been treated to a sneak preview of the new Trezor concept via the wonders of Virtual Reality. Several hundred guests each donned Samsung VR headsets at the dinner table to watch a short animation of the car in action."
1930 - "And we have sound. A corporate video to starters, emotional this, sporty that etc. We expect a speech from Jaguar Land Rover boss Ralf Speth on the state of the company, before heading out for the big Discovery reveal. Not long now."
1929 - Things aren't progressing quite so smoothly in the UK at Land Rover: "The Land Rover presentation is underway. But the sound isn't working... Ah."
1928 - Jim Holder: "VW Group's design boss Michael Mauer is giving as design lesson now. Explaining how most decisions are made emotionally and that's why car design must touch people's innermost feelings. 'A product that triggers emotions will always be at an advantage'"
1927 - BREAKING NEWS: A Mercedes-AMG GT C coupe is set to follow in the convertible's footsteps. More on the Autocar news homepage very soon.
1925 - VW is the latest to get a foot in the public mobility door: "New VW brand will be its 13th. Name tbc. Based in Berlin and management is appointed and will move in shortly. Plans will be revealed later but won't be confined to car sharing - Muller suggests VW could even run its own taxi service in the future. An Uber on steroids?"
1922 - Jim Holder is on Matthias Muller's every word: "Matthias Muller is convinced VW won't be left behind - "I recognise that not everything we do will be crowned by success and in some cases we'll fail - but the most important thing is we learn from the mistakes. If we don't do that we'll just be onlookers in a world moving at breathtaking pace'."
1920*- We're just minutes away from the unveiling of the Land Rover Discovery. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our homepage for the big reveal.
1916 - BREAKING NEWS: Mercedes has confirmed development of its new hypercar, designed to take on the AM-RB 001
1914 -*Matthias Muller addresses VW's electric future: "Our future will be powered by electricity but powertrain a we have now will play an important role for at least 20 years. We must push on in developing those technologies at the same time as alternative power trains. The transformation required is a gigantic task - but one we must tackle."
1913 - Meanwhile on our Twitter page, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce has taken the lead in our Paris motor show readers' favourite poll - vote here.
1910 - Matt Burt is with the Renault, who take a typically fashionable French approach: "Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker is sporting his trademark trendy trainers at the French make's design evening. Tonight's footwear is white, black and red."
1905 - Volkswagen's getting deep at the VW Group evening: "'Get closer, new perspectives' is theme at VW. Introductory speech all about informality of the conference - is this the birth of a more open, more relaxed VW?
1900 - Mark Tisshaw is enjoying Land Rover's scenery: "Land Rover has erected a replica of Tower Bridge for the Discovery unveil. I don't think the new car is going to be making a quiet entrance... Rule Britannia."
1858*- Jim Holder is with Volkswagen: "Matthias Muller is in the room. Two minute countdown to VW Group night begins. His colleagues have gone suit no tie, but he's resolutely formal - the tie stays on"
1855 - "Oh, and a sign saying 'strictly private'. That'll keep them out."
1854 - Mark's still eyeing the security measures - or lack thereof - at Land Rover: "No such tight security measures at the Land Rover event compared to the VW one. Picket fences and cattle grids are the order of the day here."
1853 - Mark Tisshaw is our man on the ground at Land Rover this evening:*"Paris has come to the Midlands tonight, as Land Rover puts on its big reveal for the Discovery at the country house estate, Packington Hall. They must need all that extra space you couldn't source in the centre of Paris for something big... Stay tuned."
1852*- Keep up with all the action on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages; we’ll be posting live updates there and here for you to keep up to date.*
1850*- In Paris are Jim Holder, Steve Cropley, Matt Burt, Rachel Burgess, Matt Prior, Hilton Holloway, Mike Duff, Greg Kable, Julian Rendell, Andrew Frankel, Neil Winn and Richard Bremner.
Your team covering Paris from our base in Twickenham are Mark Tisshaw, Darren Moss, Sam Sheehan, Jimi Beckwith, George Hawkins and Hemal Mistry.
We’ve already seen several of the cars from the show through various leaks and reveals throughout the day, including a few pictures of the Land Rover Discovery, Renault Trezor concept and the Volkswagen ID concept. The latest updates on these can be found here.*
Wednesday 28th February 2016, 19.00 BSD (20.00 Paris time) - Welcome to Autocar’s live coverage of the Paris motor show. Tonight, tomorrow and Friday, we’ll be bringing you all the news, reveals and other action as it unfolds in Paris.*
Below, we run through some of the key cars to look forward to before the Paris doors open tomorrow. Our live blog kicks off this evening, before resuming tomorrow morning with the first press conference scheduled for 6:45am UK time.
The*2016 Paris motor show*looks to be one of this year’s most significant car events, as some of the industry's biggest and most influential manufacturers reveal all-new models and forward-thinking concepts. They're listed below.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
A new warm spec*Alfa Romeo*Giulia is at the Paris motor show and will, upon release, rival the Audi S4 and BMW 335i, among others. It'll have four-wheel drive as standard, and a choice between one petrol and one diesel engine. It's TBC for the UK right now, but if it reaches British shores, it'll be rear-drive only.*
Audi Q5
The new*Audi*Q5*is in Paris but sales won't kick off until later this year. The all-new model*utilises the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform for models with a longitudinal engine layout, shedding as much as 100kg of weight compared to the outgoing model. Expect plenty of in-car technology and sharpened exterior styling.
BMW X2
The BMW X2*will go on sale late next year for around £30,000. It will share many parts with its sister car, the X1, but have a more sporting character and will rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque. In Paris, the car is previewed by a thinly veiled concept.
Citroën Cxperience concept
Citroën revealed its new executive saloon concept, called Cxperience, ahead of the show. The concept uses a plug-in hybrid petrol-electric powertrain and features the brand’s Advanced Comfort programme and a host of interior technology, and previews future Citroën models, including the design of larger cars.*
Citroën C3
It may have already been revealed, but the Citroën C3 is on display at the Paris motor show, marking the first time we've seen it in the flesh. It brings styling inspired by the C4 Cactus, and goes on sale early next year.
Citroën C3 Picasso
Citroën’s second-generation C3 Picasso*supermini looks set to follow the design trend set by its bigger siblings, the C4 Picasso and C4 Cactus.*The C3 Picasso sports a raised bonnet, more rounded edges, and a set of Airbumps - as seen on the Cactus - and makes its world debut in France's capital city.
Citroën C3 WRC concept
In the run up to next year's FIA World Rally Championship, Citroën has revealed the concept version of its competing car, based on the new C3 supermini. Using its rallying expertise, Citroën will sprinkle the C3 with sporty touches, which will culminate in a Citroën rival to the Ford Fiesta ST.
Dacia
The facelifted Dacia Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV*are both in*Paris, with new headlights incorporating LED daytime running lights, revised grilles and new interior materials and storage areas. Dacia still calls the updated Sandero Europe’s most affordable new car, suggesting its £5995 starting price won’t be substantially increased.
Ferrari special editions
No fewer than 350 special edition Ferraris will be built to celebrate the supercar maker's 70th anniversary; 70 for each model in the Ferrari lineup. 70 cars from Ferrari's history were selected, with each example inspiring one of the special-edition cars for each model. The brand has cherry picked a few of its 350 cars to display in the flesh at the show.*
Ferrari GT4C Lusso T
A V8-engined version of the GT4C Lusso makes its world debut in Paris. Borrowing the turbocharged unit of the California T, the GT4C Lusso T produces 602bhp and marks a new entry-point into Ferrari's four-seater range.
Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
Although not officially confirmed for Paris,*Ferrari’s LaFerrari Aperta*– an open-top version of the discontinued*LaFerrari*hypercar – looks set to make its public debut there. The limited-run drop-top will feature the same 950bhp V12-based powertrain as the original car.
GLM G4
GLM's four-door electric supercar, the G4, is a re-engined Savage Rivale Landyacht GTS. Where before the car had a Corvette-derived V8, it now has an electric powerplant, and joins the leagues of upcoming electric supercars in the pipeline, so it'll have no shortage of competition.*
Honda Civic
The 2017 Civicmakes its debut in France, although we’re already familiar with its design thanks to plenty of spy pictures. The new European model looks almost completely identical to the US-spec car, staying true to the design of the Geneva concept which was longer, wider and lower than the current Civic.
Hyundai i10 facelift
Hyundai's smallest car has been given its mid-life refresh, making its first public appearance at the Paris motor show. There are only subtle exterior tweaks, while Hyundai has tried to bring the i10's tech up to the standard of rivals, with a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system.
Hyundai i30
The third-generation*Hyundai i30 hatchback*launches in Paris before it goes on sale in 2017. The i30 will no longer be available as a three-door car, but will retain options for a five-door hatchback, estate, and four-door coupé.
Hyundai i30N
The hot hatch version of the next-gen i30 will also go on sale in 2017 but first a*concept version called the RN30*makes its debut in Paris. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the production hatch the concept previews could have a top speed of 155mph and will be a rival to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST.*
Infiniti engine
Infiniti's new 2.0-litre petrol engine promises "diesel economy and V6 power and smoothness". The turbocharged unit develops around 270bhp and 288lb ft of torque and is expected to eventually be used in the Q30 hatchback and QX30 crossover, after making its debut in 2018.
Kia Carens facelift
Kia has given the Carens a mild mid-life facelift, and has brought the tweaked MPV to Paris for its official debut. As is usual with facelifted models, there are subtle exterior and interior tweaks, while Kia has added more technology to the range, and tweaked the 1.7-litre diesel engine for improved running costs.
Kia Rio
The new Kia Rio makes its public debut in Paris. The new Kia supermini will be offered as a five-door only model, and*recently revealed pictures show a more premium look for the Rio than previous generations. It'll likely get the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the Ceed, too, as well as a GT-badged hot hatch variant later down the line.
Kia Soul T-GDI
Kia has also given the Soul a once-over in its middle age, but a new range-topping petrol has also been added to the lineup. The T-GDI has the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Ceed GT, so there's 201bhp and 195lb ft on tap. It gets subtle exterior revisions over the standard Soul, but no hot GT badging.*
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover’s*fifth-generation Discovery*looks set to adopt the sleeker design of the current Discovery Sport. It will also gain a more luxurious and upmarket cabin that is no less practical than the current model. The 2017 Discovery should also be significantly lighter than the current car thanks to a bonded and riveted aluminium monocoque, as is currently used in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models.*
Lexus UX concept
So far, Lexus has only released one exterior image of its Paris concept coupé-crossover, the UX. The car's small dimensions are clearly visible from the image though, which has prompted suspicion that in production form, it will replace the CT 200h hatchback. A second interior picture*shows the concept's futuristic cabin.
Mercedes AMG-GT Roadster and GT C Roadster
Mercedes has already revealed its new drop-top sports car in pictures, but Paris marks the first time it is shown in the metal. The soft-top gains features from the GT R and produces 547bhp in top-spec.
Mercedes all-electric SUV concept
A Mercedes*GLC-based all-electric SUV*is in Paris.*It's labelled as a concept, but is said to give a clear indication as to what the car maker’s first purpose built EV will be like. The model will come as the first of four Mercedes EVs due before 2020.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupé
AMG's recently revealed performance SUV makes its public debut in France, with 362bhp and 382lb ft of torque beneath its coupé-like body.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain
Mercedes brings the fight to the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country with the E-Class All Terrain, which offers an extra 35mm of ground clearance and four-wheel drive. It goes on sale in the spring of 2017, for around £45,000.
Mini Clubman JCW
The Mini Clubman JCW is the flagship amongst the Clubman range, and is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 228bhp and 258lb ft of torque — increases of 39bhp and 51lb ft over the next most powerful Clubman, the Cooper S. First shown earlier this month, the hot six-door makes its public debut in Paris.
Mitsubishi Ground Tourer Concept
Mitsubishi*is joining the coupé crossover crowd this year, as it unveils its swoopy Ground Tourer Concept. Like the*Outlander PHEV, it’s a plug-in hybrid and bears Mitsubishi’s new front-end ‘dynamic shield’ styling - but at the moment it's a concept only.
Mitsubishi eX
We've already seen the eX at last year's Tokyo motor show, but Mitsubishi*has brought it to Paris for another outing. It's since been confirmed for production in 2020 as an electric-only rival to the Nissan Juke, so it's got an eXciting (sorry) future already.
Nissan Micra
The upcoming Micra steps away from the evolutionary design of its predecessors to sport a radically different exterior. Only a short teaser video has been released, but*our spy pictures confirm the new car has been heavily influenced by the Sway concept of the 2015 Geneva motor show*and the Pulsar hatchback. European models will be built at Renault’s Flins factory in France as part of the Renault-Nissan alliance.
Opel Ampera-e
The Chevrolet Bolt, albeit under Opel Ampera-e guise, makes its European debut at the Paris motor show. Details of the EV are sparse so far, but we do know that its acceleration rivals performance models in the Opel lineup, although its top speed is 93mph. The Bolt has a range of over 200 miles, so it's fair to expect the same from the Ampera-e.
Peugeot 3008
The new Peugeot 3008 has been transformed into an SUV in an attempt to take advantage of rapidly growing sales in that market. The 2017 model will feature Peugeot's*latest i-Cockpit dash technology and gain new 1.2-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines. Most UK buyers are expected to choose the*118bhp 1.6-litre diesel model, which emits 100g/km of CO2 and is claimed to return more than 70mpg.
Peugeot 3008 DKR
It shares its name and some design features with the new 3008, but underneath, the Peugeot 3008 DKR Dakar Rally challenger is a very different beast. The car uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 engine housed within a spaceframe chassis. It will contest on the sands of South America in January 2017, but first makes its public debut in Paris.
Porsche Panamera and Panamera Sport Turismo
Aesthetically, the*second-generation Panamera*has been treated to some of the iconic styling cues of the 911, with tauter surfacing and a more curved roofline. However, this has not been to the detriment of practicality; headroom has actually increased, as has boot space.
The Panamera has also received a new range of engines including a new turbocharged 2.9-litre V6, 4.0-litre V8 diesel and twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8. When the car hits showrooms in early 2017, the initial line-up will comprise of three four-wheel-drive cars: the £88,700 Panamera 4S, £91,788 Panamera 4S Diesel and £113,075 Panamera Turbo.
Renault concept car
Renault's Trezor concept is at the Paris motor show, and the car maker has released one picture (above) and a video of the model to tease it. The video confirms it will have an autonomous drive mode, and Renault says the car "Explores the essence and technologies inspiring upcoming models that embody both a vision of how mobility might be in the future". It'll also usher in a new design era for Renault, called the 'Life Flower'.
Renault Alaskan
Based on Nissan’s NP300 Navara, the Alaskan is Renault’s first entry into the lightweight pick-up truck sector. With a ground clearance of 230mm, a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes - a figure Renault claims is the best in the class – and a powerful 187bhp diesel four-cylinder engine, the Alaskan ought to to appeal to workers and private users alike. The truck is set to go on sale later this year for a price of £22,000. *
Seat Ateca X-Perience
The Seat Ateca X-Perience may only be a concept for Paris at the moment, but we strongly suspect that it previews a production model, which is likely to arrive next year. It's got a 2.0-litre TDI engine, coupled to a Haldex four-wheel drive system and a seven-speed DSG gearbox. It's the outside where most of the changes have been made, though; it's got exclusive 18in wheels with high-profile knobbly tyres, scratch-resistant paint and contrasting exterior trim.*
Skoda Kodiaq
Skoda’s new seven-seat SUV could easily become one of the car maker’s best-selling models.*We’ve already*driven the prototype*and have a very good idea of what the car will look like uncamouflaged.*It will have*a choice of five engines and optional four-wheel-drive.
Ssangyong Rexton
Ssangyong’s new car offensive continues at the Paris motor show with a pre-production model that previews the brand’s next-generation*Rexton SUV. The new car will cost from less than £30,000 and will rival large SUVs across the market, including the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. Two engines are expected to feature: a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol.
Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis will return to the UK after a nine year hiatus. The small crossover makes its European debut at the Paris motor show before going on sale in the UK in January 2017. The Ignis will also be available as a hybrid, with a system which Suzuki calls*SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki).*
Suzuki S-Cross
Another Suzuki crossover, the 2017 S-Cross, makes its first appearance at Paris, to showcase its revised interior and exterior styling and announce the replacement of its 1.6-litre engine with 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbocharged engines. It'll go on sale in the UK in October.
Toyota C-HR
The radically-styled Toyota C-HR arrives at the Paris motor show in final production form. We've already seen the interior and exterior of the car, as well as taken a ride in a prototype C-HR, but the full, production-spec C-HR makes its debut.
Toyota FCV Plus concept
The Toyota FCV Plus concept car is on display at the Paris motor show. It previews Toyota's utopian vision of how the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can benefit society, and what they'll look like once they arrive. Toyota says the car is still at least fifteen years off yet, so don't expect to see the FCV Plus on forecourts any time soon.*
Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
Toyota's plug-in version of the Prius will makes its European debut at the Paris motor show. We've already seen it at this year's New York motor show, but this'll be the first time it's made a motor show appearance in Europe, ahead of its on-sale date.*
Vauxhall Insignia
<a href="http://www.civinfo.com/car-news/new-cars/2017-vauxhall-insignia-set-