Paris Motor Show 2024: 10 highlights amid a return to form

The 2024 Paris Motor Show is bigger, more confident and in better health than it has been in many years. After a somewhat shaky, small return in 2022 following the cancellation of the 2020 show due to the Covid pandemic, the Mondial de L’Auto 2024 – as it is officially called – will take place from October 15th to 20th and host exhibitors from four across the world large halls of its established Paris Expo site at the Porte de Versailles in the south of the French capital.

Matra exhibition at the Paris Motor Show 2024

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

Kilow La Bagnale — (Image credit: Guy Bird)

All the major (and some smaller) French brands were represented at the 90th Press Day and world premieres were celebrated by Renault, Alpine and Citroën as well as a number of new Chinese brands. The presence of US brands Tesla and Cadillac, as well as German brands Audi and BMW, was refreshing, as were appearances from some smaller players, including Moke from the UK and Microlino from Italy. After an exciting first day at the show, here are the top ten Wallpaper* 2024 Paris Motor Show.

Paris Motor Show 2024: Ten highlights

Renault emblème concept

The Emblème concept represents a glimpse of a future car that Renault says can reduce CO2 emissions by 90 percent over its entire life cycle (or 50 from cradle to grave) compared to an equivalent car today to five tons). The stately 4.8m long and 1.52m high Shooting Brake features an all-electric powertrain with a small 40kW battery and a range-extending hydrogen fuel cell for longer journeys, with a range of aerodynamic exterior elements on display and sustainable Interior materials are promised. No production date has been set yet, but according to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, it is a real offer.

Alpine A390 β concept

It’s taken an extremely long time for Renault’s sporty Alpine brand to make a 21st-century comeback, but the 2024 A390β fastback concept is a game-changer for the 2025 five-seat production electric car that could really help boost sales. Design director Antony Villain explained to Wallpaper* how the concept’s exterior remained faithful to the production electric vehicle due out next year and would use the same platform as the Renault Scenic underneath, with a similar wheelbase but lower.

The “crystal cave with sci-fi hangout” cabin is much more conceptual, but still features unusual ideas and materials, including a floor lined with recycled carbon crystals and 3D-printed, bio-based elastomer padding in the wraparound front seat headrests. Pretty.

Citroën C5 Aircross concept

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

The historically enigmatic and egalitarian Citroën brand is increasingly relying on the latter attribute as a “value” brand within the recently formed Stellantis group. Its most recent debut at the Paris Motor Show was the Citroën C5 Aircross Concept, which surpasses the last generation C5 Aircross production model in every respect.

Renault 4

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

The all-electric Renault 4 production car was probably the biggest news on the press day of the 2024 Paris Motor Show. At 4.14 m long, the new 4 sits between the shorter Clio and the longer Captur, but is more characterful and appealing than both. Its round headlights, integrated into a diamond-shaped ‘radiator grille’, provide a strong visual nod to the late 1960s version and there are further nods to various older 4 Series via the ‘rear side light’ window pane on each side , the retractable fabric roof etc. Horizontal lower body side strips.

Renault 4

(Image credit: Renault)

Inside, the dashboard features the same linked dual driver clusters and driver-focused center screen as the new Renault 5, plus the passenger seat folds flat for longer loads. In the back, 420 liters of storage space and an electric range of 249 miles are adequate for the segment, and the black and white houndstooth fabric in the doors adds a pleasant, fashionable touch.

Renault Fl4wer Power concept

Renault Fl4wer Power Concept

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

Less convincing was the clumsily named “Fl4wer Power Concept,” which was also on display at Renault’s stand. The “safety yellow” front fascia and black-painted steel wheels were definitely interesting customization options, but the floral upholstery mix in the interior seemed rushed and, to be honest, a little out of character.

Skyworth Y

Interior of the Skyworth Y

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

The Chinese brand Skyworth was founded in 1988 and manufactured its first cathode ray tube television in 1995. By 2017, sister company Skywell had become a passenger car manufacturer, and in 2024 Skyworth unveiled what was arguably the most sophisticated interior from a homegrown Chinese brand at the Paris show. The Skyworth Y’s cabin really needs a close look, so we’ll be keeping an eye on the Skyworth to see if it delivers similarly close production results over time.

Renault Estafette concept

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

Vans (aside from motorhomes) don’t often appear in Wallpaper*, but Renault’s Estafette concept is the kind of utility vehicle you’d love to have delivered to your home. Aside from the eye-catching, solid yellow, driver-focused dashboard and the humorous digital “Back in 45” messages that run like a ticker on the hood, the innovative package serves a serious purpose by presenting new possible delivery options.

Interior of the Renault Estafette Concept

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

The idea is that the operator loads the van from the back and then holds the shutter door securely while picking from a bed high enough to stand upright in. Access is via a walk-in cab, a wide sliding side door provides delivery exit, and production of this version of this electric van is scheduled for approximately 2026.

Kilow La Bagnale

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

First spotted at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, Kilow’s electric four-wheel delivery vehicle was back for the 2024 show with two versions: the 28mph L6E at €9,900, driveable (where permitted by law) to ages 14 and up without a license, with a 43 or 84 miles range; and the 50 mph L7E for 12,790 euros with a range of 84 miles electric, which requires a driver’s license and can be driven from 16 years of age. In any case, the reduced, light and functional aesthetic is retained, which is a good thing.

Microlino Spiaggina

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

Italian-born “mini-car” brand Microlino is another company that has had to take its time due to its founding in 2016, just before the Covid lockdown disrupted its ramp-up. Production began in 2022, and now there is a new Spiaggina series version inspired by classic open-top beach vehicles. Sales are scheduled to start in 2025 with prices starting at 24,990 euros.

Moke EV

Suncar Edition celebrates 60 years of MOKE

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

Built in Britain and now fully electric, the Moke offered similar summer fun to the Microlino, but from a more historic perspective and with space for four passengers. He celebrated 60 years of the legendary model with a special edition in Paris.

Matra Bagheera Courrèges

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

Tucked away at the 2024 Paris Motor Show – and a little too crowded to properly view the individual cars – the “Musée Matra” was still a breath of fresh air. The focus was on nine of the strange but now defunct French brand’s greatest hits, our favorite of which was the Matra Bagheera Courrèges série 1, superbly ‘remixed’ by renowned fashion designer André Courrèges.

Matra Bagheera Courrèges interior by André Courrèges

(Image credit: Guy Bird)

mondial.paris/de

Paris Motor Show 2024: Ten highlights

Renault emblème concept

Alpine A390 β concept

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