Kia is using the Paris Motor Show as an opportunity to showcase a new turbodiesel-hybrid prototype.

The Kia Optima T-Hybrid (T for “Turbo”) is what the company calls a mild hybrid. Following on the drivetrain shown earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the concept employs the current Kia 1.7-liter CRDi turbodiesel motor, making 134hp and 239 lb-ft of torque, mating to a small electric motor.

However, rather than the lithium battery used in the current US-market Optima Hybrid, the T-Hybrid uses 48V lead-carbon battery that requires no active cooling and is less harmful to the environment at the end of its lifecycle. The battery is also much smaller than that of a conventional hybrid, improving packaging and weight distribution.

The unit still allows for electric-only cruising at low speeds, regeneration during deceleration, and uses an automatic start/stop system like conventional hybrids. A belt-driven starter generator reduces the vibrations typically associated with starting, and replaces the traditional alternator as well.

Kia says that an electric supercharger can also be added to the system on top of the turbo, boosting low-end power and torque. Though the company didn’t disclose specific horsepower numbers, it did note that the powertrain could reduce CO2 emissions by 15-20 percent. Kia estimates operating costs over the lifetime of the vehicle could be lower than traditional hybrids as well.

The drivetrain is still very much in the development stages, and Kia has no plans to mass produce it as of yet, but referred to it as a “flagship technology” that will be considered for future models.

The mid-generational refresh for the Honda CR-V was just revealed for US markets, but Honda isn’t done yet. At the Paris Motor Show this week the automaker unveiled a European-spec CR-V with slightly different styling and new engine options.

The biggest change is the introduction of a new i-DTEC 1.6-liter diesel engine capable of generating 158 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is a notable improvement over the outgoing 2.2-liter diesel’s 148hp (the torque is unchanged), despite having a significantly lower displacement.

To help achieve maximum efficiency, Honda is mating the new engine to an optional 9-speed automatic that, according to Honda, improves carbon-dioxide emissions by 20 percent. The new drivetrain is available on all-wheel-drive models, while the front-drive base trim makes do with the existing 118-horse 1.6-liter diesel.

In addition, European-spec CR-Vs have a more subsantial-looking skid plate section, finished in a brighter silver hue and jutting out further than US versions. Polished lip and gunmetal split-spoke wheels also lend a more aggressive look to the Euro-market crossover.

Unfortunately, neither the diesel motor or the 9-speed transmission will be available stateside, where a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and CVT will be the sole drivetrain option.

Jeep has confirmed it will expand its lineup with a three-row range-topping crossover in the near future.

The crossover will be called either Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer, nameplates used on an iconic full-size Jeep built from the early 1960s to the early 1990s. The off-roader’s exact dimensions are not known but Jeep has hinted that it will ride on a brand new platform that will also underpin new models built by Dodge, Chrysler and possibly Fiat.

The Wagoneer will offer space for up to seven passengers in its biggest configuration. It will boast a well-appointed cockpit with a long list of high-tech features in order to fend off competition from Europe.

Citroën has introduced the China-bound C3-XR crossover at an event held at its C_42 showroom on the Champs-Élysées Avenue in Paris.

Called C3-XR, Citroën’s next crossover is nearly identical to the Citroën C-XR concept that was presented last April at the Beijing Motor Show but it features more realistic headlights and a decidedly less premium appearance. The soft-roader stretches 163 inches long and 68 inches wide, dimensions that place it at the smaller end of the crossover segment.

Interior pictures were not published but Citroën has previously hinted the C3-XR packs a well-appointed cockpit with room for up to five passengers and their gear. Tech-minded buyers will be able to order the crossover with a touch screen-based infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear-view camera.

The C3-XR is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that sends 160 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. A standard start/stop system helps keep fuel economy in check.

Set to be assembled in China, the Citroën C3-XR will greet its target audience for the first time at the Guangzhou Motor Show that will open its doors to the public next November. The C3-XR will go on sale across China before the end of the year, but Citroën is not currently planning on adding the crossover to its lineup in other markets.

Live images by Ronan Glon.

Kia has introduced a refreshed Rio hatchback at the Paris Motor Show. The entry level subcompact now sports an aggressive new visage and an updated interior.

While the sedan variant is not offered in most European countries, the changes to the five-door hatchback form shown in Paris will likely transfer to the sedan version as well. In addition, European customers can choose a three-door hatch as well.

The most dramatic visual change is a sportier, three-section lower grille and fog lamp housings, replacing the current car’s wide graphic that spans the width of the front. The fog lamps now also have wing-like slats that evoke racing canards. A slimmer “tiger nose” grille and cleaner, redesigned headlights give the face a pleasing and fresh new look.

Three new alloy wheels can be ordered, ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches. A new rear bumper with a wide blacked out graphic is stylishly framed by C-shaped reflectors.

While four engine options, from 74 to 108 hp, can be had in Europe, the US will likely retain the sole 1.6-liter, 138 hp inline-four currently available. A fuel-saving start/stop system is available across the board on European spec models.

Cabin-wise, the refresh adds chrome accents around the vents and buttons on either side of the infotainment screen, but otherwise it remains largely the same as the current interior.

The updated Rio will be rolled out across various European markets in 2015.

The mysterious Tesla “D” teased by CEO Elon Musk earlier this week could be a move towards autonomous driving. Speculation of the upstart electric car company’s next move is coming in fast and furious ahead of a press conference scheduled for October 9.

It didn’t take long after Musk revealed the “D” moniker on Twitter for internet sleuths to uncover a photo of a Tesla Model S P85D caught during testing. In this case, the D would appear to point to a dual motor, all wheel drive setup. With that reveal likely spoiled, the company still had another promised announcement for the 9th.

However, a new report by Bloomberg indicates that advanced lane-keeping and self-driving features are also in the works. Director of Global Communications Simon Sproule confirmed that the factory has already been building Model S cars with forward-facing cameras for the past month.

In July Sproule also confirmed, as reported by Motley Fool, that it had been working closely with Mobileye, an developer of autonomous driving technology. In the same piece, Musk also estimated that automated highway driving would be possible within a year’s time, from “entrance ramp to exit ramp.” Musk also said that radar sensors were too complex, favoring optical input like cameras.

Mainstream automakers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Honda have developed autonomous driving prototypes already. Earlier this year another Silicon Valley giant, Google, also revealed a self-driving car.

Tesla shares jumped up 5 percent on the news of the new model.

Hyundai has confirmed it is in the early stages of developing a more powerful version of the new i20 subcompact hatchback that bowed in Paris earlier this week.

Called i20 N, the hot hatch will be powered by an evolution of the 1.6-liter direct-injected turbo four found under the hood of the Veloster Turbo but its output will be bumped to at least 250 horsepower. What transmission the i20 N will be fitted with and whether it will feature front- or all-wheel drive is up in the air.

Australian website Motoring reports Hyundai will use knowledge gleaned from its WRC program to completely re-engineer the i20′s chassis in order to help it cope with the extra power. A sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes on all four corners will keep the cavalry in check.

As expected, the i20 N will look considerably more aggressive than its more humble sibling. Hyundai has not revealed if the N will be based on the four-door model or the sportier two-door coupe that will be introduced in the next few months.

The Hyundai i20 N could be shown to the public for the first time at the 2015 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. When it lands, it will fight head-to-head against the 220-horsepower Volkswagen Polo R and the Ford Fiesta ST.

Putting an end to a long-standing rumor, outgoing Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed Ferrari will not cahse volume by building a four-door sedan or a SUV.

“[Sergio] Marchionne wanted to build a truck but I talked him out of it,” explained di Montezemolo in an interview with British magazine Autocar. “Ferrari will continue to make two-door sports cars, not SUVs or four-door cars.”

Di Montezemolo recently announced plans to step down from Ferrari after spending 23 years at the helm of the automaker. He will be replaced by Fiat – Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne on October 13th, and recent reports indicated one of the executive’s first moves at the head of Ferrari would be to boost production in order to make more money and keep up with rivals like Porsche.

In a separate interview, Marchionne shot down the rumors and said Ferrari production will remain steady at a little over 7,000 cars in the foreseeable future. He also denied claims that Ferrari will be fully integrated into the newly-formed Fiat-Chrysler Automobile (FAC) group.

“The mixing of their blood would be fatal to both,” explained Marchionne.

While Ferrari will not merge with FCA, the Modena-based company will help Fiat-owned Alfa Romeo design a full-fledged lineup of models that will include sedans, crossovers and coupes.