A retro lineup dominates the stands

The Paris Motor Show, open from 12 to 18 October, has turned toward reinterpreted classics, with several French brands reviving their own past models. Media day took place on 12 October. Citroën's 2CV Concept, a 3.76-metre electric car, is the most prominent of them. Its shape borrows from the original 2CV, built until 1990, with round freestanding headlights, visible wipers, a fabric roll roof and flip-open vents under the windscreen.

Inside, a continuous front bench, a column-style gear selector recalling the original and a horn set into the indicator stalk sit beside an 8-inch touchscreen. Egg compartments and a removable radio add playful touches.

Citroën plans a production run

Unlike many concepts, the 2CV comes with concrete series plans. Reports say it is due on sale within two years at prices around 15,000 euros, and a van version called Fourgonnette is also planned. Blick says it is uncertain whether that van will reach series production. Focus adds that the car would be built in Europe and join the range by 2028. Stellantis chief designer Gilles Vidal said the study already matches the series model in its exterior design. Range is expected to be modest, with Blick citing at most about 300 kilometres.

Renault and Peugeot bring back icons

Renault's E-Space Concept is 4.70 metres long and draws on the first Espace from 1984, combining boxy proportions with large glass areas and 23-inch wheels. Six single seats sit on a flat floor, and the second-row seats turn 180 degrees to face the others. A 1.13-metre panoramic display dominates the cockpit. According to n-tv and DIE WELT, the technology is intended for future Rafale and Scenic generations, while series production of the van itself is not yet set.

Peugeot's E-T16 Concept, a nod to the 205 T16 rally car, has three electric motors and 816 hp. On paper it reaches 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 300 km/h in 16 seconds. An 800-volt system with an 85 kWh battery is claimed to deliver up to 400 kilometres and to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 15 minutes. Blick expects the car to stay a concept, though some of its features may reach the next e-208.

Alfa Romeo, Opel and the view from abroad

Alfa Romeo's Cuorerosso concept, also 4.70 metres long, is a coupé driven by a V6 biturbo with hybrid assistance rather than electric motors, and its power figures have not been disclosed. Alfa presents it as a preview of future design. Opel's STX Concept, a 4.70-metre estate with a sharp rear, shows where the brand's design is heading in the coming years, according to Blick.

Commentary in Frankfurter Allgemeine argues that the main advantage most European brands hold over Chinese rivals is their history. An Ars Technica columnist expects none of the concepts to reach the United States.

Macron joins the show

Security moved visitors away from the French brand stands when President Emmanuel Macron arrived to look at the new cars. Frankfurter Allgemeine described the French concepts as evoking the Trente Glorieuses, the years up to 1972 when France's economy grew strongly, with revivals of the new 2CV, the R8 Gordini and the Alpine A310.