The rise of SUVs has long threatened to kill off the estates and station wagons that we all love, but several European car manufacturers still see a future in them. This includes Opel, which has just unveiled its wild STX Concept in Paris, also known as the Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept. Long live the estate.

European estates have long been characterized by their evocative shapes and low rooflines. The STX Concept checks both boxes and, according to Opel, previews a more emotional, bold, pure, and more efficient design language that will influence future models.

Read: The Stellantis Hot Hatch You’ll Never Buy But Can Still Drive At Home

It’s been more than 70 years since Opel launched the Olympia Rekord Caravan, its first estate, and while the STX Concept looks nothing like it, it’s just as striking. The front end stands out thanks to the latest interpretation of the Opel Vizor with aggressive LEDs that gently fade towards the center. As the STX Concept has been designed around an electric powertrain, the Opel Vizor fills the space that would have historically housed the grille.

What Else Makes This Concept Special?

The hood is quite long given there’s no engine under it, allowing the concept to retain relatively traditional proportions. The wild, two-tone triangular wheel design is very untraditional by comparison, and when in motion, almost making it appear as though the concept is floating above the pavement.

For as sharp and bold as the front half of the car is, the rear is even more flamboyant. A key highlight is the bulging wheel arches and the thick C-pillars that flow seamlessly into the roof and the rear window. Unlike a typical estate, the roof and rear window of the STX Concept don’t gently taper off to a short tailgate. Instead, the window sits more upright, reminding us of the iconic Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan.

Opel has not published any photos of the concept’s interior but says it will build on the ‘Painting with Light’ idea it introduced with the Opel Experimental concept from 2023 and the Opel Corse GSE Vision Gran Turismo launched two years later. Few details have been provided about the concept’s powertrain, other than the fact it has all-wheel drive and delivers enough grunt to send the car through to over 124 mph (200 km/h), a figure that won’t exactly get car enthusiasts excited.

What will get enthusiasts excited is that Opel remains committed to estates through the electric era. According to Opel chief executive Florian Huettl, “the STX Concept gives a taste of how exciting and emotional the estate of tomorrow can be – with maximum functionality and efficiency. The study shows characteristic features that will be found in future Opel models and underlines Opel’s role as an estate pioneer in Europe.”

Nobody likes catching a fever, but that’s exactly the feeling DS Automobiles hopes to achieve with its new concept, albeit a positive fever. Dubbed the DS F3VER and presented at the Paris Motor Show, it provides a look into the company’s future and its “uncompromising vision of mobility.”

The DS F3VER is a bold hatchback that looks very different to any of DS’s current production models. The front-end is based around what the brand describes as a totem; a central element with a darker blue finish than the rest of the front that houses an illuminated DS badge. Wild Y-shaped headlights and LED daytime running lights also scream for attention, as does the silver element at the base of the bumper.

Read: DS Redesigns Their Best-Seller And Gives It A New Name

A silver ring of paint wraps around the concept’s roof, and there are even dramatic blue side windows. The entire rear end wears a darker shade of blue than the front and sides, and while combining two blues might seem odd, it actually works. Helping to bring the design together are the geometric wheels. The car also rocks a ‘totem’ section at the rear, similar to the front.

At 164.8 inches (4.19 meters) long, the DS F3VER is roughly the same length as a new Renault Clio, but it’s much wider at 72.4 inches (1.84 meters). It has a very muscular stance, which isn’t common on modern hatchbacks.

While the F3VER is a concept, DS says it’s quite practical. It rocks a 106.2-inch (2.7-meter) wheelbase and has a 14.1 cubic-foot (400-liter) trunk, so it could work well on a road trip. Of course, practicalities are rather irrelevant on a concept, but it’s nice to know the carmaker is committed to making its future models look good without adversely impacting their usability.

A Look At The Next-Gen DS 3?

According to DS, the F3VER delivers “powerful desirability, extensive ultra-customization and freedom of use suited to every moment in life.” While DS has only described the F3VER as a preview of its future, it’s possible the next-generation DS 3 will take inspiration from it, offering high levels of personalization while blending the practicality and style expected of one of the brand’s models.

Sadly, DS hasn’t shown the concept’s cabin, so we don’t know if it’s also gearing up to modernize the cabins of its future models. Nonetheless, if it can produce a car that looks as striking as this from the outside, it could win over plenty of customers, regardless of what the cabin may look like.

Peugeot has a long history of building some seriously fun and somewhat bonkers hot hatches. That said, this latest creation makes some of the crazier things it’s built look downright sensible. This is the E-T16 Concept, an electric monster that pays tribute to Peugeot’s legendary 205 T16 rally car. It can hit 186 mph (300 kmh) in just 16 seconds, has three electric motors, and looks like something that escaped from a Group B fever dream. And Peugeot says that some of its tech and styling will actually reach production.

The new concept celebrates 40 years since Peugeot’s 205 T16 won consecutive World Rally Championships in 1985 and 1986. That T16 remains one of the most recognisable machines from the Group B era, and the new E-T16 isn’t shy in its reverence. Peugeot Sport says it’s the start of a new breed of “Hyperhatch.” That’s a category I think most of us can get behind.

More: 2027 Peugeot 208 Spied With Sharp Looks, Square Wheel, And New Platform

The E-T16 uses three electric motors, with one driving the front wheels and two powering the rear. Together, they produce 815 hp (608 kW), making this the most powerful Peugeot ever built. That power translates into a 0-62 mph (100 kmh) time of just 2.5 seconds, which even the original Group B rally weapons would struggle to match. There’s more to the engineering than straight-line speed, too.

The concept features torque vectoring across both axles, three driving modes, and a fourth customizable setting. It also gets 15-inch (380 mm) brake discs at all four corners, Michelin tires measuring 275 mm up front and 315 mm at the rear, and a vertically mounted hydraulic handbrake. Perfect for those tough hairpin turns on the Col de Turini.

A new battery cooling system that extracts heat via the sides of the cells, rather than at the base, ensures you can stay at rally pace for longer. Peugeot says the change allows the car to do three consecutive laps at the Nürburgring Nordschleife without dropping power output. Just three laps? If you ever needed a reminder of just how differently combustion cars can approach long stints on a race track, there it is.

Group B Swagger

Visually, the E-T16 takes plenty of inspiration from its famous ancestor. The widened fenders, enormous rear wing, and aggressively sculpted bodywork are clear nods. Winchester Matte Grey paint, silver wheels, and a red illuminated stripe that wraps around the body, are additional hat tips to the original 205 T16.

The rear end swings up just like it did on the original rally car, but this time there’s not a gas engine back there but an electric powertrain. The bodywork also incorporates a rear diffuser with adjustable aerodynamic blades, massive front cooling intakes, and a floating C-pillar designed to direct airflow toward the rear. Again, this isn’t a production car, but boy, oh boy, did Peugeot lay the groundwork for one that would have us all reaching for our check books.

The design previews what we can expect of the next-gen E-208, albeit in a less macho form, Peugeot says. The 2027 production hatch gets the same horizontal interpretation of Peug three-claw lighting signature and the cabin also hints at where future road cars are headed. A curved 21-inch panoramic display stretches across the dashboard, while Peugeot’s unusual Hypersquare steering wheel dominates the cabin.

Steer-By-Wire

That wheel isn’t only interesting because of its shape. It’s connected – or not, as it happens – to the front wheels via steer-by-wire tech. The production E-208 will get the same Hypersquare wheel and steer-by-wire technology. Hopefully a GTI variant might also get the configurable display. Whether or not it’ll also get the carbon fiber bucket seats is less certain.

Peugeot customers have a lot to look forward to even if just a little of this concept’s design and tech makes it to production. But it would be a crying shame if the brand didn’t put something like the E-T16 into production, having now given us a glimpse of what’s possible.

Peugeot

Fiat Multipla fans rejoice, the spirit of the polarizing minivan is back in a quirky concept. The Multiplay is a modular vehicle that transforms from a family-friendly SUV with minivan traits into a lifestyle pickup.

The “3-in-1” concept takes center stage at the Paris Motor Show. In Fiat’s own words, the goal was to combine “the space efficiency of an MPV, the character of an SUV and the versatility of a pick-up”, creating a single vehicle that meets the needs of “a family juggling work, school, sport and outdoor activities”.

More: Fiat Revives The Multiplina And Rolls Out New Topolino Editions

Visually, the Multiplay looks like an evolution of the Fiat Concept Pick-Up from 2024, albeit with a much shorter hood, a different greenhouse, and a revised lighting signature retaining the pixel-style LEDs from the Grande Panda. It also has a generous ground clearance and plastic cladding around the wheel arches looking like a crossover minivan.

Stellantis

However, the coolest feature is its ability to transform into a different bodystyle thanks to what Fiat calls the “Metamorfosi” architecture. The rear section of the roof slides forward together with the third row of seats, turning the Multiplay into a dual-cab four-seater pickup with an exposed cargo are at the back.

More: Fiat’s Cheapest Crossover Hatchback Gains A New Name And A New Mission

In truck form, the concept has a split tailgate, a retractable bed cover and a clever system on the modular floor for securing cargo in place. Furthermore, the roof spoiler can rotate, revealing an integrated bike rack for carrying a pair of bicycles.

Stellantis

The Multiplay measures 4.45 m (172.5 in) long which is shorter than a Jeep Compass. Still, when dressed as an SUV it has a three-row interior with a 6+1 seat configuration designed for family use.

More: Fiat’s New Grizzly SUV Is Hunting The Dacia Bigster, And It Didn’t Come Alone

The number six is used deliberately, as the 1955 Fiat 600 Multipla could seat six people in three rows despite measuring 3.5 m (137.8 in) long. In a similar context, the 1998 Fiat Multipla came with a two-row six-seater layout while measuring only 3,994 mm (157.2 in) long.

The +1 refers to a “Petsenger seat” in the second row, distinguished by the lack of a seatback and the green upholstery. The rest of the interior is bathed in orange, with green details on the futuristic dashboard, a yoke steering wheel and an ultra-wide display. Another cool touch is the front passenger seat which folds down into a comfortable recliner in combination with the cylindrical pillow on the dash.

Stellantis

The automaker didn’t get into specifics about the underpinnings or the powertrain type of the concept. Still, with no room for a combustion engine up front, it is most likely an EV.

Will They Make It?

Fiat insists that the Multiplay doesn’t preview a specific production model. Instead, it was conceived as “a laboratory of solutions for tomorrow’s mobility” meaning that some of its quirks could find their way into the future lineup.

While the “3-in-1” concept is too crazy for production, Fiat could always introduce a unibody pickup based on the underpinnings of the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback. This could adopt a Panda-inspired styling language and eventually replace the Fiat Toro in South America. The production version of the Concept Pick-Up from 2024 could ride on the Smart Car architecture, which is compatible with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

The Mini Cooper, Fiat 500, VW Beetle, Renault 5, Chevy Camaro, and other classics have been resurrected to push our nostalgia buttons over the last 30 years. But the Citroën 2CV was always a glaring absentee from the list, until this week’s Paris Motor Show. This is the 2 CV Concept, and it’s more than a bit fun. A production version arrives in 2028, Citroën promises.

Previous Citroën CEOs vowed they’d never resurrect the iconic 2CV, despite it remaining the brand’s most famous car. More than 3.8 million were sold between 1948 and 1990. But now Citroën, like other legacy brands, is making use of its heritage to remind us why we should stick with it as Chinese automakers take an ever larger slice of the European car market.

Review: Stellantis Gave Citroen C3 And Fiat Grande Panda The Same Bones, But Not The Same Soul

The result is a four-door electric hatch concept that doesn’t just dip its toe in retro waters. It free dives right to the bottom. All the classic design cues are present. The plunging, ribbed hood, the bug-eye headlights on fenders that stand proud of the flat bodywork, and the roll-back canvas roof. But there’s a pumped-up muscular look this time around, and the wide track and 19-inch wheels fill the fenders like no original 2CV ever did.

It’s also around 8 inches (0.2 m) smaller than the OG tin snail, at 148 inches ( 3.76 m) long. Citroën says that size makes it easy to park in cities, but it will also help keep the cost of the production version down to just €15,000 ($16.8k / £12.7k).

Removable Seats, Egg Storage

The interior definitely doesn’t scream ‘budget car,’ even if it does channel the simplicity of the original. The bench seats can be removed for picnics, and a portable hamper on the floor serves as a console and storage cubby. The doors even have an integral egg box. Why? Because the original 1930s design brief for the 2CV called for a car that could carry a basket of eggs across a rutted field without any breakages.

Other retro details include a single-spoke steering wheel and transmission shifter that sprouts from under the dash. But that shifter is hooked up to an electric drivetrain here, not an air-cooled 2-cylinder and four-speed manual.

Citroën hasn’t revealed anything about the motor and battery. But it’s unlikely to be fast, or go far on a charge. The target price makes it impossible. Rival Renault’s base model Twingo produces 81 hp (82 PS / 60 kW) and lasts 163 miles (262 km), which might offer some kind of guide. We’ll find out more in the run up to the production 2CV making its global debut at the 2028 Paris Motor Show, exactly after the original premiered at the same event.

Citroën

Alpine fans might be excited to see the sculpture of the next-gen A110 sportscar in Paris Motor Show, but the company has another ace up its sleeve. A new concept car dubbed PS1 will be unveiled at the same event, likely previewing a future production model.

The PS1 name has nothing to do with the legendary Playstation console, as it is short for Project Special 1. In other words, it will be the first example of the “special projects” pillar from Alpine’s future product strategy, likely positioned above the “Extraordinary Everyday” pillar including the A290 hot hatchback and A390 sport fastback volume sellers, and the “Icons” pillar spearheaded by the A110 sportscar.

More: Americans Might Force Alpine To Put Gas Back In Its New Electric Sports Car

The official teaser is focused on the unconventional headlight design of the concept. When not in use, the lights remain hidden under a cover that sits flush with the flat hood. These covers recess into the bodywork, revealing slim LEDs with the colors of the French flag.

The pop-down headlight mechanism is similar to Eccentrica’s modernized version of the Lamborghini Diablo and sends retro-futuristic vibes. At the same time, this design would comply with safety regulations for production models, unlike the pop-up headlights that pose a threat to pedestrians in the case of an accident.

Alpine

The dark teaser doesn’t reveal the bodystyle of the PS1, but we can still see a portion of the its wide fenders and mirror-replacing cameras hinting at a low and aerodynamic stance.

More: Alpine’s New 911 Rival Is Hiding Under This Little Known French Racecar

The rectangular shape of the headlight clusters and the surfacing are reminiscent of the classic A310 produced between 1971 and 1984. In fact, Alpine is working on a new generation of the grand tourer with a 2+2 layout and a fully electric powertrain. This makes us believe that the concept could preview an upcoming zero-emission Porsche 911 rival, sharing its Alpine Performance Platform (APP) with the next A110.

Alpine said that this will be the only hint before the actual reveal which is scheduled for the press day of the Paris Motor Show on October 12. The PS1 will be showcased next to the new A110 Sculpture, and several examples of the A290 hot hatch and A390 sport fastback with new colors, trims and finishes by the Atelier Alpine personalization program.

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Citroen is ready to shake up the Paris Motor Show with the return of the legendary 2CV. The model is back after a 36-year hiatus, in the form of a fully electric city car with styling references to the original and a focus on affordability. The new 2CV will initially debut as a concept, but a production version is expected to follow in 2028.

The much-anticipated return of the 2CV was officially confirmed earlier in 2026, following years of rumors and speculation which were often dismissed by the company. This means that the French castle has fallen, with a new 2CV joining other reincarnations of iconic designs from the past such as the rival Fiat 500 and the discontinued VW Beetle.

More: Fiat Is Reviving Its Most Polarizing Model With An SUV That Doubles As A Pickup

One week before its unveiling, which is scheduled for October 11 in Paris, the French automaker has published a few teasers of the concept on its social media channels. Citroen Design Director, Pierre Leclercq, has also shared some of them on his profile, with the caption “exciting time”.

Citroen / Instagram

The teasers depict the grooved hood and the semi-circular LED headlights that stick out of the bulbous fenders. We can also see the retro door handles and wheels, as well as the indicators on the C-pillar. An earlier teaser suggests that the new 2CV will adopt a similar silhouette to its predecessor, and wear an illuminated double-chevron emblem on its nose.

More: Cheap Thrills: Stellantis Adds Extra Plastic And Mobile Office To Base Vans

The company said that the new concept “revives an icon of the brand and brings the spirit of the 2 CV into the modern world to make mobility simpler, more accessible, more human and more desirable.”

The urban EV will likely have a smaller footprint than the Citroen C3 subcompact crossover hatchback, effectively serving as a replacement for the discontinued C1 and C2 urban dwellers.

Affordability Is The Key

Citroen / Facebook

Citroen didn’t reveal information about the technical specifications of the concept, other than confirming the fully electric powertrain. The new 2CV is expected to ride on a bespoke platform, designed under the upcoming regulations of European Union for affordable EVs. The same underpinnings will reportedly be used by an upcoming Fiat, continuing the tradition of the smaller Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino, as well as the larger Citroen C3 and Fiat Grande Panda twins.

Review: Stellantis Gave Citroen C3 And Fiat Grande Panda The Same Bones, But Not The Same Soul

During interviews with media earlier this year, Citroen CEO, Xavier Chardon, revealed that the production model should be priced from under €15k ($17k) before subsidies. This would make it the most affordable car by Citroen, as the even cheaper Ami is classified as a heavy quadricycle.

When the model goes on sale, it will face competition from other brands in Europe’s ultra-affordable EV segment. This will be slightly cheaper compared to traditional A-Segment hatchbacks such as the Renault Twingo, Nissan Pixo, Dacia Spring, Honda Super-N, BYD Dolphin Surf, and the upcoming VW ID. Up. At the same time, contestants will be safer and more refined than the dirt-cheap heavy quadricycles.

Filling The Shoes Of An Icon

1980 Citroen 2CV Charleston

The original Citroen 2CV made its debut at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, although the brief for its creation was submitted in the ’30s. This “umbrella on wheels”, also known as the “Tin Snail” was engineered to carry two farmers, a 50 kg (110 lb) sack of potatoes, or a basket of eggs across a plowed field at 60 km/h (37 mph) without breaking a single shell.

More: Citroen Makes Budget Models More Expensive With Stylish New Outdoor Edition

Over its remarkable 42-year production run, the iconic model – named after the two taxable horsepower of its engine – received many incremental updates but retained its signature shape and the unique interconnected suspension setup. By the time the final example rolled off the factory in 1990, Citroen had produced 5.1 million units worldwide.

Other Concepts and Special Editions In Paris

Besides the 2CV, Citroen will unveil another concept at the Paris Motor Show, described as “a surprise that will set visitors’ hearts beating.” The brand’s stand will also include the C3 Aircross Marine Nationale Concept, the new Outdoor lineup (Ami, C3, and C3 Aircross), the Collection series (C3, C3 Aircross, and C4), the C5 Aircross Emeraude special edition, and the GEN4 Formula E racer.

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Stellantis will storm the Paris Motor Show with a number of concepts, and Fiat is getting a piece of the action. The automaker has announced a new Fiat Multiplay concept, referencing both the classic 600 Multipla from the mid ’50s and the modern Multipla from the late ’90s. However, unlike its predecessors, the concept won’t be a minivan and has nothing to do with the Multiplina micro-MPV.

The official teaser doesn’t reveal much about the design of the Multiplay, as it is focused on an oval-shaped insert, likely positioned on its profile. The insert has a modern black pattern and a body-colored section with the overlaying silhouettes of both Multipla models.

More: Fiat’s Cheapest Crossover Hatchback Gains A New Name And A New Mission

Fiat described the model as a “new concept of mobility” promising it will be “flexible, accessible, and radically useful”. The automaker claims that innovation “lies in reimagining space, freedom, and shared everyday life”.

What is interesting is the company’s description of the bodystyle. The Multiplay is said to combine “the open load space and outdoor versatility of a pickup with the comfort and flexibility of an SUV”. The different configurations will be interchangeable in “a few movements” thanks to an “ingenious mechanism”.

2024 Fiat Concept Pick-Up

Despite being presented in concept form, Fiat hints at a potential production version adding that the Multiplay “could create an entirely new category by responding to the way people live today, as the boundaries between family life, leisure, work and adventure become increasingly fluid.”

More: Stellantis Is Using A 15-Year-Old Fiat To Stop Italy From Handing Autobianchi To China

Reading between the lines, this sounds a lot like the Panda-themed Concept Pick-Up from 2024, that could evolve into a potential sibling of the upcoming Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback production SUVs. After all, the Italian brand admits that the concept serves as “a source of inspiration for the future development of products that will complete its affordable family transportation range”.

If this is the case, expect the pickup/SUV to ride on Stellantis’ Smart Car architecture, which is compatible with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

The Multipla Heritage

The original Fiat 600 Multipla was introduced in 1955 with a single-volume body measuring 3.5 m (137.8 in) long and a three-row six-seater interior. It was based on the underpinnings of the Fiat 600, but featured an LCV-inspired cab-over design that proved to be beneficial for packaging.

More: The Fiat Multipla Deserves A Comeback, And This Is The Perfect Starting Point

Decades later, the moniker was revived in the Multipla which entered production in 1998 following the concept from 1996. The compact minivan became notorious for its two-story headlights and unconventional shape, but managed to gather a cult following. It was also able to carry six occupants, albeit in two rows of seats, measuring only 3,994 mm (157.2 in) long.

It remains to be seen whether Fiat designers will infuse enough practicality to the Multiplay pickup/SUV inspired by the ingenious mininvans from the past.

Stellantis has shared more teasers and information about the upcoming Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental (STX) Concept ahead of its premiere at the Paris Motor Show on October 12. The model communicates the brand’s vision for the future of wagons, most likely previewing the next generation of the Opel Astra.

The new teasers are more revealing than the first one, giving us a good idea of what to expect. Overall, the STX Concept is not your typical wagon, as it adopts a sporty stance with futuristic details.

More: This Stellantis Brand Thinks A Wagon Might Make More Sense Than A Hatchback

The front end features an evolution of the Opel Vizor grille, which is now body colored with an LED pattern and an illuminated Opel Blitz emblem. This is joined by the vertical LEDs forming the Opel Compass, and a sculpted bumper with horizontal cooling intakes.

Still, the coolest detail is the view of the profile, with the wide fenders on the rear axle making it look more like a performance model than a family-focused offering.

Opel

Opel said that aerodynamic efficiency played a crucial role in the development of the concept. One example is the design of the three-section alloy wheels, which is said to reduce consumption while offering improved “directional stability and driving pleasure at high speeds on the German Autobahn”.

More: Opel Astra GSE Line Brings OPC-Like Power, But Don’t Call It A Hot Hatch

In a similar context, an earlier press release confirmed that the concept features an “active aerodynamic system that continuously adapts to the driving situation, using moving elements at the rear to optimize airflow, reduce drag and improve stability.”

Sister brand Vauxhall – which also announced a redesigned Griffin logo – has shared an additional image of the STX Concept taken from above. This reveals a pair of vents that create a V shape on the hood and form front spoiler, similar in theory to the fully electric Dodge Charger Daytona. The windshield extends on the hood, with the “TECHHUE” lettering on its base hinting at a new technology.

Vauxhall

Stellantis didn’t reveal the powertrain type of the STX Concept, but judging from their product portfolio it will be either fully electric or hybrid.

More: Opel’s Cheapest New Car Is Now A Family SUV With Three Pedals And Steelies

Opel doesn’t openly admit it, but the sporty wagon is expected to evolve into the next generation of the Astra, which is rumored to abandon the traditional hatchback bodystyle. The compact model has been confirmed to be renewed before 2030 alongside the smaller Corsa. Both will ride on the multi-energy STLA One architecture with an EV-first strategy. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually adopt range-extender tech from Leapmotor.

A potential rival of the future estate from Opel is the next generation of the Skoda Octavia. This one was previewed by the Vision O concept and is expected to hit the road in 2028 with a wagon bodystyle and a electric/range-extender powertrains.

Dacia already sells an eclectic mix of vehicles, and soon, it will add perhaps its most striking and intriguing vehicle to date. Starting next year, Dacia is expected to start manufacturing a production version of its wild Hipster concept in China.

This new model, which could be priced in Europe at less than €11,500, or under $13,000 at current exchange rates, will slot below the all-new Spring in Dacia’s line-up. The same Chinese facility that built the previous-generation Spring will handle production of the Hipster. As for the new Spring, it will be built in Slovenia.

Read: Dacia’s Tiny EV Declares War On Europe’s Overpriced Cars

Dacia unveiled the dramatic Hipster concept 12 months ago. It is incredibly basic and extremely compact, measuring just 118.1 inches (3 meters) long, standing 60.6 inches (1.54 meters) tall, and just 61 inches (1.55 meters) wide. It’s not just the concept’s compact footprint that turns heads, but also its blocky exterior design and the small areas of color, contrasting with the matte grey paint found across most of the Hipster’s body.

Small And Light

The Hipster has been designed to comply with L7e quadricycle regulations in Europe and, as such, it cannot weigh more than 992 lbs (450 kg), excluding the battery, putting into perspective just how compact it is. A final decision on the Hipster’s battery and its chemistry is still pending, but it will reportedly be around 15 kWh.

Autocar understands the Shiyan, China, plant that built the old Spring has been sitting idle since July. Beyond the Hipster’s production being penciled in for this site, engineers at the plant will also aid in the development of the new EV.

Patent images Autoweek uncovered earlier this year show the production version will look almost identical to the concept. Changes include a slightly simpler front bumper and grille, as well as a tiny windshield wiper not featured on the concept. The doors are also slightly different, and there’s a small horizontal bar running across the side windows. Tweaks have also been made to the shape of the rear window, tailgate, and bumper.

Beautiful cars are sometimes likened to sculptures, but French sports car brand Alpine’s latest concept really is a sculpture. The full scale exhibit previews the look of next year’s new Alpine A110 and will be the focal point of the brand’s Paris Motor Show stand this October.

The sculpture reveals the design of the 2028 A110 without revealing too much, if that makes sense. It’s as if someone has dropped a silk sheet over the coupe’s bodywork, then pulled the air out from underneath it. What you see is the shape and contours of the aluminium skin and a hint at some of the details, while still leaving some mystery.

Related: Americans Might Force Alpine To Put Gas Back In Its New Electric Sports Car

Alpine says the tension visible in the blue veil is meant to look like it was caught by the wind, a nod to lightness and aerodynamics. It even claims one of the big inspirations was Concorde, the supersonic passenger jet co-created by Britain and Frances.

But that doesn’t mean Alpine has junked everything we loved about the outgoing A110, itself heavily inspired by the classic 1960s original. The V-shaped nose and dual light setup are still there, and though the sculpture tells us the new car will be leaner and possibly lower and longer, you’re not going to mistake it for anything else.

Design Evolution, Powertrain Revolution

Unless you’ve got your eyes closed when one drives past, in which case you might assume it was a runaway washing machine. Because the A110 is going electric. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July Alpine demo’d the new hardware in stretched version of the current A110 (below) called the A110 Future. That hardware includes a dual-motor rear axle with active torque vectoring and clever wheel-slip control. Today’s A110 is lauded for its agility, but the EV is shaping up to be even more mobile.

It’ll also have an unusual battery arrangement. Instead of having one massive battery under the floor of the APP platform, the new A110 will have two smaller batteries placed at each end of the chassis. That keeps the floorpan low and the driving position and roof, too. It will also help Alpine achieve a 40:60 front to rear weight distribution. An 800-volt electric system will ensure fast charging, though the exact speed and range figures are still secret. As is the weight, which is expected to balloon by 660 lbs (300 kg).

Electric First, Possible ICE Option Later

Also secret are Alpine’s intentions when it comes to combustion power. The A110 was conceived as an EV when it looked like electric cars were set to make gas ones a minority in short order. But while EV sales continue to grow in Europe, where they now account for one in four new cars, enthusiast buyers have signalled their preference for petrol engines. And it sounds like Alpine is listening.

“Before you ask, yes the platform is designed to accommodate an internal combustion engine,” Alpine’s CEO Philippe Krief told British magazine Autocar in March. At Goodwood, four months later, he said a decision over whether to make a petrol model will be made by the end of 2026. If it gets the green light it could take around two years to reach production.

Could Come To America

Although Krief gave no indication of which ICE motor might find its way into the A110’s chassis, there is one obvious source. Horse Powertrain, the company created by Alpine’s parent company Renault and China’s Geely, has developed multiple hybrid engines, one of which is good for 349 hp (354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm).

A combustion engine option would be essential if Alpine ever wanted to bring the A110 to the US – where the current car was never available, and where EV sales are very weak. Expansion to America was previously baked into Alpine’s growth plans, but they were put on hold in 2025, in part due to the introduction of tariffs by President Trump. But Krief revealed this summer that the A110 was being put through US crash tests.

Alpine

Renault is clearly not done reviving past icons with the R4 and R5 production models. The automaker has just launched a new concept car, inspired by the Renault 8 Gordini from the ’60s. The modern reincarnation of the classic rally sedan is a two-seater coupe with a fully electric powertrain and a retro-flavored design. Unfortunately, it is not destined for production, although elements from its design might influence future models.

The original Renault 8 Gordini was launched in 1964 as the high-performance version of the rear-engined rear-wheel-drive family sedan designed for winding mountain passes. The “la Gorde” featured an upgraded engine with nearly double the horsepower of the donor vehicle, a lowered suspension, beefier brakes, four or six headlights, and a blue paint with white racing stripes.

More: Updated Renault 5 Borrows The Clio Williams Look But Gains Miles, Not Speed

The new Renault 8 Gordini Concept evokes the Café racer spirit of the original, looking like a reverse restomod with a low and wide stance. The coupe measures 4.12 m (162 in) long, 1.88 m (74 in) wide, and 1.27 m (50 in) tall, riding on 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Six round LED headlights are mounted on a grille-less V-shaped nose, with flush taillights disappearing into the bodywork when not in use. The coupe also features sporty bumper intakes with a body-colored splitter, boxy and wide fenders, flying buttresses on the C-pillars, a roof spoiler, a rear ventilation grille, and a large diffuser. Of course, it wears the iconic blue livery with white stripes running along the carbon fiber body.

More: Renault Rafale Hypnotic Is The Brand’s Most Expensive SUV To Date

The interior is a celebration of minimalism and a nod to the analog era. Instead of oversized screens, Renault added six round dials with thick bezels, mounted on a brushed aluminum strip on the dashboard. We also find tasteful Alcantara inserts, an aluminum center console with physical switches, and a pair of bucket seats with black and blue corduroy upholstery.

The French automaker revealed that its designers were so enthusiastic about the brief, they submitted over 300 sketches. Alexandre Malval, Renault’s Vice President of Design, said that the goal was “to spark emotion by drawing on both our heritage and modern times, bringing together the icons of yesterday and the future.”

Renault didn’t share information about the underpinnings of the concept, other than revealing it is powered by a single electric motor which is good for 266 hp (198 kW / 270 PS) sending power to the rear wheels.

More: Renault’s $185,000 R5 Turbo Exposes What’s Really Wrong With EVs

While we would like to believe otherwise, Renault made it clear that the R8 Gordini concept is a one-off and it’s not going to evolve into a production model. Instead, it serves as a follow up to homage projects like the R17 electric restomod x Ora Ïto concept car, and the Renault 5 Diamant art car.

The new concept will make its first public outing at the Renault Carwalk on September 24, before being exhibited at the Paris Motor Show next month. Eventually, it will end up at the new Renault Collections museum in Flins which is scheduled to open its doors for the public in around 15 months.

Renault

Stellantis has shared the first teaser of the Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental (STX) Concept ahead of its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show on October 12. The concept is believed to preview a future production wagon, that could replace the Opel Astra before the end of the decade.

According to the automaker, the Opel STX Concept represents “its vision for the future of estate cars”. Opel has been offering family-friendly wagons since the Olympia Rekord Caravan from 1953, while the Sports Tourer moniker is used for the estate variant of the current Astra.

More: Opel Astra GSE Line Brings OPC-Like Power, But Don’t Call It A Hot Hatch

Florian Huettl, Opel CEO, said: “As the name indicates, the Opel STX Concept will give our vision of the future of an aero-efficient estate – a body style that Opel played a pioneering role in establishing in Europe. It shows our next generation design language and feature elements that you will see in future production models.”

The announcement is accompanied by a single teaser that doesn’t reveal much about the design. What we can see is STX concept lettering on what appears to be a portion of the front bumper, featuring a carbon-style finish against a blue or silver bodywork. The company didn’t mention anything about the concept’s powertrain type, but chances are it will feature some sort of electrification.

Stellantis has confirmed that the next generation of the Astra will arrive before 2030. The model will ride on the new STLA One architecture, offering the option between fully electric and hybrid powertrains.

More: This Stellantis Brand Thinks A Wagon Might Make More Sense Than A Hatchback

Furthermore, the Opel CEO has revealed that an estate variant of the next Astra has been locked in, while hinting that the hatchback’s shape may evolve into a non-traditional bodystyle. Reading between the lines, the Astra could evolve into a sporty compact wagon and the upcoming concept might give us a good idea of what to expect.

The official debut of the Opel STX Concept is scheduled for October 12 at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, although the automaker might share more teasers and additional information as we move closer to that date. The wagon will be joined by the GSE 27FE single seater for the upcoming Formula E championship, the fully electric Corsa GSE hot hatch, and the new Astra GSE Line trim.

The Fiat Topolino is the smallest and cheapest offering from the Italian brand, designed as a twin to the Citroen Ami. The L6e light quadricycle classification comes with weight and performance limitations, but it didn’t stop seasoned automotive designer Fabrizio Giugiaro and Italian entrepreneur Lapo Elkann from using it as a base for their latest project.

The two men are close friends and wanted to create something together for a long time. Instead of building an exotic supercar or an expensive restomod, their first project was to “take one of the smallest and most accessible cars on the road and turn it into something surprising – something capable of delivering emotion and fun.”

More: Stellantis’ Cheapest New Vehicle In America Is A $14K Fiat You Can’t Take On The Highway

The result is a pair of Topolino-based concepts created by GFG Style, the design studio founded by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro after leaving Italdesign. The Top. L (Love) is a roofless speedster, and the Top. J (Joy) is a four-seater with a fabric top.

A Tiny Speedster With A Big Attitude

Top. L by GFG Style

The Top. L swaps the roof and greenhouse of the Topolino for a short wraparound windshield. Instead of doors, the concept is fitted with Wicker Ropes, which are available as an option on the roadgoing Topolino Dolcevita.

More: We Imagined Stellantis’ Tiny EV As Jeep, Dodge, And Chrysler Oddballs

Other highlights include redesigned LED headlights reminiscent of the Fiat 500, vintage-style multi-spoke chrome wheels, and a Matte Aquamarine exterior finish combined with matching leather and Alcantara upholstery. According to GFG Style, the attitude of the Top. L was inspired by James Dean’s iconic Porsche 550 Spyder nicknamed “Little Bastard”.

A Four-Seater Version With An Asterisk

Top. J by GFG Style

Next is the Top. J, designed to accommodate four people in an unconventional configuration. The cargo area has been retrofitted with a rearward-facing bench, leaving the legs of the rear passengers hanging over the rear bumper. The additional seats mean that the Top. J doesn’t comply with the L6e regulations, and could only be registered in the higher L7e segment.

More: Citroen’s Funky Buggy Is Back With Gold Steelies And Tube Doors

The model features a cloth canopy for sun protection and tube doors for an open-air driving experience, skipping the windows entirely.

The blue and green livery is inspired by the Ferrari 166 MM driven by Avvocato Gianni Agnelli in the ’50s, while matching the preferences of Umberto Agnelli and Lapo Elkann’s signature colors from his time at Garage Italia. The same theme continues inside the cabin, with blue and green shades for the terry cloth and leather upholstery.

No Changes Under The Skin

The concepts retain the underpinnings of the Topolino. The factory setup includes a single electric motor producing 8 hp (6 kW) and a 5.5 kWh battery for a claimed 47 miles (75 km) of range. While the little Fiat won’t set any speed records, Lapo and Fabrizio claim that “passion for cars has nothing to do with horsepower.”

More: Stellantis Thinks Your 16-Year-Old Wants An 8-HP Abarth

Lapo Elkann said: “Fabrizio and I had wanted to create something together for a long time. We share a friendship, a passion for cars, design and motion, and above all a lateral way of thinking. We had fun transforming the Topolino, playing with colors, materials and volumes.”

The company didn’t announce any production plans, but Fabrizio Giugiaro and Lapo Elkann confirmed their intention to continue their collaboration with more projects in the future.

Not The First Special Topolinos

GFG Style is not the first company to redesign the EV. Back in 2024, Italian firms Castagna Milano and Carrozzeria Garavini took on the same challenge, resulting in a pair of coachbuilt specials available for sale in limited numbers as pricey conversions.

More: Fiat Topolino Gets A Cute Makeover For A Not-So-Cute $50,000

Fiat has also capitalized on customization options for the Topolino by unveiling the Sport and Vilebrequin variants alongside the mechanically-related Multiplina four-seater concept earlier this year. Furthermore, there are rumors about a potential Abarth-branded version of the EV, although any upgrades will be focused on styling.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is one of the most exciting performance-focused EVs, and while it is technically based on a crossover, it looks like a proper hot hatch. The sharp lines of the model inspired independent designer Khyzyl Saleem to create a wild concept, evoking the spirit of the Group B Rally icons from the ’80s.

The model is dressed with a custom bodykit, altering its proportions and making it look ready for the special stages. The front end has been redesigned with a pronounced carbon fiber splitter and extra LEDs on the vented hood.

More: Coga Takes Hyundai Ioniq 5 Beyond N With Very Wild, Very Pink Body Kit

The profile features ultra-wide fender extensions with integrated cooling intakes. The flying buttresses over the C-pillars are reminiscent of the Lancia Delta S4, which is a fitting homage since the greenhouse of the Ioniq 5 sends subtle Delta vibes.

The tail is even more aggressive with a massive wing and an equally large diffuser. The rally car treatment also includes Lexan windows, a roll cage, and a new set of five-spoke alloy wheels finished in black. The designer also created a slightly different version with a smaller rear wing and a bronze shade, looking like a homologation special.

Khyzyl Saleem / Facebook

Hyundai never experimented with a Group B entry, but they retain a strong presence in WRC, competing at the highest level against Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Korean automaker started with the Accent WRC in 2000, followed by the i20 WRC in 2014, and the more recent i20 N Rally1 in 2022. With the i20, Hyundai won two WRC Manufacturer’s titles in 2019 and 2020, and one Driver’s title in 2025 (Thierry Neuville).

Swapping EV For ICE?

Taking inspiration from Hyundai’s motorsport involvement and, despite the fully electric nature of the donor Ioniq 5, Khyzyl said he likes to imagine the concept with a combustion engine. More specifically he wants the “screaming” turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine from the WRC rally car – presumably in mid-ship position – although he would also consider rotary power.

More: Hyundai’s EVs Already Fake Engine Sounds, And Now They Might Vibrate Too

After the latest regulatory changes that removed the hybrid boost from Rally1 contestants, the turbo engines have a maximum permitted output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS). This is lower than the 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) from the dual electric motors of the roadgoing Ioniq 5 N, making us wonder if Hyundai could come up with a more potent hybrid setup.

In any case, the Group B-inspired Ioniq will likely stick to the digital world. Still, the project is part of a broader collaboration between Hyundai USA and Khyzyl Saleem. Last month, the company shared renderings of a Baja-inspired Santa Fe concept on social media, asking their followers which Hyundai model should the_kyza try next.

Khyzyl Saleem / Facebook

Speed thrills, but VW thinks efficiency can too. The German brand has just whipped up a new hyper-frugal EV concept that channels the style and spirit of its bonkers XL1 from 2013. And the range figures are kind of wild.

Called the Mission Efficiency, the teardrop-shaped 2+2 coupe has a fairly conventional front end, but the extended bodywork tapers at the rear over an incredibly narrow track. That slippery shape and runway model-skinny 155-section tires help deliver a 0.158 Cd drag coefficient. For a bit of context, the Lucid Air, the most aerodynamically efficient production car on sale, has a 0.197 Cd.

Related: 5 Surprising Similarities Between Tesla’s Cybercab And VW’s XL1

Under the skin, the Mission Efficiency is effectively the new ID. Polo, an electric hatch that rides on VW’s MEB+ EV platform. A single 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) motor drives the front wheels for a 9-second zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) time. And there’s a 54 kWh (usable) battery under the floor, which is essentially the production Polo’s 52 kWh pack but with the lifespan-enhancing safety buffer removed to squeeze out another 2.9 kWh.

But while a 138 mm (5.4 inches) taller and 722 mm (28.4 inches) shorter Polo equipped with the 52 kWh battery achieves around 5.4 miles per kWh, the concept recorded 6.48 mpkWh. On a real-world 794-mile (1,278 km) trip from VW’s Wolfsburg base to Vienna, Austria, it eked out the equivalent of 412 miles (663 km) from a single charge. Engineers also added a 370 W photovoltaic panel to the glass, which it reckons could be worth 18.6 miles (30 km) of range per day in good weather.

Who Needs Brake Fluid, Anyway?

Other efficiency-boosting tricks employed to achieve that feat include using electro-mechanical rear brakes to save weight by junking the hydraulic lines and fluid. The Polo platform is topped with an aluminium structure, and the doors, trunk and hood are made from CFRP composite. And inside, there’s no infotainment screen or even speakers, the idea being that your smartphone and a portable Bluetooth speaker will do the same job.

Will VW put the Mission Efficiency on sale? It certainly won’t be mass-produced, but ideas like the fluid-free rear brakes could possibly make it to a future production EV. And let’s not forget that VW did sell 250 examples of the original XL1.

Conceived by the VW Group’s late Ferdinand Piech as a kind of economy yin to his Bugatti Veyron’s power-crazed yang, the XL1 was built like a hypercar and featured a carbon body, carbon brakes and gullwing doors. But instead of a quad-turbo V12 it got an 800 cc two-cylinder diesel hybrid powertrain making just 68 hp (69 PS). Zero to 62 mph took 12.7 seconds.

Weirdly though, it was fantastic fun to drive. I had a go back in 2019 (pics below) and was blown away by the feel from the unassisted steering, and the kind of chassis balance you’d expect from a supercar. The ID. Polo hardware means the Mission Efficiency won’t be anything like as tactile. But its mission is even more relevant.

VW, Chris Chilton

Between 2013 and 2016, VW built 250 diesel plug-in hybrid XL1s. Capable of traveling 62 miles (100 km) on a single liter of diesel, it came to life after more than a decade of development. VW is now about to unveil a spiritual successor to the XL1, dubbed the Mission Efficiency.

The new model, created as a battery-electric vehicle, has been teased ahead of a debut this week. Like the XL1 that came before it, the Mission Efficiency aims to go as far as possible while consuming very little energy.

Read: VW’s ID. Polo Waiting List Is So Long You’ll Get A McLaren Sooner

VW will use the Mission Efficiency concept to travel from Wolfsburg to Vienna as part of what it calls a “record-setting journey.” Very little is known about what VW will do on this near-500-mile journey, but it’ll probably try to either make the trip on a single charge using a very small battery, or instead, set out to achieve a breathtaking efficiency rating.

A Modern XL1

The concept car’s design clearly draws heavily on the XL1 from just over a decade ago. Like that car, this one has a sleek, teardrop shape that’ll let it slip through the air with as little disturbance as possible.

At the front of the concept is a full-width LED light bar, along with subtle daytime running lights and an illuminated VW emblem. Sketches of the sides reveal flowing panels and wheel covers at the rear. In addition, the rear end appears to be noticeably slimmer than the front, much like the XL1. The rear features a single light bar and a glowing badge.

In a statement, VW says the vehicle’s mission is “to explore the boundaries of what is possible with a fully functional everyday vehicle that is largely based on production technology.”

Polestar has announced a futuristic concept designed to show us where it’s heading by 2030, just as investors are wondering whether it’ll even get there.

Called Formula 2030, the concept is intended to preview Polestar’s next design era under design boss Philipp Römers. We haven’t actually seen it in full yet, but the sole image shows a low-slung car with motorsport-style vertical windshield wiper. Investors, retailers and selected customers will get an early peek at Polestar’s Gothenburg headquarters before a global unveiling later this year.

Related: $25M Dealer Lawsuit Says Polestar Rigged Its Own US Ban, A Senator Says $35K Per Car Is Why

The brand says the car will provide clues to the next Polestar 2, due in 2027, as well as the upcoming 7. Expect an evolution of the company’s familiar minimalist Scandinavian look rather than a complete reset, with signature details such as its Dual Blade headlights sticking around.

Unfortunately, Polestar’s accountants have more immediate concerns than headlights. The company’s shares recently dropped 29.4 percent following its first-half 2026 results. Vehicle sales increased just 0.4 percent compared with the same period last year, while revenue slipped 4.4 percent to $1.4 billion.

Polestar still lost $842 million during those six months, although that loss was 29 percent smaller than the one recorded during the first half of 2025. The company has also dialed back its planned 2026 production growth, warning that competition remains intense.

Polestar 4 SUV Leads New-Model Charge

There are brighter spots. New products including the Polestar 4 SUV (below) give the company fresh metal to sell, but not in America. The brand is being pushed out of the US after failing to secure authorization to sell 2027-model-year vehicles under connected-car rules targeting technology linked to China.

To add insult to injury fellow Geely brand Volvo received an exemption, despite the Polestar 3 sharing hardware, software and a South Carolina production line with the Volvo EX90. A New Jersey dealer has even sued Polestar for at least $25 million, alleging the automaker had already been planning an American retreat.

The Formula 2030 concept tells us Polestar has plenty of plans for tomorrow. First, though, it needs to navigate today.

Polestar

When Acura revealed the Nexera Vision at Monterey Car Week, we were told not to start saving. The dramatic two-seater was primarily a design manifesto for future models, including the next RDX SUV. But it turns out some important people inside Acura would quite like to build it. 

The Nexera is a sporty coupe that features a long, but low hood, butterfly doors, 22-inch center-lock wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and an active rear spoiler. Its V-shaped hidden lighting previews a signature destined for production models, beginning with the next-generation RDX Hybrid. Acura didn’t reveal what powers the concept, although its packaging – specifically that plunging hood – suggest electric not combustion engines.

Related: The S2000 Revival Honda Won’t Build, Rendered From Acura’s Newest Concept

Though Acura made no production promises, when Motor Trend asked Acura creative director Yasutake Tsuchida whether his vision eventually included producing a sports car like the Nexera, his answer couldn’t have been more encouraging. Or much shorter: “Yes.”

 American Honda president and CEO Eiji Fujimara proved a little more chatty.

“I would like to do this car,” Fujimara told Motor Trend. “I would like to do it with an engine, personally, but we will do what the customer wants, if that’s engine or hybrid or EV.”

NSX Flop Casts A Long Shadow

That’s still miles from production confirmation, obviously. Acura knows better than most that a gorgeous sports car doesn’t guarantee showroom success. The market for these kinds of cars is contracting and the second-generation NSX was technically fascinating but struggled to find enough buyers during its run.

Any Nexera would also arrive as part of a full Acura reboot. Fujimara says the next three to four years are “critical” as the company rebuilds the brand, cuts its hefty incentives and prepares for major changes around 2030.

“PHEVs Don’t Work”

Hybrids will play a bigger role, but not plug-ins, according to Gary Robinson, vice president of auto strategy, who told Motor Trend “PHEVs just don’t work in the market.”

EVs remain in the longer-term plan despite Honda’s recent retreat from them, which involved late-stage cancellations of two electric Hondas and the planned Acura RSX crossover. And it sounds like maybe we shouldn’t bury the Nexera in the concept-car graveyard just yet.

Acura