The recent Paris motor show served as a major platform for Stellantis to display its range.

The transatlantic auto conglomerate unveiled striking concept models across six of its fourteen marques, quashing speculation about potential divestitures.

Apart from the array of Stellantis concepts, other makers offered compelling new vehicles, including France's Renault along with its Alpine performance division and emerging Chinese names such as premium-focused Avatr.

Here, CarExpert editorial staff members reveal their personal top picks from the Paris event.

Alborz Fallah, Founder

Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso concept

The Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso stands out for me due to its classic Alfa styling that sparks desire for the brand, despite limited availability in Australia, followed by the disappointment of learning it remains a showpiece only.

Well, Alfa, that is how it goes.

Marton Pettendy, Managing Editor

Alpine A310 Vision concept

Alpine has operated under Renault since 1971, the year of my birth, and the launch of the current A110 nearly ten years ago prompted me to spend time behind the wheel of both it and an original 1963-1977 model on twisting French mountain roads.

Two facts stood out right away. Alpine stayed truer to the compact, lightweight, budget-friendly rear-drive sports car formula than even Porsche managed.

Additionally, Renault has yet to fully leverage a marque built to challenge icons like the 911 and the Cayman or Boxster, whose next iteration will unfortunately be electric only.

The later A110 used a mid-engine 1.8-litre turbo four positioned just behind the front seats like the Porsche 718, while the classic version featured a rear-engine setup with the powerplant behind the rear axle like a 911.

The core point remains that every A110 has been a compact, agile rear-drive sports car at a reasonable price, delivering special driving dynamics through ideal weight distribution and a pure, mechanical feel at the wheel.

The current A110 coupe ended its Australian run early due to accelerated local side-impact rules, and its replacement arrives solely in electric form.

Renault has indicated the next A110 will use the new APP platform, which also supports the striking A310 Vision concept shown in Paris, and this platform can handle combustion engines as well, with the A310 expected to lead to at least a limited production run.

Should Alpine build combustion A110 and A310 coupes, the underappreciated French brand would finally deliver both an accessible rear-drive sports coupe and a more potent 911-style flagship.

Count me in.

James Wong, Senior Editor - Reviews

Peugeot E-T16 concept

As an admirer of hot hatches and someone who grew up during the Need For Speed period, this WRC-inspired hyper hatch truly excites me.

The design itself shines, offering a wide-body interpretation of the upcoming E-208 that honors the original 205 Turbo 16 while signaling the brand's evolving design direction.

The numbers impress too: more than 600kW, a 0-100km/h time of 2.5 seconds, and a claimed top speed of 300km/h reached in just 16 seconds. Pure madness.

Seeing it live at the Paris show confirmed it as my standout vehicle of the event. Plans for a production version earn extra approval, as the industry benefits from more thrilling cars in the EV segment and beyond, however outlandish they may seem.

VIVE LA FRANCE!

William Stopford, Senior Editor - News

Renault E-Space concept

European makers hold an edge against incoming Chinese competitors through their heritage.

Any new brand can draw attention with significantly lower pricing, yet a Citroen, Peugeot or Renault that evokes strong nostalgia for a past model proves difficult to overlook.

When asked for my favorite Paris show car, the Citroen 2CV came to mind first.

Its exterior evokes the straightforward, cheerful spirit of the original, but the cabin truly impressed with string lights, plaid bench seats and a center console that functions as a removable basket. Clever, memorable and charming details appear throughout.

My main question concerns how Citroen will approach the production model. Retro efforts often stall for brands other than Mini. Volkswagen's New Beetle faded after limited generations, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser ran for just one. The 2CV concept sits so close to its source that it offers little scope for further design growth, unless Citroen intends to produce it unchanged for decades.

Ultimately, the Renault E-Space concept edges it out for me. No other brand mines its archives as effectively as Renault, seen in the 4, 5 and the endearing Twingo. Similar longevity concerns apply here as well.

The E-Space reimagines the Espace, which Renault positions as the pioneer of the modern people mover.

The Espace grew larger over successive generations before shifting to a sleeker crossover appearance in its fifth iteration as demand waned. That version remained attractive, yet it gave way to little more than an extended Austral SUV. It would resemble Toyota launching a seven-seat RAV4 under the Tarago name.

The new concept blends rakish and boxy lines reminiscent of the original Espace, recognizable as a successor yet more of a respectful nod than a direct copy.

The interior feels less distinctive, featuring large screens and an unusual steering wheel that lend it the appearance of a premium Chinese vehicle more than a Renault, though it retains the versatile character expected of an Espace.

Few people movers earn the label cool. The early Oldsmobile Silhouette, the second-generation Toyota Tarago, the third-generation Honda Odyssey and the Honda Jade all qualify. The E-Space concept joins that group.

Damion Smy, Deputy News Editor

Peugeot E-T16 concept

Full disclosure requires noting that I own multiple Peugeots and spend considerable time with 205 owners.

The E-T16 might appear different in sound, scent and demeanor from the 1984 205 T16 road car. Still, the French maker drawing from one of hot hatch history's strongest traditions, while seeming to grasp its meaning for enthusiasts, creates a respectful tribute rather than a shallow copy.

The 205 represented the ideal shopping trolley, with wheels at the corners, striking cuboid styling by Gerard Welter and an interior by Paul Bracq, known for the W113 Mercedes-Benz SL, E12 BMW 5 Series and TGV train.

The 205 GTi added power without much extra weight, delivering exceptional backroad performance and pure joy even on routine errands.

Such qualities appear less often today amid oversized, generic vehicles that respond verbally, offer little assistance and prompt rest when distraction arises from cluttered touchscreens.

How electric power, which tends to add weight yet delivers speed, merges with the classic clever packaging of the small 205 remains to be seen. The E-T16 captures the spirit effectively, marking a solid beginning.

Max Davies, Journalist

Citroen 2CV concept

When discussing the whimsical, few vehicles matched the oddity of the 2CV revival. The Fiat Multiplay might warrant consideration as well.

Labeling the 2CV a concept car underplays its character; it functions better as an abstract artwork or an item suited to a satirical modification segment on classic Top Gear.

The nod to the quirky original 2CV feels somewhat forced despite visible shape and styling influences. The cabin proves so busy it borders on overwhelming, yet it draws me in oddly. Well done, Citroen.

The bench seats, dashboard cylinder, charming passenger-side radio, circular pedals and simplified controls give the 2CV a fresh, playful air without self-seriousness.

The center console basket includes a croissant holder and endless cupholder, and the lanterns add further intrigue.

Above all, it provides a refreshing break from the sharp, aggressive performance concepts on display, even if those hold appeal too. It is unfortunate that a production 2CV will not reach Australia.

Ben Zachariah, Road Test Editor

Peugeot E-T16 concept

The volume of intriguing concepts at this Paris show came as a surprise. After years on the defensive, established automakers appear ready to advance by leveraging their primary advantage over Chinese rivals: heritage. The clue was always in the name.

While the RCZ appeals, the Peugeot E-T16 captured my focus. It clearly responds to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a major success that has ignited fresh rivalry between the French brands. Competition like this is welcome.

As a longtime rally enthusiast, I cannot resist hatches with flared fenders and prominent wings. The E-T16 executes this well from a design standpoint. It offers a contemporary yet considerate reference to Peugeot's history with appropriate restraint. The wheels rank among the most attractive seen recently. The unusual rectangular steering wheel can stay behind, however.

Placing roughly 600kW and likely more torque than a large cruise ship into a three-door hatch remains delightfully extreme. Hopes remain high for production and subsequent spirited E-208 variants.