The 2002 Paris Motor Show - September 2002
The Car Enthusiast have not covered the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile previously. Even though we are dedicated to reporting from the major international motor shows every year, we have not considered the Paris Show to be as important as, say, the British Motor Show. The 2002 Paris Show could not be ignored though. Not only was the show used to debut several key new models, it was also brimming with new concept cars - for which you have probably noticed, we have a weakness...
Only time constraints prevent us from giving you a detailed run down on each of the important displays. We have compiled a gallery of the cars on show and some press releases from the car makers themselves, which hopefully will satiate your appetite for information. Of course, the trouble with all these exciting new cars and dream concepts is that we want to drive them now! Well, we certainly hope to in the near future. Some of you will have noticed that the road testing of new cars has become a major part of the site. This is directly because of your feedback. Hopefully you approve. As you have already shown, you will certainly let me know!
In true Car Enthusiast tradition, we will be updating this page periodically as material comes in. With the British Motor Show but a few weeks away though, we certainly have our hands full. I hope you enjoy our coverage. Your comments, suggestions and ramblings are always appreciated via email.
Audi
Audi showed the all-new A8 to the public in Paris for the first time. The car looks great, though the VW Group brand strategy is beginning to confuse me...
2003 Audi A8 - all-new model
Bentley
What can I say? Bentley have exceeded expectations with the new Continental GT. It manages to be utterly contemporary, yet unmistakenly a Bentley. It may not be British anymore, but you have to wonder if that is going to matter.
Bentley Continental GT - all-new model
BMW
BMW at the Paris Show
Honda
The best-selling Accord has had its most radical overhaul to date. Honda have tried to give the saloon a sportier edge, and the new estate version (sorry, "Tourer") is not your typical work horse. The launch of the 30th Anniversary version of the Civic Type R is just another excuse for us to feature a photograph of the car... More worthy perhaps is Honda's dedication to hybrid technology. The 2003 Civic Hybrid was on show, and should be available in 2003.
2003 Honda Accord - all-new model
Jaguar
The new aluminium-bodied Jaguar XJ is a very important new model for the British-based firm. It looks great, and in my opinion features useful technology, as opposed to some of Jaguar's rivals. It couldn't come a moment too soon either, as it is widely known that the Ford Motor Company (Jaguar's owner) is not particularly flush at present.
2003 Jaguar XJ - all-new model
2003 Jaguar XJ launch videos
Nissan
2003 Nissan Micra - all-new model
Opel
Opel / Vauxhall Eco-Speedster - diesel-powered sports car concept
Peugeot
Peugeot at the Paris Show - concepts and new cars
Peugeot 206 GTi 180 - new addition to the 206 range
Peugeot H2O fire-fighter - fuel-cell powered concept car
2003 Peugeot Partner Combi - facelift
Toyota
The Toyota stand in Paris was not the most interesting one to the avid car fan, though more observant enthusiasts would have noticed the minor tweaks to the Celica and MR2. If you are into your off-road vehicles then the all-new Land Cruiser was on display, as was the heavily facelifted Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon. If I was being cruel, I could say that it is called the Amazon because it... never mind...
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon - facelift
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser - all-new model
2003 Toyota Celica - minor tweaks
2003 Toyota MR2 - minor tweaks
Volvo
Volvo S60R & V70R - new sporting flagship models
Just click on the thumbnails to view a high-resolution image.
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