Cars Classic-Car Classifieds

Even though all the spotlights were turned on the new Insight Hybrid
Honda’s Paris Motor Show stand also hosted another interesting premiere
that will definitely seize the attention of the brand’s hardcore fans.
As the name clearly points out, the limited edition Civic Type R is
offered for the first time since the introduction of the latest
generation model in 2007, in a white paint finish.

The refreshed 2009 Mazda MX-5 / Miata made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show. The most apparent changes concern the more aggressively styled front end that incorporates elements from Mazda’s newer models like the larger grille as well as new headlights and fog lamp surrounds. Furthermore, Mazda’s designers restyled the side skirts, rear bumper and the tail lights which now feature a more elliptical motif while the alloy designs are also new. Additionally, the hartop Roadster Coupe now sports a mesh grille framed by a chrome ring and chrome detailing on the headlamp inner bezels and outer door handles.

Sign of the times? Perhaps, but fact is that Pininfarina’s Paris Show surprise debut was neither a Ferrari nor a Maserati. Instead the famous Italian design house presented an all-electric city car called the B0 –with a zero and not an ‘O’. The B0 is the result of a partnership between Pininfarina and Bollore, a French company that specializes in components for capacitors. Interestingly, Pininfarina claims that the B0 is not a prototype as it will be mass produced with the first units coming off the production line at the end of 2009, after which production will be ramped up gradually based on the availability of the batteries.

Even Land Rover was spellbound by the fellowship of ‘the green automakers’ at this year’s Paris Motor Show as the Brits introduced their most fuel efficient vehicle ever, the Freelander 2 TD4_e Stop/Start. As you may have guessed, this Freelander which uses the standard 160HP 2.2-liter diesel engine comes equipped with start and stop system, a first for Land Rover. The system basically shuts down the engine in appropriate conditions therefore saving fuel that would otherwise be used when idling. But that’s not all as the more eco-conscious Freelander also includes a series of additional enhancements that help improve fuel economy.

We’re not sure if the name ‘WallysCar’ has something to do with the fact that the original Jeep was made by a company called Willys, but what we’re certain of is that the Izis replicates the appearance of the classic American off-roader, or at least in a comical sort of way. The mini-me Jeep is a plastic-paneled body-on-chassis off-roader that comes equipped with a Peugeot –sourced 1.4-litre TU3A petrol engine delivering 75 HP.

Now it’s time to drool all over the most desirable Renault Megane Coupe ever. ‘Its awesomeness’ is a competition version powered by a mid-rear mounted, Nissan / Infiniti sourced 3.5-liter V6 engine tweaked to develop 360 HP. The new Megane Coupe Trophy will take part in the 2009 season of the World Series by Renault (WSR) which is a single-seater car championship that has been running in Europe since 2005. Hit the jump for more live pictures of the Megane Coupe Trophy from Paris or click here to read all the details on Renault’s latest competition model.

Set to be launched early in 2009, the i20 took its place for the first time on Hyundai’s stand at the Paris Auto Show. The Korean brand’s new proposal that replaces the aging Getz will compete in the European supermini segment against the Ford Fiesta and its ilk. Initially, the i20 will be offered in Europe as a 5-door hatchback with the 3-door variant scheduled to be introduced in January 2009.

The all-new third generation Toyota Avensis made its world premiere at the Paris motor show. Toyota’s European flagship model will go on sale across the continent in January 2009 where it will be offered with two body-styles, sedan and station-wagon. Designed in Europe, the Avensis’ exterior styling is deliberately inspired from the latest generation Lexus models (which in turn take a few styling cues from the Bavarian brotherhood) as Toyota wanted to offer an executive feel to its mid-size model. While the new Avensis is definitely less boring than its boxy predecessor, it won’t be winning any beauty contests.

At the Paris Motor Show Peugeot took the wraps off the Prologue Concept which is in effect a pre-production version of the 3008, a compact crossover expected in late 2009 that combines elements from SUV and MPV (minivan) vehicles. While it is common sense that Peugeot will manufacture the Prologue / 3008 at one of its French sites, according to a report from Automotive News citing unnamed company sources, the compact crossover will also be produced in a new plant that the group PSA is building in cooperation with Mitsubishi in Russia.