Tentative Tehran Cars

The Paris Motor Show opened this week with several dozen new cars on show and a number of dazzling concept vehicles.

Some of those cars will even make it to Iran, but which cars will we be seeing on the streets soon?

Iran’s car market is one of the hottest in the world currently and pent up demand for new models is driving that change.

Knowing this, here is what might be coming in the next 12-18 months:

  Suzuki Ignis

First up is the Suzuki Ignis. The Japanese manufacturer already has a presence in the Iran, as it continues to co-produce vehicles the Grand Vitara model with Iran Khodro (IKCO).

Based on Suzuki’s new lightweight new-generation platform, Ignis comes with a mild hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.2-liter Dualjet gasoline engine with an integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery pack.

A five-speed manual transmission will be offered as standard, with a five-speed automated manual gearbox to be offered as an option. Power is sent to all four wheels with the company’s AllGrip Auto four-wheel drive system that automatically distributes the engine torque to the front and rear axles.

Sales are expected to begin in January in the European market. Here’s hoping the car makes it to the Iranian market soon.

  Land Rover Discovery

Recent rumors that Land Rover will be buying a showroom on the south side of Tehran’s Parkway junction may be coming true, as its life as Hyundai dealer has now come to an end.

With that in mind, the all-new Land Rover Discovery 2018 model might be headed to Iran sooner rather than later.

The popular family SUV gets a new platform and revised engines and promises to usher in a new level of comfort and fuel efficiency for the Land Rover Discovery badge, according to Auto Express.

The Discovery has been set for spring 2017 release and full pricing details have been announced with the entry level model available for under $56,300 (1.96 billion rials).

  Peugeot 3008

As Peugeot continues to expand its presence in Iran, one of the two new models highlighted in Paris were the 3008.

Built on the EMP2 modular platform, the new 3008 claims to be up to 100 kg lighter than its predecessor with the same name. It also offers Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design language that includes a series of gizmos that transforms its cabin into a spacious, hi-tech lounge.

Expected to go on sale toward the end of the year, the 3008 will offer a wide array of gasoline engines, ranging from the entry-level 130 PS 1.2-liter PureTech to the 180 PS 2.0-liter BlueHDi.

  Peugeot 5008

Also on show was the new and taller Peugeot 5008. Although the 5008 has transformed into an SUV as well, albeit a more large one, it still has not forgotten its roots.

Peugeot describes it as the first model of its kind to offer the modularity of a multi-purpose vehicle, something buyers are opting more for these days.

The 5008 offers the same engines as the 3008, embraces the i-Cockpit philosophy and is lighter than its forebears because it sits on a larger chassis platform.

  Renault Duster

On the sidelines of the Paris Motor Show, Iran’s Industrial Development & Renovation Organization signed a deal with Renault to produce cars in the country, with Renault taking a majority share of the company.

As part of the joint venture, Renault will produce the Duster and Symbol models in Iran as opposed to exporting them since that attracts the hefty customs duties.

Although not new to the market, Renault’s latest Duster was on show at the event with a new automatic transmission box, which is likely to be priced in the EU market at €17,000 (680 million rials) to €19,000 (760 million rials).

It is also likely that the face-lifted version of the model could head to Tehran, which now offers a five- and seven-seat model.  Either way, the new deal to produce the cars in Iran will likely bolster the buying capacity of Iranian buyers in 2017-18.