Several brands that Stellantis owns have each unveiled a new concept car at this year's automotive show in Paris, one of which is the striking Cuorerosso from Alfa Romeo. The Cuorerosso matches the size of today's Giulia saloon and features a 2+2 fastback design, which Alfa Romeo promotes as a manifestation of the brand's approach to electrification - although, interestingly, reports suggest that it utilizes a hybridised, twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine rather than fully embracing EV technology. This indicates that the brand remains committed to producing genuine petrol-powered performance cars.
Alpine A310 Vision
The future of Alpine features the next-platform, battery-powered Alpine A110 and Renault 5 Turbo 3E on the left. The A310 Vision serves as a retro-inspired nod to one of Alpine's four-seaters from the 1970s, capturing its essence. Initially a one-off for the time being, the A310 Vision draws inspiration from the standard and raised V6 variations of the original A310. Although the design concept involves losing two seats, the addition of 'pop-down' front lights and some of the original's angular style compensates for this change.
Audi A2 E-tron
The new A2 E-tron supermini has made its public debut at the Paris motor show. Built on the same platform as the ID 3 and clearly inspired by the cult-favorite original A2 of 1999, this EV manufacturers for optimum efficiency-allowing it to travel up to 401 miles on a single charge
BYD Atto 8
BYD has unveiled its latest electric SUV to compete against the Skoda Peaq, Kia EV9, and others in the market. The company will offer it with up to 764bhp and has equipped it with the Chinese manufacturer's second-generation 115kWh Blade battery. This innovation means that BYD's new ultra-rapid Flash chargers will be able to charge the car from 10-70% in just five minutes or from 10-97% in nine minutes, showcasing impressive charging capabilities.
Citroën 2CV
Maybe the biggest talking point of the show is the all-new 2CV, the new 2CV that Citroën is making debut in conceptual form. Drawing fairly clear styling cues from the original 2CV of 1948, this near production preview of the forthcoming EV due in 2028 showcases some of the characteristics we will be getting from Citroën's budget Renault Twingo rival. Take, for example, these welcoming wheel-arch mounted headlamps, a simple fabric hood with a roll-back cover, and interior elements (top right) such as tartan single benches, an 'umbrella shaft' gear lever, a mono-spoke steering wheel, and a host of 'toadstool' pedals. It has now emerged, though, that Citroën aims for a production kerb weight of a tonne, which would make the new 2CV one of the lightest electric cars you can buy in the market. Citroën is also aiming for a price of only €15,000 (£12,750), which would not just undercut the Renault Twingo, but even make the 2CV the cheapest new car available in the UK.
Dacia Spring
The second-generation Dacia Spring is a low-cost supermini electric car, built on the new Renault Twingo. This is a huge upgrade from the first Spring, which sold over 200,000 units in five years. Dacia has an official range of 155 miles for the new Spring and will undercut £18,000 when it goes on sale, making it one of the most affordable new cars available.
DS F3VER
DS has also indicated the return of a hatchback in its line-up with the reveal of the F3VER concept, which clearly previews the Nº3 supermini. Following a lukewarm reception for the second-generation DS 3—which switched to a crossover body style—this new line draws inspiration from the beloved original DS 3 of 2009. A revised and fully furnished version, complete with a full interior, will be introduced next year, followed by a production version soon after that.
Fiat Multiplay
Fiat has released a new interpretation of the 1990s Multiplay, which they have named the Multiplay – and, for the first time, they have included a sliding rear roof panel so it can appear in a number of different configurations – transforming from an elevated MPV to a pick-up truck by way of an electric door. Even though it is only vaguely related to the Multiplay, the designers have created that bubble-like, rounded cabin and the bifurcated lights that make it reminiscent of the controversial 1998 model, which now enjoys a cult following.
Leap motor B03
Chinese company revealed at the Paris show that it will launch its new all-electric supermini, the B03, in the UK next year, with a 242-mile range and prices starting below £25,000. The hatchback, which competes with the Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID Polo, is already available in China as the A05, and it can also be powered from 10-80 % in just 21 minutes with a maximum charging power of 133kW.
FAQ's
Q: What were the major themes at the 2026 Paris Motor Show?
A: The show heavily featured retro-futuristic concept car revivals, affordable electric city cars, and a massive influx of new EV models from Chinese manufacturers.
Q: Which standout concept previewed Alfa Romeo's future design direction?
A: The Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso, a striking four-seat coupe designed as a performance and styling manifesto with a potential hybrid V6 setup.
Q: What classic Citroen icon was reinvented as an electric car?
A: The Citroen 2CV, which debuted as an affordable electric concept targeted for a production release around 2028 priced under £13,000.
Q: What performance concept caught attention from Peugeot?
A: The Peugeot E-T16, a wild, all-electric rally-inspired hot hatch concept boasting triple electric motors and extreme styling.
Q: What makes the Alpine A310 Vision unique?
A: It is a one-off retro concept that pays homage to Alpine's angular 1970s sports car while utilizing a brand-new electric performance platform.
