The European car market is going through one of its toughest periods in decades, and simply releasing new models is no longer enough for manufacturers: they have to stand out, innovate, and reinforce both brand image and competitiveness.
It is an enormous test, and the industry knows it. Meeting expectations isn’t the target - setting the pace is. Right now, four French models look well placed to do exactly that. They take very different approaches, yet share one aim: to reposition their respective brands on today’s demanding European automotive landscape.
In this episode of Auto Rádio - a Razão Automóvel podcast, supported by PiscaPisca.pt - we dug into what makes these four cars so significant. From Citroën’s no-nonsense practicality to the return of Peugeot’s GTI badge, alongside Renault’s forward-looking ideas and Alpine’s high ambitions, there is plenty to unpack.
What’s coming next?
Renault has been working through a major shift in how it presents itself. It has moved away from being seen purely as a mainstream brand, leaning instead towards an increasingly premium positioning (a route we have also seen Peugeot pursue), and the Emblème is the clearest illustration of that direction.
Renault Emblème: a premium signal and a 2028 preview
Unveiled as a concept, it points to Renault’s styling language for the next generation of models while also acting as a technology showcase. It is 100% electric, yet its powertrain is hybrid in its energy sources, combining battery technology with hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
And, as we have learned recently, it also foreshadows a future production car due in 2028. It is unlikely we will see this exact powertrain make it to series production, but this French-style shooting brake could very well become Renault’s next flagship.
Alpine A390: electric performance ambition in the premium segment
Staying within the Renault Group, Alpine is continuing its push to establish itself in the premium sporting space, and the new A390 is the strongest evidence yet of that intent.
It will be the first electric vehicle designed from the ground up as an Alpine, and it aims to put the French brand head-to-head with the new electric Porsche Macan. Technical specifications for the A390 have not yet been disclosed, but it is known that one version will feature three electric motors - one at the front and two at the rear - enabling active torque vectoring (Alpine Active Torque Vectoring) and, according to Alpine, benchmark dynamic behaviour.
Stellantis focus: Citroën C5 Aircross and the Peugeot e-208 GTi
Switching over to the Stellantis camp, Citroën has been finding its feet again by embracing a more affordable, pragmatic positioning, without ever letting go of comfort - one of the brand’s historic calling cards.
The new Citroën C5 Aircross will continue to showcase exactly that. The next generation, previewed by a concept revealed at the end of 2024, arrives this year with a bolder look aligned with the brand’s latest design language.
From a technical standpoint, it will sit close to its Peugeot 3008 “cousin”, which means we will get - for the first time - a 100% electric Citroën C5 Aircross.
Finally - and no less important - Auto Rádio also looks at the return not of a specific model, but of a historic Peugeot badge: GTI. Three letters that carry real weight for Peugeot enthusiasts.
After a long absence, the celebrated badge is coming back in a 100% electric form with the e-208 GTi. With its debut already scheduled for the summer of 2025, the formula sounds potent: an engine with 240 hp or 280 hp, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and a chassis tuned “the French way”.
It is a model that promises to take the fight to the recent Alpine A290.
See you on Auto Rádio next week
There is no shortage of reasons, then, to watch or listen to the latest Auto Rádio episode, which returns next week on the usual platforms: YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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