Volkswagen Golf

Continuing a 36-year lifespan which has racked up 29 million sales worldwide, Paris will mark the introduction of the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf ahead of its October sales launch. Up to 100kg lighter than the outgoing car, the engine range at launch comprises two diesel engines starting at 99g/km, and two TSI petrol engines starting at 112g/km. Selectable driving modes, and a smartphone-like touchscreen infotainment are among a raft of features which will be fitted across the range. AG

Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Citroën is adding another string to the popular DS3’s bow, introducing a Cabrio version with a fabric sliding mechanism similar to the Fiat 500C. The roof is available in a choice of three colour schemes, which are matched to parts of the dashboard, and can be opened at speeds of up to 75mph. Most importantly, it also allows Citroën to compete for soft-top sales of the 500 and MINI. AG

Ford Fiesta

Ford has given the Fiesta a major mid-life refresh, with a bold new grille similar to next year’s all-new Mondeo, LED running lights, as well as voice-activated in-car connectivity system Ford SYNC, Active City Stop and the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 100g/km or less. Prices are expected to remain at current levels. SM

Chevrolet Trax

Sharing its platform with the Vauxhall Mokka, Trax introduces a small SUV model underneath the Captiva in the Chevrolet range. Powertrain options are similar to the Mokka’s, comprising of a 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.7-litre diesel with two or four wheel drive, and a 1.6-litre petrol with front wheel drive only. Trax also gets a new MyLink infotainment system with smartphone integration. AG

Toyota Auris

Toyota’s range refresh continues with the Auris, which will be shown at Paris with petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains. Set to be built at the carmaker’s factory in Burnaston, it features a more aggressive front end, more tactile interior materials and is up to 40kg lighter than the model it replaces. Hybrid versions will have a battery under the rear seat, like the Yaris, rectifying the loss of boot space in the outgoing car. AG

MINI Paceman

The Countryman has broadened MINI’s horizons in fleet, allowing it to compete for sales in the lucrative B-segment. Alongside the Cooper S Works version due to be shown at Paris,  MINI will reveal the Paceman three-door version. Marked out by a floating, steeply-raked roof and more muscular rear shoulderline, its engines and ALL4 four-wheel drive are likely to be carried over from the Countryman. SM

Suzuki S-Cross

Suzuki is renowned for building small cars and SUVs, and both are employed in the S-Cross, a C-segment crossover concept which is said to hint at a forthcoming production model. The carmaker has released only a design sketch before the show, previewing sharper new styling and a Kizashi-like front end. Expect the production version to feature two and four wheel drive in line with key rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan. AG

Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept

First shown at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, Peugeot’s B-segment concept gets its European debut at Paris and is likely to arrive in showrooms badged as the 2008. Slightly smaller than a 308, the concept features claw-like rear lights and trapezoidal grille from the 208 with an RCZ-style double-bubble roof, and could offer a competitive alternative to the Škoda Yeti and forthcoming Vauxhall Mokka if launched with Peugeot’s low-CO2 e-HDI powertrain. AG

Vauxhall Adam

Hoping to muscle in on the fashionable A-sector, Vauxhall’s ADAM will launch with a wide range of exterior and interior colour options, including two-tone paint, wheels of up to 18 inches and LED-emblazoned “starlight” headlining. The first models will arrive in UK showrooms in early 2013, with a choice of colourful, luxurious or sporty trims, an internet-connected infotainment system and three four-cylinder engines. AG

Range Rover

Range Rover has put a focus on shedding weight with its new full-size model, with a 39% lighter bodyshell saving up to 420kg in some models with benefits for handling and economy as a result. Instantly recognisable as a successor to the outgoing car, it features Evoque-esque styling and will launch with a choice of V6 and V8 diesels and supercharged petrol engines, and could also be the first model with a hybrid drivetrain. SM

Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar’s long-awaited sub-XF sports car will be unveiled in Paris ahead of its sales launch in mid 2013. The production version will be built at the carmaker’s Castle Bromwich plant, and is expected to look similar to the C-X16 concept shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September. It launches as a convertible, powered by supercharged V6 and V8 petrol engines, but a hybrid version in line with the concept car has yet to be confirmed. AG

Kia Carens

Kia has finally updated the Carens mid-size MPV, the last-but-one model not to receive the stylish lines of design chief Peter Schreyer. The new version takes the outgoing car’s practicality and packages it in a bodyshell which looks like a scaled up Cee’d, featuring a low roofline, larger wheels and longer wheelbase than its predecessor. Expect a full package of EcoDynamics fuel-saving measures too. AG

Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

Mitsubishi is claiming sub-50g/km CO2 emissions for its first plug-in hybrid, with acceleration said to be similar to a V6 petrol engine. The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid will be the first production electric vehicle with permanent four-wheel drive, driven using a motor at each axle and with a small petrol engine working as a generator and providing extra power to the front wheels. AG

Renault Clio

Paris will mark the world debut of the fourth-generation Clio, which sheds an average 100kg compared to its predecessor and features a lower, wider chassis setup for improved agility. New Clio will only be offered with five doors, but comes with a range of personalisation options, the tablet-style R-Link infotainment system similar to the ZOE and new engines including the 99g/km three-cylinder TCe 90 petrol and 83g/km dCi 90 diesel. SM

In Brief

Audi is rumoured to be extending the new A3 range at Paris, unveiling the five-door Sportback and sporty S3 at the show. A convertible version of the 4.2-litre RS5 will also be on display. 

 Fiat will complete the Panda range with a new 4×4 version, including an 85bhp TwinAir petrol engine for the first time and a more efficient 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel.

SEAT’s new Leon is the second Volkswagen Group car to receive the new MQB platform, after the Audi A3, and makes its public debut at the show. Multiple body styles will be offered for the first time, potentially including an ST estate and three-door SC.

Honda will use the Paris Motor Show to announce full details of the sub-95g/km Civic 1.6 diesel, likely to be a key part of its fleet growth plans, as well as the first public showing of  the European-spec new CR-V. A sub-120g/km 1.6-litre diesel CR-V is expected to launch in 2013.

Dacia is taking its first steps into the UK with the Duster compact SUV, which will be followed by the Sandero supermini due to be unveiled at Paris. Released in the UK next January, it will be priced under £7,000 making it one of the cheapest cars on sale.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a limited-edition electric version of the SLS coupe next year. The SLS AMG E-CELL features a battery-electric drivetrain with 535bhp and 649lb.ft torque, yet produces no tailpipe emissions.

Volvo will add an R-Design trim to the V40 hatch next year, featuring larger wheels, a sports bodykit and interior styling parts. For the first time, firmer suspension will be optional, allowing drivers to have sporty looks without affecting the ride quality.