The 2016 Paris Motor Show will kick off on October 1 and as is the drill with most of these grand automotive extravaganzas, will bring in plenty of fresh new metal from across the globe. This time around, it seems it’s all about practical family cars as we will be seeing grand debuts of a lot of mainstream models from carmakers including Skoda, Honda, Nissan and Renault. Here’s a rundown of what you can see at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
2017 Porsche Panamera
The 2017 Porsche Panamera has received a lot of appreciation for its space-age interiors and supercar levels of grunt. That said, its greatest new feature probably is that it’s no longer the 911’s fat, distorted sibling. Porsche really has gone back to the drawing board and changed what always needed to be changed i.e. the rear end design. It’s vastly improved and mimics Porsche’s low-slung sports cars with its 718 Boxster and Cayman-like pronounced haunches. We can wait for that retractable spoiler to deploy under the shimmering lights.
Next-gen Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is currently the oldest in its class and is in a dire need of upgrade. Audi knows this very well and is waiting for the Paris Motor Show to showcase an all-new Q5 to the world. This next-gen model will get all the latest Audi tech like virtual cockpit, next-gen MMI infotainment system and adaptive cruise control. Underneath the all-new look, the next-gen Q5 will make use of the MLBevo platform for improved dynamics as well as more efficiency. We will be seeing it compete against the recently introduced Mercedes GLC and the BMW X3.
Skoda Kodiaq
Following endless rumours and spy pictures, the Skoda Kodiaq will finally make its public debut in Paris. Set to be launched as the Czech carmaker’s first-ever SUV offering, there’s a lot riding on the Kodiaq. At 4.7m in length, the Kodiaq is expected to be among the most spacious 7-seater mid-size SUVs around. Given that Skoda India has had a lot of success with its premium car range (Read: Octavia, Superb), it only makes sense to hope for the Kodiaq to arrive in the Indian market, soon after its international launch.
Suzuki Ignis
While it may launch here as a small car, the Suzuki Ignis is being positioned to be a crossover in Europe. The quirky looking model, in fact, will rival the likes of Nissan Juke in European markets. Besides efficiency-focused petrol and diesel engine options, the Ignis could also get all-wheel drive to suit its quirky crossover image. We will get full details on the production-spec Ignis closer to the unveil date.
Last year, Land Rover launched the Discovery Sport and turned its popular Discovery full-size SUV into a two-model line-up. Now, the British automaker is working on an all-new generation of the Discovery. The current model has been around for too long and will soon be replaced with this fifth-generation Discovery that has been previewed in the form of the Discovery Vision concept. The new car will be built using Land Rover’s aluminium platform that underpins the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. This lightweight new platform will allow for significant weight savings over the existing Discovery which, as we know, is one of the heaviest vehicles in the market.
