Paris 2026: Retro Revivals and Bold Concepts Steal the Show

Paris is back in a big way. For years the European motor show looked like a fading institution, but the 2026 edition filled the Porte de Versailles with dozens of new models and concepts, and Autocar's writers have picked the reveals that stuck with them.

Much of the excitement came from brands digging into their own pasts rather than chasing another generic electric crossover. Fiat's Multiplay revives the much-mocked 1990s Multipla with a clever, almost silly interior: one seat doubles as a dog bed, a baby seat or a chaise longue, and a folding pick-up bed adds to the fun. Its designer told Autocar the car could reach production with some cost cutting. Citroën's reborn 2CV, priced under £13,000, plays the same nostalgia card, though its range of around 130 miles will limit it to local use. The related Fiat Multiplina looks like a charming city runner for couples and young families.

Performance fans had plenty to look at too. Peugeot's e-T16 concept previews the new 208 and doubles as an 805bhp homage to the 205 T16 rally car. It is not confirmed for production, but a driving prototype is in development. Alpine's A310 Vision, finished in satin silver with taut, purposeful surfacing, impressed the team, and Alfa Romeo's Cuorerosso coupé suggests the brand will keep the handsome styling of the Giulia rather than follow rivals into blobby crossover shapes.

Renault's E-Space was a surprise. It is an MPV with the upbeat character of the Renault 5 and Twingo, and it looks ready for family life. Design chief Alexander Malval reportedly saw the physical car only the day before the show, because the concept was designed entirely on screen. Volkswagen's ID Tiguan refresh also stood out. It is a recast of the ID 4 that goes well beyond a typical facelift, with a new interior and physical dashboard buttons that bring back some of the brand's tactile character.

Audi's A2 E-tron is the most practical of the group. It is a larger electric family hatchback that claims 401 miles of range and will compete with the Volvo EX30 and Kia EV3. The original A2 was a technical standout that sold poorly, so Audi may have a better chance second time around.