Blog / 2022 Paris Auto Show Has All-European Flavour

2022 Paris Auto Show Has All-European Flavour

Following last month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit that left many visitors with a bittersweet taste due to the lack of new model debuts and participating automakers, just how different is the Mondial de l’auto a.k.a. Paris Auto Show that kicked off this week?

The French event, which takes place every two years, celebrates its first edition since 2018 as the COVID-19 pandemic shut things down in 2020. Similar to Detroit, it uses a new approach and has a different feel, too. Unfortunately for us, none of the vehicles making their debut will ever land on this side of the Atlantic.

But since we all love cars around here, let’s take a look at three models and concepts that highlight this year’s show:

Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first all-electric production model will go on sale in Europe in 2023 and later in other markets including Japan and South Korea. It features a 54kWh battery that is said to enable up to 400 km of range based on the WLTP standard used overseas—likely less than 350 km if it were offered in Canada. The single electric motor generates a modest 154 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. And while Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to choose from various modes, even Mud, power is exclusively sent to the front wheels as the Avenger is mostly urban-oriented. 

Styling is nice. The Avenger looks sharp and a bit adventurous at the same time. Notice the short overhangs, lower body cladding and fake skid plates in scratch-resistant polymer. However, this little SUV is 16 cm shorter than the Renegade and the trunk barely fits 380 litres of cargo.

Making up for that is a large centre console and many different compartments up front totalling 34 litres of storage—more than double the average in the small-SUV segment. The cabin itself is quite attractive and nicely equipped. Leather seats with a massage function are available, while the 10.25-inch centre touchscreen is paired with a 7- or 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on a body-coloured dash panel.

Renault 4EVER Trophy

The French automaker introduced the R5 TURBO 3E concept aimed at drifting enthusiasts. This car pays tribute to sporty versions of the iconic, 50-year-old Renault 5 including the Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 by combining flashy looks with top-level performance.

However, the model we want to focus on here is the 4EVER Trophy—a rugged, adventure-ready show car that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 4L Trophy humanitarian rally and is a modern interpretation of the Renault 4. It paves the way for the future all-electric small SUV that Renault plans to launch, obviously with less radical styling.

The lighting signature up front is quite unique, just like the design of the 19-inch wheels as well as the sculptural fenders and rocker panels that define the buggy-type vehicle’s tall and muscular stance. We also love the fuchsia-coloured accents. Meanwhile, a spare tire mounted on the carbon fibre roof combines with a shovel and waffle boards on the upper section of the rear liftgate for tackling any situation and emergency.

Hopium Machina Vision

Making its global debut in Paris, Hopium is a young French car company that came up with a hydrogen-powered notchback sedan called Machina Vision featuring super-smooth and elegant lines. The electric motor draws energy from a fuel cell and delivers 500 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of 230 km/h and cover 1,000 km between fillups.

The Machina Vision stands out with a headlight signature that is reminiscent of the stratification of the fuel cell stack and waves on the surface of the water—or so says lead designer Félix Godard. Inside, users can enjoy the uncompromising comfort of a spacious cabin and an unparalleled sky view thanks to an electrochromatic glass roof. The haptic console allows navigation through main menus and vehicle settings in a unique digital choreography.

Too bad hydrogen refueling stations are still so few and far between…