I haven’t been to the Paris Motor Show since before the Covid-19 pandemic, and I gather the subsequent shows were somewhat half-hearted. This year it promised to be a return to form, so the decision was made to make the journey. Although I travelled by Eurostar, which was quick and efficient, the journey time, which included train travel to London, was rather longer than necessary. It will be a plane next time.

The undoubted star of the show was Citroen’s 2CV Concept, reimagined for an electric age. The talk is a price of circa £13,000 and an arrival date of 2028. See my previous article for more information.

Here’s my pick of the rest. Excuse the photos with people in the way. The press day was very crowded.

Alfa Romeo Cuorerossa

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso Concept

This four-seat concept from the Italian manufacturer drew large crowds. If this is the design direction Alfa Romeo is heading, then we are going to get some stunning new cars. And in a world of copycat SUV styling, that is something to applaud. I’m told power comes from a V6 petrol engine with a little hybrid assistance.

Audi A2 e-tron

Audi A2 e-tron

We’ve already seen Audi’s A2 hatch, but this was my first time seeing it in the metal. Clearly harking back to the original model, this will be Audi’s entry-level electric car. The car is for sale now, with prices starting at around £30,000. Distinctive looks, a roomy interior and those all-important Audi rings on the bonnet, will ensure sales success.

BYD Shark

BYD Shark

I’m a huge pickup truck fan and have already seen BYD’s new Shark on my trips to Australia. No diesel engine here, but instead it is a plug-in hybrid like rivals Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. The price is from £47,290 including VAT. It does not qualify for commercial vehicle VAT reclaim because the payload is under one tonne.

The electric range should be just over 50 miles before the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine springs into life. I look forward to testing it both on and off-road in due course.

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

This was the public debut for the new Spring. Improvement in interior quality is readily apparent, and styling looks more modern than the original. It will still be one of the most affordable EVs on sale, but it is going to cost more. We will find out soon enough just how much.

Fiat Grizzly looked better after wine!

Fiat Grizzly

Fiat showed us its new Grizzly crossover. Hybrid and fully electric versions will be available. Fiat does small cars so well; for larger ones, I’m not so sure. Whilst debating the fact with another journalist, we enjoyed a few glasses of delicious white wine on the stand. No driving on show day.

Geely Monjaro EM-i

Geely Monjaro EM-i

I’m not sure who thought the name was a good idea, but there’s little doubt that this is a good-looking car from the Chinese manufacturer. With a chassis tuned for European roads, intelligent all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension, this should drive better than many of its rivals from over the seas. The interior looks good, so comfort is guaranteed.

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

The first time I’ve seen the new Tucson in the metal and its far more distinctive than its predecessor. Hyundai does do bold very well and its current range are eye-catching to say the least.

Peugeot E-T16

Peugeot E-T16

This concept pays tribute to the 205 T16 that won the World Rally Championship in the 80s. Whether Peugeot put this into production is anyone’s guess, but here’s hoping. Another car which drew a crowd.

Renault 5 Turbo 3E

Renault R5 Turbo 3E

Not wanting to be left out of the hot hatch race, Renault showed us its ultimate take on the popular 5 model. Again, inspired by the 1980s R5 Turbo rally cars, I think it trumps the Peugeot in the looks department.

A sizzling 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.5 seconds, they say, plus a range of up to 250 miles. Should it be on your shopping list? Just 1980 units will be made globally, but you will need deep pockets to get one. From around £130,000 say my sources. Collectable, most likely, but out of reach of all but the very wealthy. Over half are already presold.

All in all, a great show, with scarcely enough time to see it all. I will definitely return. The Paris Motor Show is back and open this weekend if you fancy popping along.