Jeep might not be part of the massive Stellantis stand at the Paris Motor Show, but it still managed to steal our attention with an unexpected announcement. The European chief of the American brand hinted at a new project inspired by the spirit of the iconic Willys Jeep.

Xavier Peugeot, Head of Jeep Brand Enlarged Europe, revealed bits of information about the future project during a press briefing in Paris. As reported by Autocar, he said that the Willys is a key topic of interest for the brand, and one of several new ideas for future products.

More: 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Debuts With A Lift And Real Off-Road Capability

The high-ranking official clarified that Jeep is “not confirming any concrete launch”. Still, he implied that the Willys project could follow after the confirmed launches from Jeep’s current “Road to 2030” strategic roadmap.

During the presentation, Peugeot showed an image of the Willy’s Jeep next to a wooden crate, featuring a “Not Fragile” stamp. This explains the mysterious teaser of a shipping container shared by Jeep last week.

Review: The New 2027 Jeep Compass e-Hybrid’s Rugged Looks Write A Check It Can’t Cash

Italian media Quattroruote reports that Jeep is currently evaluating ideas combining a compact footprint, off-road capability, electrification, and iconic styling. This suggests that the Willys revival could be positioned in the small segment, potentially below the Avenger and the future Renegade.

Peugeot admitted that Jeep’s values are important to fight the Chinese models in Europe, with the Willys described as “a key card to play.” Still, the project is at an early ideation stage, with the European chief adding: “Give us some time and we’ll come back to tell you more.” 

Jeep

Reading between the lines, a new Willys-inspired Jeep is not expected to hit European markets before 2030. While details are scarce, we picture a small boxy SUV with a no-frills character, an electrified powertrain, and an affordable price tag. However, before the project gets the green light for production, Jeep has several new models in store.

More SUVs For Europe

The company plans to expand its European lineup from two to six models by 2030. The recently facelifted Avenger and the new Compass will be joined by a new generation of the Renegade, the fully electric Recon, a yet-unnamed B-SUV (subcompact) and and a flagship D-SUV (midsize) developed in collaboration with Dongfeng.

More: Jeep’s Next Flagship SUV For Europe Comes From China, Not America

Xavier Peugeot confirmed the upcoming arrival of the Renegade, adding that Jeep “would be mad not to consider it” based on the sales of the original. He also said that the Recon will arrive in Europe in 2027 serving as a fully electric replacement for the five-door Wrangler.

Jeep

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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Peugeot is cooking up something special for the small hatchback segment in Europe. A new generation of the 208 will be introduced next year, armed with the latest technology Stellantis has to offer. The inherently fully electric supermini will be completely redesigned inside-out, as one of the first production models to ride on the new STLA One architecture.

Our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype of the Peugeot E-208 successor during development testing in Spain. This gives us our first look at its design ahead of its market launch which is expected in the second half of 2027.

More: Peugeot’s Pledge To Drop Gas By 2030 No Longer Holds, Confirms Seven New Models

Naturally, the exterior has been significantly toned down compared to the Peugeot Polygon design study from 2025. The production model trades the massive gullwing doors and futuristic greenhouse of the concept for a more conventional five-door hatchback silhouette, similar to its predecessor.

Fresh Styling Language For The Small Lion

SH Proshots

The front end adopts a split headlight arrangement and a fully covered grille. The model will most likely feature three horizontal lines of LEDs resembling the signature claws of the lion, although the camouflage wrap is hiding the middle section making it look like a Lancia Ypsilon.

More: Stellantis Swears Its Rebadges Won’t Be Lazy, But Only Four Brands Get 70% Of The Cash

The profile has a slightly boxier greenhouse inspired by the classic Peugeot 205, leading to a more upright tail with a shorter rear overhang. The boxy taillights also adopt the triple horizonal LED graphics while the roof spoiler extends to the sides of the rear windshield improving aerodynamics.

SH Proshots

The panel gaps of the rear doors hint at the presence of plastic cladding around the wheel arches, a feature that’s optional in the current generation of the 208 and E-208. The prototype has conventional door handles and rides on a set of black steel wheels, that will most likely be covered by aero-friendly hub caps in entry-level trims.

More: Peugeot’s Production 208 GTi Is Here, And It’s Electric

Our spies even got a glimpse inside the cabin, revealing a large digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, part of the new STLA Smart Cockpit alongside a new infotainment display. We can also see bits of the new steering wheel with a rectangular shape. The “Hypersquare”, as Peugeot calls it, debuted in earlier concept cars with four round holes and integrated controls. It will be combined with steer-by-wire technology, allowing more sophisticated autonomous capabilities.

The new E-208 will also be a software-defined-vehicle (SDV) thanks to the use of the STLA Brain, merging all electronics and software in a single unit for greater performance and efficiency.

New Platform

Peugeot has officially confirmed that the upcoming small hatchback will ride on the new STLA One architecture, sharing it with the next generation of the Opel Corsa Electric twin. At launch, it will be exclusively available with fully electric powertrain options, bringing an increased range and faster charging capabilities compared to the outgoing E-208.

More: Stellantis Confirms The Next Astra And Corsa Land Before 2030

The current Peugeot 208 will remain on sale alongside the new generation serving as an ICE-powered alternative with the existing gasoline and mild hybrid options. The model was introduced in 2019 and received a facelift in 2023, meaning it will be 8 years old in 2027. The automaker will also keep selling the E-208 GTi hot hatchback which was introduced earlier in 2026 as the performance flagship of the range.

Rivals And Siblings

When it hits the roads next year, the French supermini will face several European and Chinese rivals in the subcompact EV segment. Notable competitors include the Renault 5 E-Tech, Nissan Micra, Volkswagen ID. Polo, Cupra Raval, BYD Dolphin, Geely EX2, Aion UT and more.

As with its predecessor, the new Peugeot will share its underpinnings with a large number of small hatchbacks and SUVs from various Stellantis brands. Besides the closely-related Opel Corsa Electric that will be manufactured in the same factory in Spain, we expect the same technical base to be gradually applied across the successors of the Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka, Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600, Alfa Romeo Junior, and Lancia Ypsilon over the next decade.

The E-208 will be one of the seven new models set to be launched by Peugeot until 2030. The company has announced two concept debuts for the Paris Motor Show next week, although information on their bodystyle and future role within the lineup remains limited.

There are plenty of ways to deal with an overheating EV battery, but Stellantis has apparently taken a page from China’s playbook. Forget cooling it, just ditch the thing. A newly published patent from FCA US describes a system that can electrically and physically disconnect a high-voltage battery from an EV. Better yet, the car could then use its 12-volt battery to literally drive away from the discarded pack.

The patent, titled “High-Voltage Battery Quick Release System For Vehicle,” was published by the USPTO on September 17. It lists FCA US as both the applicant and assignee, and the document describes the system as a response to situations where a high-voltage battery overheats, becomes damaged, or otherwise creates a thermal event. No question, this is a safety issue, and it’s one we’ve seen many times in the real world.

Read: Ferrari’s New Hypercar Patent Turns The Rear Wing Into A Long Tail

Stellantis’ solution is basically to yeet the battery and then let the car drive away. A Chinese research center demonstrated a similar-sounding idea about a year ago. How the process happens in this case is particularly interesting. First, the driver, passenger, first responder, or another individual needs to activate a quick-release switch. The car, in theory, or at least according to the patent, disconnects the high-voltage battery and decouples it from the car in question.

Notably, the decoupler could use several methods to separate the battery from the car, including frame sections that slide apart or, far more interesting… “pyrotechnic features.” If that doesn’t sound like a Hollywood movie scene come to life, we’re not sure what does. Stellantis also envisions having more than one release switch.

One could be located inside the cabin while another could live in the trunk, allowing someone outside the vehicle to trigger the system. The switches themselves could take the form of a lever, physical button, touchscreen control, or toggle. Plenty of you are likely scratching your heads right about now. How could one drive away if the battery is no longer connected to the car?

That’s where the 12-volt battery comes into play. According to the patent, this battery would provide enough juice to move the vehicle a predetermined distance away from the potentially burning pack. The patent specifically describes the controller commanding the motor to propel the vehicle away after the high-voltage battery has been decoupled. That all said, there are still some questions left unanswered.

Stellantis doesn’t specify how far the vehicle might travel. We expect it to be closer to a few hundred feet rather than a few miles. We also don’t know how serious Stellantis is about putting this into a production car. The patent makes it clear that it could work in all types of vehicles, though, so that’s a touch closer to real than it is to something the brand will stick on the shelf indefinitely. It’s certainly a novel way to remove the threat of a battery-related fire in order to save the vehicle and its occupants.

Photos: USPTO / Stellantis

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.

The new Lancia Gamma is coming at the Paris Motor Show, and the highlight is the range-topping version that has been confirmed to adopt the HF Integrale moniker.

Unlike the iconic Delta HF Integrale rally-bred hot hatch from the ’90s, the new Gamma HF Integrale will feature a fully electric powertrain. Dual electric motors produce combined 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS), offering AWD capabilities. The range in this configuration is estimated at 675 km (419 miles) between charges.

More: The Lancia Gamma Returns As A Fastback Crossover, Not A Sedan

The automaker promised that the performance flagship of the fastback crossover will inherit “the character and sporting spirit that have always been part of Lancia’s identity”. This doesn’t say much but we hope that the model will at least get a sharper chassis setup.

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Lancia has only shared photos of the regular Gamma, but a prototype of the HF Integrale has been spotted testing in Italy without any sign camouflage. The 4.67 m (183.9 in) long crossover was painted in a Nero Vulcano shade, and rode on black alloy wheels featuring white outer rings.

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The bumpers appear to be unchanged from the rest of the lineup, but the side skirts gain HF Integrale badges. The black color of the prototype’s bodywork didn’t allow us to see whether the glossy black cladding will gain a body-colored finish, potentially contributing to a sportier stance.

Interestingly, this is the first time Lancia uses the HF Integrale moniker in a production model since the ’90s. The company recently revived the name on the Ypsilon Rally2 rally car, but the fully electric hot hatch version of the roadgoing Ypsilon is simply called HF, joined by a lesser HF Line which is essentially an appearance package.

Other Versions

Lancia Gamma

The Gamma lineup at the Paris Motor Show will also include the LX trim, shown in hybrid and fully electric forms. Bear in mind that the entry-level hybrid 1.2-liter engine produces 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS). As for the zero emission variants with a single-motor configuration, they get 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) with a 540 km (335-mile) range, or 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) with a 740 km (460-mile) range.

More: Has Stellantis Cancelled The Return Of Lancia’s Delta?

The Lancia Gamma is manufactured at the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy, next to the mechanically-related DS No8. The fastback crossover will soon go on sale in European markets, as the second model in Lancia’s new era after the Ypsilon. The Italian brand had originally planned a revival of the Delta for 2028, but the hatchback has since disappeared from the revised product plan.

Stellantis

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.

Stellantis has introduced two new entry-level trims for the Citroen Berlingo and Opel Combo twins in Europe, making them more accessible and more practical. The base models benefit from a redesigned interior which transforms into a mobile office, and will be available with gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

From the outside, the Citroen Berlingo Van First and the Opel Combo Start have slightly different faces compared to the rest of the lineup. The lower bumper appears to be carried over but the upper portion sheds the body-colored finish for unpainted plastic and gains a simplified design for the grille. The rest of the bodywork remains unchanged.

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

Note that the Berlingo Van has different headlights compared to the Berlingo which is better aligned with Citroen’s passenger car and SUV lineup.

More Practicality Inside The Cabin

More substantial changes take place inside the cabin, making us wonder why Opel and Citroen didn’t apply this treatment to the entire lineup of the Combo and Berlingo vans. The dashboard and door panels have been redesigned with the goal of improving “robustness” and “ergonomic handling” for business owners and fleet operators using the LCVs for delivery services and on construction sites.

Highlights include the extra shelfs on the dash, the new drawer under the driver’s seat, and the standard FlexiSeat for the front passenger. The latter can be folded upwards, creating extra space for packages, tool boxes or other equipment and increasing the van’s total load volume by 0.5 cubic meters (17.7 cubic feet).

More: This Smart Kit Turns Your Stellantis Van Into A Camper On The Go

More importantly, the FlexiSeat can be optionally combined with the ModuTable. This costs €300 ($350) and offers a surface that can be used as an extra shelf with cupholders or as a mobile desk for your laptop. When not in use, the ModuTable can be stored behind the cabin wall in the cargo area. Still, Citroen said that professionals drive alone for about 80% of the time so it will likely be used quite often.

Finally, the FlexCargo/Moduwork configuration adds a third seat at the front which turns into a load-through when transporting longer items.

Citroen Berlingo Van First

The compact vans remain available in two body lengths, delivering a load volume between 3.3-4.4 cubic meters (116.5-155.4 cubic feet). The maximum payload capacity is unchanged at 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).

Multiple Powertrain Options

As with the rest of the lineup, the entry-level vans offer the option between gasoline, diesel and fully electric powertrains, with a mild-hybrid variant set to join the lineup in 2027.

More: Stellantis Turns ICE FWD Vans Into 4x4s With Rear Electric Motor Conversion

The turbo 1.2-liter engine is good for 109 hp (81 kW / 110 PS), while the 1.5-liter turbodiesel produces 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) or 129 hp (96 kW / 131 PS). All ICE variants are exclusively offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, although the upcoming mild hybrid will get a dual-clutch automatic. Finally, the EV has a single electric motor generating 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), and a 42 kWh battery offering up to 270 km (168 miles) of WLTP range.

Pricing

The base Opel Combo Start with the gasoline engine is priced from €22,400 ($26,000) before VAT in Germany, lowering the entry point in the compact van’s lineup by €1,000 ($1,200). The diesel starts from €23,200 ($26,900) and the electric from €28,500 ($33,100).

More: This New Fiat Might Be Stellantis’ Most Halfhearted Reboot Yet

Citroen has yet to announce pricing for the Berlingo Van First, but we expect similar figures with its Opel twin. It will be interesting to see whether the same treatment will be applied to the nearly identical Peugeot Partner, Fiat Doblo, and Toyota ProAce City.

Opel Combo Start

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.

Citroen is one of Stellantis’ most affordable brands alongside Fiat and Opel. However, as proven by Dacia, there is plenty of demand for flagship trims of budget models in Europe. The French automaker is now introducing a new Outdoor edition for the C3, C3 Aircross, and Ami, featuring more rugged styling and a longer list of standard equipment.

Before you get excited about the off-road capability of the hatchback and SUV models, bear in mind that the Outdoor treatment is more of a styling package. Right off the bat, Citroen explains that their understanding of adventure is “not about extreme conditions or long journeys, but about the ability to make every drive more pleasant, more fun, and extra inspiring.”

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

The Outdoor editions of the C3 and C3 Aircross are positioned above the Max trim in the lineup and stand out thanks to several styling updates. The highlight is the redesigned bumpers, inspired by the earlier Citroen C3 Aircross Marine Nationale Concept.

Citroen C3 Aircross Outdoor

The front bumper adopts boxier intakes, Infra Red accents, and a pronounced skid plate finished in gray. The profile gains gray decals on the doors with an Outdoor logo featuring the Migoo comic book mascot. More importantly, the models ride on a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels with boxy spokes and an Infra Red Citroen logo in the middle. Specifically for the C3 Aircross, Citroen added a set of chunkier roof rails.

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

The Sequoia Green shade is new, but buyers can also order the Outdoor specials in Perla Nera Black, Mercury Gray, Polar White, or Bright Blue. At the back, changes are limited to the reshaped silver garnish on the lower section of the rear bumper.

Inside, we find an exclusive graphic pattern on the Advanced Comfort seats with the Migoo mascot laser-etched on the backrests and an Outdoor badge on the dashboard. Furthermore, Infra Red was chosen for the stitching, the seatbelts, and the Citroen emblem on the steering wheel. Naturally, the Outdoor models come standard with a generous equipment list.

Citroen C3 Outdoor

As with the rest of the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross lineup, the new variants are available with gasoline, mild-hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options and front-wheel drive. Note that the French models share their Smart Car chassis and engines with the Opel Frontera, Fiat Grande Panda, the Fiat Grizzly and an upcoming model from Chrysler.

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

The new Outdoor treatment has also been applied to Citroen’s heavy quadricycle. The highlight of the Ami Outdoor is the roll-down fabric sunroof, previously limited to the Ami Buggy. The exterior is finished in Khaki Green with special decals and Infra Red accents. Furthermore, the EV gains a rally-inspired roof spoiler and a set of white steelies.

Citroen Ami Outdoor

Inside, the two-seater cabin has a unique upholstery, the mascot on the backrests, Infra Red seatbelts, and a bunch of optional accessories fitted as standard. Interior amenities include a dashboard storage compartment, bag hook, door storage pockets, floor mats, a central storage net, and a smartphone holder.

The Outdoor special editions will be available to order in the Netherlands starting on October 1, ahead of a wider rollout across European markets. Dutch pricing starts at €30,950 ($35,500) for the C3 Outdoor and at €35,250 ($40,400) for the C3 Aircross Outdoor, positioning them at the very top of their respective lineups.

Citroen Outdoor Lineup

The Opel Astra is one of the most popular compact cars in Europe, but the latest generation never got a proper hot hatch variant to rival the VW Golf GTI. While this is still the case, Stellantis has dialed up the power with a new Astra GSE Line trim, matching the power output of long-gone Astra OPC models in its most potent fully electric form.

Opel used to offer a GSe variant of the Astra with 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS) from a plug-in hybrid powertrain, while featuring sportier looks and a sharper chassis setup. The new GSE Line is a replacement for the sporty GS trim, and will be available with every available powertrain option in the Astra lineup, including gasoline, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric models.

More: Opel’s New Corsa GSE Beats Peugeot’s GTI Using Peugeot’s Own Powertrain

The big news is that the flagship Opel Astra GSE Line will inherit the single electric motor from the new Corsa GSE and Mokka GSE siblings, producing 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS). This matches the output of the turbo 2.0-liter engine in the Astra OPC J, sold between 2012 and 2018. Still, don’t expect it to be a full-blown hot hatch.

Visually, the GSE Line adopts a sportier stance than the GS it replaces and the rest of the facelifted Astra lineup. The front bumper molding is the same, but there’s extra glossy black trim around the side intakes with discreet “GSE Line” lettering.

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

Other changes include the trim-specific LED color in the Opel Vizor grille and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which are optionally available in an 18-inch version. The company only showed photos of the hatchback, so we don’t know whether the GSE Line treatment will be applied to the wagon.

Inside, designers added bright yellow stitching and piping to the steering wheel, door cards, and center armrest, alongside aluminum sports pedals and an optional pair of sports seats with integrated headrests. As with the lesser Astra trims, the digital cockpit comprises dual 10-inch displays.

Opel didn’t mention any chassis tweaks, suggesting the GSE Line will likely get a standard suspension, although that may vary depending on the powertrain under the hood. Note that the Astra GSe PHEV did have a sportier setup, including a recalibrated steering, new ESP settings, and a 10 mm (0.4 inches) lowered suspension with new springs and oil-filled Koni FSD dampers.

More: Stellantis Confirms The Next Astra And Corsa Land Before 2030

Marc Fetzer, Opel Vice President Current Product, said that the Astra GSE Line will show how the “extra sportiness” of the GSE models can be combined with “maximum practicality for everyday use”, while giving customers a “free choice” between powertrains.

The new Opel Astra GSE Line will make its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show next month, followed by a market launch in spring 2027. Opel has confirmed that further GSE Line models will follow later in 2027, likely including the Grandland SUV.

Stellantis

More details have emerged about the new models that Jeep will build in China through its local partnership with Dongfeng Motor Group. Under the deal, Jeep will develop two electrified models leveraging Dongfeng technology and sell them not only in China, but also export them internationally.

Stellantis inked a new agreement with Dongfeng back in May, signaling Jeep’s return to building cars in China after a four-year break. Crucially, this will be the first time that Jeep exports vehicles sold in China overseas.

Read: Jeep’s Next EV Could Be Made In China Instead Of Ohio After Stellantis Deal

Stellantis chief executive Antonio Filosa revealed earlier this week that the newly established $1.2 billion Dongfeng Stellantis Automotive Technology company will develop the two Jeep models at its Wuhan facility, starting next year. Both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric versions of the new Jeeps will be developed.

According to Auto News, Dongfeng Stellantis Automotive Technology will develop and market the new models while the long-standing Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen (DPCA) joint venture will handle production. Dongfeng has said it will provide its core electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies to the partnership. In addition to a pair of Jeeps being built in China, two plug-in hybrid and electric Peugeots will also be built locally.

Like so many other Western brands, Jeep sales in China have collapsed in recent years. Following a peak in 2017, when 203,000 examples of the Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, and Grand Commander were sold in China, fewer than 20,000 were sold in 2022, prompting Stellantis to terminate its joint venture with GAC, which had handled local production of these models since 2014.

The only Jeep models currently sold in China are the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee.

Neither Jeep nor Dongfeng has provided details about which overseas markets will receive the Chinese-built Jeep models. Still, it’s reasonable to assume other Asian nations will be among them, and Europe might be, too.