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There was a palpable sense of irony to this year's Paris Motor Show, not least by the fact that just the day before the show opened, the French capital hosted its annual car-free day. And yet 24 hours later, eight halls were filled with more than 60 world premieres from the world's leading car manufacturers.

This was exacerbated by a line-up of new models dominated by SUVs yet also offering greener developments such as BMW's hydrogen-powered H2R Record Car: the forerunner to the forthcoming hydrogen powered 7 Series. Using an adapted version of the 6.0-litre 12-cylinder engine from the 760i, the H2R offers 232bhp, a 0-62 sprint of 6s and atop speed of 188mph.

This seemed in stark contrast to the many beefed-up SUVs on display. Yet while the presence of so many 4x4s seemed to add salt to the environmental wound, all was not as it seemed. For many manufacturers the show provided the opportunity to display some of the developments that are being made to improve the environmental credentials of their 4x4 ranges. These include Kia which proudly displayed its Sportage fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) which advances on the marque's previous technology with a higher output 80kW fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer 152V battery. This gives higher performance, a greatly extended driving range and cold-weather starting capability to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

Hybrid technology also made it to the show on Chevrolet's stand in the form of its S3X offroad concept. Not only did this SUV give a glimpse into future propulsion systems, it also offered a preview of possible styling cues for future Chevrolet models, with its powerful flared wheelarches and metal inserts in the front and rear bumpers. Following the recent announcement that Daewoo models in the UK are to be remarketed as Chevrolets, it seems likely that we will see a lot more of this marque on these shores.

The environmental impact of so many SUV launches was also lessened by the fact that many were present in smaller forms. Not only did Kia's Sportage small SUV show the technology and looks of the Sorento in a smaller package but visitors were also treated to displays of Hummer's shrunken H3 model. Diesel SUVs were also represented by BMW's X3 and Nissan's new seven-seater Pathfinder. On the flip side of the coin, Volvo revealed its latest XC90 featuring the marque's first V8.

While SUVs may have been present aplenty, so were the more usual fleet cars as the show played host to a number of significant fleet launches. For many, the new Ford Focus--the marque's most important launch of the decade--dominated the event as its new styling, increased specification and new technologies were displayed to the public for the first time. Not only has Ford expended its efforts on bringing down the cost of its major fleet player, but it has also introduced some interesting new technologies to the model. These include its KeyFree system, adaptive front lighting and solar reflect windscreen.

While Ford may have yet again raised the bar, a number of other new models showed how things are hoeing up for fleets. They certainly don't get much hotter than the three-door Astra Sport Hatch which features a panoramic windscreen to give driver and front passenger an almost unlimited field of vision. Heat absorbing glass and a shading system protect against the elements while strong A and B-pillars are said to ensure rigidity. Available as an option, the panoramic roof will follow the Astra Sport Hatch to market in late summer 2005.

Hotter still, the Astra High Performance Concept (HPC) gave a taster of the performance version of the Astra. Its 20-litre turbo engine with its 240bhp and 310Nm has certainly had Company Car staff drooling ...

As have Citroen's new C4 and C5 ranges, which are set to take the company car market by storm. While these models definitely present some major developments in terms of styling, perhaps even more interesting is the technology that they will be pioneering--including the Involuntary Lane Departure Warning System that is intended to help stop drivers from drifting across lanes of traffic. And the multifunctional fixed centred controls steering wheel that will help revolutionise the driver airbag.

For those looking for "the ultimate zoom-zoom saloon", the Mazda6 MPS (pictured centre) was there to show off its newly developed direct-injection turbocharged 2.3-litre MZR petrol engine with its 260PS of power and 380Nm of torque This has been combined with an all new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive system to enhance handling.

Also making its debut, the Audi A4 gave a taster of how it is going to shake up the compact executive market. Essentially a brand new car, the A4 features a new bodyshell with the--now trademark Audi single-frame trapezoidal front grille, plus four flew engines and an extensively upgraded chassis.

While the new 20-litre turbocharged FSI petrol and the 3.2-litre V6 FSI will no doubt be of interest to some, prime fleet attention is set to be focused on the ubiquitous 140PS 2.0 TDI and a 3.0 TDI V6. In all, 10 engine choices will be available from January.

Diesel power was also paramount at BMW's stand as the marque unveiled its 320Cd convertible powered by a 150bhp, 330Nm Euro IV-compliant unit. Times have changed since the 3 Series launch last year when BMW told Company Car that its drivers would never want a diesel convertible--current statistics show that a sixth of all BMW sales are convertibles while more than a third of all BMW UK sales are diesel.

As the automotive market evolves, manufacturers are increasingly proving their desire to balance environmental pressures with customer demands. This year's line-up shows how their efforts are paying off.

CONCEPT CARS BRANCH INTO NEW TERRITORIES

While attention may have been focused on Paris's extensive line-up of SUVs, there were a number of stunning concept cars ready to steal the limelight as manufacturers played with genres.

Mercedes' Sports Tourer concept, which combines styles such as sporty saloon, estate, van and SUV, was present in two versions. The 'Vision B' compact version, uses a stretched A-class chassis but arranges the engine and transmission both in front of and beneath the passenger cell to vastly expand interior space.

The Grand Sports Tourer, aka the 'Vision R', crosses estate and SUV characteristics with its 2980mm wheelbase and four-wheel drive topped off with a powerful new V6 diesel engine.

Previewing the next-generation IS model, Lexus displayed its LF-C concept car complete with a retractable hard top that can be moved through four different positions. This allows the car to function as a coupe or convertible, with targa and speedster configurations also part of the mix. The fully automatic roof has been designed to stow neatly away through a narrow opening in the boot.

And for those desiring a modern take on the ultimate GT supercar, Peugeot proudly displayed its 907. Powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine, developing power of around 500bhp, it also features a sequentially controlled six-speed manual gearbox. The carbon-fibre body boasts an interior featuring leather, Alcantara and wood.

That takes care of Company Car's Christmas list then ...