A record 1.4 million visitors admired the latest offerings from the industry at the 110th Paris Motor Show which closed its doors last Sunday. Over 16 days, 362 exhibitors from 25 countries showed off over 90 world premières.

The exhibition spanned no fewer than seven halls, so visitors had to draw up a good plan to see it all. The global financial gloom did not dampen spirits at the fair. The fact that the French government is not procrastinating on car registration and is offering attractive incentives to new car owners helps the industry no end. The interest was high - and genuine. Some prospective buyers even measured the luggage space of the model that they were interested in.

The emphasis throughout the show was emission reduction, and all the cars on display sported an energy- saving 'gauge' similar to the ones normally found on washing machines and light bulbs.

Practically all the stands showed off a model which ran on both combustion engine and battery. The electric cars were there too: those already coming off the production line boast the latest lithium batteries. Some houses are experimenting with energy cells using hydrogen, but this option is still too expensive for commercial production to be viable.

Even though-energy saving was on everyone's agenda, most manufacturers launched models running on conventional engines. Electronics and aero efficiency came under the spotlight: there were minute cameras replacing traditional side mirrors, and exhaust ends incorporated in rear spoilers: a design option sported by Honda and BMW.

The concepts this year were particularly striking, and marques from Lexus to Renault showcased hybrid models. Toyota is well and truly in hybrid mode and it can fairly be said that it has an edge on the competition thanks to its achievements with the Prius.

The start/stop concept was the subject of many a conversation. In the long run, it will make more economic sense to produce than hybrid cars, especially as more cars spend a good chunk of their lifespan stuck in city traffic. Nevertheless, this new concept will take considerable time to prove its worth.

As was to be expected, the French manufacturers were out in force. Peugeot premiered the new 308CC and the Prologue, besides the 908 2009 Le Mans contender. Renault unveiled its new Megane variants, with their more traditional-looking derrieres and aggressive noses. The Renault Sport Megane is quite a head-turner.

Citroen showed off its C3 Picasso, which attracted the crowds with a smaller version Picasso alongside. VW's latest Golf took centre stage, but there was much interest in the impressive Scirocco. Seat had the new Cupra and the new Exeo to shout about. Toyota boasted the revamped Avensis and the IQ city car.

The Hyundai coupe concept, with its carbon fibre bonnet and its sleek lines, stopped visitors in their tracks, as did Honda's CR-Z concept.

The Italians showed off Alfa's new Mito and Fiat pushed its 500 branding: the revamped Punto stood by the Maserati and the newly unveiled Ferrari California.

Final verdict? To my mind, the Peugeot 308cc, the VW Scirocco, and the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer Sports Back deserve to take to the podium now that the curtain has come down on another Paris show. In my dreams, either the California, Peugeot's RC concept, or the Lamborghini Estoque would do nicely, thank you...

Pierre Vella visited the Paris Motor Show in collaboration with Peugeot and local agents Michael Attard Ltd.