The Paris Auto Show has put a spotlight on several interesting cars that American buyers are unlikely to ever see on US roads. Peugeot's E-T16 Concept recalls the wild 205 T16 Group B rally special, which won the world Rally Championships in 1985–86. Like the Renault 5 Turbo 3e from last year, it shows that hatchbacks can be exciting, not just humble errand runners. The multifunction steering wheel, however, is less convincing.
Not every buyer wants a small car. Models like the 2 CV or ID. Polo can feel too small for families, and Europeans face the same problem. The original Fiat Multipla from the late '90s, with its challenging styling, was a masterclass in space efficiency, seating six in two rows of three. The Fiat Multiplay concept builds on that idea with a three-row people carrier that transforms into a pickup, with a reconfigurable front seat and a modular "Petsenger" mounting point for pet beds, child seats, storage, or small tables.
The original Renault Espace created the people-carrier segment in Europe almost from nothing. The new E-Space Concept keeps the familiar one-box shape but fits massive 23-inch wheels, making its proportions look more like a toy than the 1984 version. Designers, it seems, remain drawn to oversized wheels even in Europe.
The bigger frustration is the lack of electric minivans. The only one sold in the US, the VW ID. Buzz, sold so poorly that VW suspended imports for a model year. That suggests a US launch for a production E-Space is unlikely.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing