Hyundai, Kia heat up Paris Motor Show

Kia showcases new ProCeed, Hyundai adds 3rd N model

By Nam Hyun-woo

PARIS — The Paris Motor Show kicked off its 120th edition at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on Tuesday, with global carmakers debuting a slew of new attractive models to target the still growing European market.

During a media preview Tuesday, Kia Motors debuted the ProCeed “Shooting Brake,” while Hyundai Motor revealed the i30 Fastback for the first time, adding the third model in its high-performance N lineup.

Along with the Korean automakers, a slew of global car manufacturers also showcased their latest vehicles during the massive automobile exhibition, which will open to the public Thursday and last until Oct. 14.

With more than 200 car manufacturers and parts makers participating in this year’s edition, the biennial event in Paris is one of the largest motor shows in the world along with those in Geneva, Frankfurt and Detroit. However, a number of big names including Volkswagen, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles were absent from the exhibition, amid the international trend of downsizing and the tech-centric move at automobile events.

Instead, the participants of the Paris Motor show shifted their focus from technology showcasing to actual sales in the European market, which saw a 6 percent growth in the first eight months of the year.

At the show, Kia Motors debuted the new ProCeed, throwing an ambitious challenge to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

With its look of a mix between an estate-like front and a coupe-like rear end, the new ProCeed is a sporty, five-door version of Kia’s popular Ceed hatchback. It will retail in the European market in the first half of next year, coming in four powertrains — 1.0 liter, 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter T-GDI engines, and 1.6 liter diesel.

Kia Motors said the car is focused on reflecting European drivers’ preference for the three-door hot hatch, and demand for an accommodating and daily driving car at the same time.

“With more than 1.3 million Ceeds sold (in Europe), it has underpinned our success for over a decade,” Kia Motors Europe Chief Operating Officer Emilio Herrera said. “The ProCeed will drive Kia to even greater success. Building on the same emotion as the Stinger, I have no doubt that it will be as groundbreaking for Kia as the Ceed was in its 2006 debut.”

Across the booth, Hyundai Motor unveiled the latest variant of its N lineup, the i30 Fastback N, which is a longer and lower version of the i30 N hatchback.

Looking more like a compact sedan, the Fastback N is based on the powertrain of the i30 N, which features a 2.0-liter turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission yielding 275 horsepower and maximum 36 kilogram-force meter per second torque. It is scheduled to retail in the European market later this year.

Among global auto giants, Mercedes-Benz had the most active presence at the show, introducing three new cars in a world premiere _ the new GLE SUV, the new B-Class and the AMG A35 4MATIC.

The new GLE is the newest edition of the German carmker's best-selling SUV, featuring a new engine, an aerodynamic exterior makeover and expanded driver assists.

The new B-Class sports tourer is also powered by a brand new engine, which the carmaker said has improved efficiency and eco-friendliness, as well as advanced drive assist technologies.

The Mercedes-AMG also garnered keen attention with its new AMG A35 4MATIC hot hatch. Based on the new A-Class model, the new model is sitting on a 2.0 liger V4 turbo engine yielding 306 horsepower.

BMW debuted the seventh generation 3 series featuring a more futuristic face, five engine lineup, lighter body and driver assists, while Audi introduced the new Q3, SUV and A1 softback and a facelifted version of A4 sedan.

French brands also made aggressive pitches on their home soil.

Renault showcased the EZ-Ultimo robo vehicle concept for the first time at the show, wowing the visitors. This is an autonomous electric vehicle for luxury shared mobility services. Available on-demand, Renault said the EZ-Ultimo caters to people looking for a premium tourist experience. It is the premium version of Renault's EZ concept series vehicles aimed at autonomous transport services.

Citroen world premiered the new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the brand's electrification leadoff which is expected to be retailing in 2020. Citroen seeks to fill 80 percent of its vehicle lineup as electric or hybrid cars and raise the number to 100 percent by 2025.

Peugeot also presented the new 508 SW station wagon, the e-LEGEND Concept full EV and its new hybrid plug-in engines for the first time.