2006 Paris Auto Show, Part VI

 

 

2006 Paris Auto Show Index by TCC Team (9/25/2006)

 

Citroën C-Metisse

The C-Métisse is a concept for a five-door sedan curiously mated with a sports car. The extravagant concept is a technical showcase for an efficient 208-hp 2.7-liter V-6 diesel engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both rear wheels sport electric motors for an additional 20 hp each, making for all-wheel drive. The concept Citroën can exclusively run on electric power in traffic jams of2 miles at approximately 20 mph.

 

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Peugeot Epure

Peugeot unveiled the Epure, the concept for the coupe-convertible model of the 207. We expect the production version will be more or less the same, minus the concept’s hydrogen fuel-cell powerplant. The concept uses hydrogen to create 20 kW of electric power and to give the vehicle a range of over 200 miles. Hydrogen cylinders are stored under the trunk floor. The gas-powered (and diesel) 207 CC is expected to arrive in 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Renault Nepta

Renault may wish to have this dazzling four-seat convertible right now for its lineup, but the company is unlikely to build the Nepta. The convertible is powered by a V-6 twin-turbo engine with 420 hp, which could propel the Nepta to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. It is combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission, Renault’s first.

 

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Renault Koleos

Paris also was the stage for Renault’s first SUV, the Koleos concept. It is a design study for a compact sport-ute that is likely to arrive on the market in 2008. The Koleos is based on a new 4WD platform. Its 180 hp comes from a new 2.0-liter diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The design comes from Renault’s Korean design center, hence the benchmark competitors: Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

 

 

 

 

 

Renault Twingo

Renault’s Twingo concept seems close to the production model that is due to arrive in the spring. The original Twingo debuted in Paris in 1992 and with a life cycle of fourteen years, it is one of the oldest models available on the European market. The new version has grown somewhat, but still is just 142 inches long. With a large radiator grille, sporty bumpers and large 17-inch wheels, the concept looks aggressive. With a 1.2-liter engine with turbocharging, the small Renault has 100 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. On paper that may not be much, but the new Twingo will probably not exceed 2000 pounds. The Twingo has a modern and practical interior with a lot of stowage possibilities, a steering wheel with a flattened lower section for more space and the possibility to cool cans of drinks in a special compartment in the boot.

 

Hyundai Arnejs

The new Hyundai Arnejs concept is based on the Kia cee’d crossover also show in Paris . The Arnejs is still a concept car, but we expect the production version, which will debut at the Geneva auto show in March, to be pretty much the same. There will be a five-door hatchback and a station wagon, while a compact minivan and a coupe-convertible are also planned.