Paris Motor Show 2026: The new cars worth a real buyer's attention

Every two years, the Paris Motor Show shows how wide the gap is between what carmakers present and what ordinary drivers can actually buy. This year's show runs from October 12 (press day) to October 18, and most of the attention will go to concepts and show cars. Here are the models that matter more if you are choosing a car for the next few years.

Fiat Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback: the family car, simplified

Fiat's two new SUVs are built around practicality. The Grizzly is 4.4 metres long and the Fastback 4.5 metres, yet the Fastback still offers a 600 litre boot. Engines include petrol, mild hybrid and an electric version, with up to 145 hp and a manual or automatic gearbox depending on the market. Sales are expected in the last quarter of 2026. The big question is the price, which Fiat has not announced yet.

Lancia Gamma: a brand trying to come back

Lancia returns to the midsize crossover segment with a fastback shape, a length of 4.67 metres and production at its Melfi plant in Italy. The range opens with a 145 hp hybrid and a claimed range of more than 1,000 kilometres. Keep in mind that this is a claimed figure, and real consumption will depend on how and where you drive.

Hyundai Tucson: the quiet, important one

This is not a concept. The Tucson is Hyundai's best-selling model in Europe, and the new generation arrives with a boxier design. According to early information, the 1.6 mild hybrid with 193 hp now gets an 8-speed automatic, and the full hybrid rises to 245 hp. For someone who actually buys a car, it may be the most interesting new model on this list.

Citroën 2CV: a headline, not a car

Citroën is expected to show a new 2CV, but only as a concept. It will get a lot of attention, yet it is not something you will find in a showroom any time soon.

What to take away from Paris

Show cars are exciting, but your next car has to fit your own life. Claimed ranges, horsepower figures and launch prices never tell the whole story. That is exactly what KAR AI is built for: a short multiple-choice questionnaire of about 2 minutes, combined with real-time market data, to find the cars that truly suit you.