Bonjour! Ça va? It is fair to say that the French have created some iconic car designs over the years. From the Citroën 2CV, designed to motorise French farmers, to the fluid lines of the Citroën SM and the Peugeot 205 GTi, a hot hatch that helped bring performance driving to the masses.
French models express striking style, clever ergonomics and attractive affordability. From quirky city cars, sleek sports cars, enthusiast hot hatchbacks and ergonomic family cars, whatever you're after, you can guarantee that a French manufacturer has you covered, and has you covered in style.
We take a look at our favourite French car models from the biggest manufacturers, including the top three contenders, Peugeot, Citroën, and Renault. Expect the unexpected in our top 10 list and see if you agree with our eclectic assortment.
- Renault 5 E-Tech
- Peugeot 308
- Citroën Ami
- Citroën C3 Aircross
- Peugeot E-Rifter
- DS N°8
- Renault 4
- Citroën C5 X
- Peugeot 508
- Alpine A110
- Frequently Asked Questions
Renault 5 E-Tech
Introduced in 2024, the Renault 5 E-Tech takes the DNA of the original Renault 5 and turns it up a notch, reimagining it for the electric age. Keeping the key design cues of the original, such as lighting signatures and sloped rear, it's one of the most charming EVs on sale today.
While the first Renault 5 featured a 782cc engine, the Renault 5 E-Tech embraces the electric future with anall-electric powertrain with either 120bhp or a more powerful 148bhp, with the latter sprinting the car from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds. This nimbleness and smaller frame is ideal for city streets and twisting country roads, where it delivers agile handling and a precise drive.
Inside, the French designers have blended heritage design for a modern age, with details such as dashboard stitching that replicates the original Renault 5's plastic moulding, while also managing practical features like space for five adults and an up-to-date dash layout.
And for those who love the Renault 5 E-Tech's looks but would like even more performance, the Alpine A290 adds to the Renault 5 E-Tech's formula, offering 217bhp and a sporty driving experience.
Search New Renault 5 Search Used Renault 5Peugeot 308
The Peugeot 308 is a distinctive C-segment family car, defined by its bold grille, long bonnet, and fluid silhouette shaped by smooth lines. It brings more distinctive French design language than much of the mainstream competition, setting it apart from the rest in its class.
That sense of versatility carries through to how the 308 is offered. The hatchback is sleek and sporty, while the estate, known as the 308 SW (station wagon), holds onto its unique design, offering additional practicality, making the 308 a car that adapts to your lifestyle without needing to shout about it.
Under the skin, Peugeot has given you flexibility with its powertrain choice. From an efficient diesel for long-distance motoring, to mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for a balance of performance and economy. And of course, there is also a greener, all-electric variant for those with the charging infrastructure. The 308 doesn't force you into a single direction; it allows you to choose the one that slots in with your lifestyle.
With additional driving sensibility and Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit across all models, the 308 balances unique design with simple practicality, offering options that make it a solid companion for everyday driving.
Search New Peugeot 308 Search Used Peugeot 308Citroën Ami
With the Citroën Ami, the French brand saw an opportunity and went for it. It's not technically a car but a quadricycle, which bypasses some car regulations while limiting it to urban use. But it is car-shaped, and it's unique, and special enough to make this list.
Designed for short, simple journeys such as city driving, it is an alternative to a bike or electric scooter, offering more protection from the weather and other road users. Inside is compact, but it fits two people comfortably, with a couple of small bags behind them. For slightly more commercial use, there is also a cargo version which removes the passenger seat entirely, offering 400 litres of 'delivery' space.
It's definitely not a vehicle for everyone, but it does fit a market for those who want something more protective than, say, an electric bike. It tops out at 28mph, making its compact frame only suitable for town use and light rural driving. Motorways are a definite no-go, due to regulations.
The Ami definitely has a fun personality, and those who own one will appreciate it for this reason. Its quirky design and distinctive features will appeal to city dwellers who want simple, no-fuss mobility without the complexity of a full-sized car.
Search Used Citroën AmiCitroën C3 Aircross
Citroën has always been bold with design, and it certainly lands with the Citroën C3 Aircross. A boxy crossover with a high-ride height, that has a secret: you can have it with seven seats if you like. There are larger SUVs that don't offer the same flexibility, and the C3 Aircross manages to fit seven in its compact frame. Better still, two adults can sit surprisingly comfortably on the back row.
Don't expect to fit seven and go off on a long holiday, mind, because that last row eats into the boot space. What it does mean is that family adventures become much easier, whether it's the children, grandparents, or both. Fold the rear seats and practicality returns, offering up to 330 litres of boot space (or 460 litres if you opt for the five-seater version).
The C3 Aircross versatility extends to the powertrain options, offering a pure petrol, a mild hybrid petrol, and an all-electric version in the five-seat. This gives you the choice between seven-seat practicality or zero-emission driving, depending on what suits your home setup.
Family-focused and functional, with a bit of Citroën flair, the Citroën C3 Aircross delivers it all. Throw in a comfortable interior and Citroën-esque ride comfort, and you have a very capable French crossover that offers more versatility than its compact dimensions suggest.
Search New Citroën C3 Aircross Search Used Citroën C3 AircrossPeugeot E-Rifter
Built on the same platform as the Citroën ë-Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo-e Life, the Peugeot E-Rifter positions itself as the most premium of the three, offering rugged-SUV styling, such as roof bars, a higher ride height, and protective body cladding to deal with knocks while traversing the countryside. That said, its DNA is firmly rooted in everyday practicality, thanks to its van-like body shape that prioritises space over style.
The E-Rifter MPV is all about functionality. You can choose between short- or long-wheelbase five-seat versions, or step up to a seven-seat long-wheelbase XL model, but the ethos never changes: maximum practicality, minimal fuss, in a French-styled package.
Power comes from a single electric powertrain, simplifying the range, while the official WLTP range is 172 miles, giving you plenty of weekend adventuring on a single charge. Speaking of which, a fast charge takes you from 0 to 80 percent in a cool 30 minutes, making it easy to top up on the move, whether you’re exploring the Scottish highlands for a bit of weekend camping or simply keeping up with everyday family life.
Not everyone will like the E-Rifter's van-like silhouette, but if you're after an all-electric box on wheels that fits everyone in and keeps your carbon footprint low, the E-Rifter makes a very compelling case for your next car.
Search New Peugeot E-Rifter Search Used Peugeot E-RifterDS N°8
For those who dream of Citroën models of the past, then switching your allegiance to the DS brand might make your dreams come true. Inspired by the legendary 1955 Citroën DS, the Parisian brand creates automobile art, and the flagship DS N°8 is an automotive sculpture of modern French luxury, blending avant-garde design with cutting-edge electric performance.
So what makes it tick? The DS N°8 lands with a fastback crossover SUV profile, with unique, sharp styling and clean, defined lines across the body. Inside it's no different, with plush, iconic upholstery and a dash layout that looks like something out of a futuristic 1950s alternative era.
Poetic styling aside, the DS N°8 is actually a capable all-electric car that sits in the executive segment. It offers two battery options and two powertrain options. The smaller 74kWh battery delivers a mammoth 341 miles WLTP, while the larger 97.2kWh battery is for super long-distance drivers, giving you a staggering 466 miles. You can have both batteries with the single-motor option, and the larger battery with the twin-motor option, which offers a 5.4-second 0 to 62mph sprint and 370bhp.
Like the original Citroën DS, the DS N°8 glides along the road, taking corners in its stride and offering a cushioned, comfortable ride wherever you drive it. It won't appeal to everyone, but if you're bored with the usual German executive suspects, then this French love letter to comfort and design might be the car for you.
Search New DS N°8 Search Used DS N°8Renault 4
If you love the retro aesthetic of the Renault 5 E-Tech but you don't think you'll fit your kids and the dog in when you head off on your holidays, cast your eyes over the slightly bigger (and boxier) all-electric Renault 4. Another heritage-inspired car, taking the aesthetic and spirit of the original 1961 version of the same name.
Although it has similar form and styling to the classic, such as the front grille design, rear lighting profile and even a version with a plein sud™ canvas sunroof, the new Renault 4 is definitely a world away from the stripped-back honesty of the original. It's here where you get the upgrades, offering refined features such as a central touchscreen, USB-C ports in the rear, and plenty of ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) for a safer drive.
It actually uses the same platform as the Renault 5 E-Tech, except with a longer wheelbase for extra room, giving it that small crossover profile. In other words, you can easily fit your family and luggage in here comfortably. It has an official WLTP range of 249 miles, translating to around a realistic 220 miles, which is plenty for the role or roles this car is designed for.
Blending heritage-inspired style with genuine functionality and family-friendly practicality, the Renault 4 is far more than just a nostalgic nod to the past, deserving a serious place on your next-car shortlist.
Search New Renault 4 Search Used Renault 4Citroën C5 X
When it comes to blended styling and armchair ride comfort, the Citroën C5 X is one not to be missed. Although discontinued in May 2025, the Citroën C5 X is still a fine example of standout French engineering inspired by Citroën models of yesteryear, and you can find many excellent low-mileage examples on the used-car market.
The crossover-estate shape is appealing and has been described even as a big hatchback. Still, whichever pigeonhole it's put in, the C5 X is a thing of beauty that offers practicality at every level. The ride is smooth and direct thanks to Citroën's progressive hydraulic dampers, and inside it's plush, with higher-spec trims offering memory foam as an extra.
Powertrain choice is also a key strength, with a full petrol, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid on offer, making it easy to find one that meets your driving lifestyle. You'll also get 39 miles of all-electric range with the PHEV, making it excellent for school runs, local commutes and short runs during the week without even using a drop of fuel.
For those who love heritage Citroën models and need something practical and more keenly priced than anything in the DS has to offer, a Citroën C5 X is a refreshingly left-field alternative.
Search Used Citroën C5 XPeugeot 508
If a Skoda Superb, BMW 3 series or Audi A4 aren't doing it for you anymore, then perhaps a used Peugeot 508 might take your fancy. An imposing and striking fastback saloon, with Peugeot's aggressive front grille and defined lines throughout.
Looks-wise, the Peugeot 508 really stands above the rest in its class, and inside is no different. Peugeot's i-Cockpit is a little bit Marmite, and not everyone can get on with the compact steering wheel. Once you've acclimatised, you'll find the rest of the futuristic cabin user-friendly, with a 10-inch central infotainment screen, a digital display, and aesthetic touches like piano-style physical buttons.
The choice of powertrains is relatively simple: a full petrol or plug-in hybrid post-facelift, and, in pre-facelift models, some robust diesels with excellent fuel economy. Especially with the smaller 1.5-litre diesel delivering 63.6mpg. And for those who need power and performance, the Peugeot 508 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) features a 200bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine combined with not one, but a pair of electric motors, which give it 355bhp and a sprint to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds.
If you want practicality and more boot space, you can get the 508 SW (station wagon), an estate version that silences those who say you should buy an SUV. For drivers looking to escape the predictable German executive car formula, you might find what you're looking for with the stylish and refreshingly unconventional Peugeot 508.
Search New Peugeot 508 Search Used Peugeot 508Alpine A110
First, a quick history lesson. Alpine established itself as a French sports and racing car manufacturer in the mid-1950s, closely linked to Renault before being acquired by them in 1973. Alpine is best known for the rear-engined two-seater coupé, the Alpine A110, a very striking piece of French engineering. Fast forward to 2017, and that familiar profile returned with a modern reimagination in the new Alpine A110.
Lighter than other cars in its class, the A110 carves through twisting roads, feeling glued to the tarmac, while even the lowest-spec engine, a mid-mounted, 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivers a rapid 4.5-second 0 to 62mph time. And if you want a bit more punch, go for the 296bhp version, and you’ll lose 0.6 seconds on the 0 to 62mph sprint.
It's not just about performance. Like other retro-inspired Renault models, Alpine have really captured the soul of the original, such as its signature quad headlights and tapered rear, and placed it into a modern frame. Crucially, although it's a two-seater, they've made it a roomy two-seater, capable of easily carrying two 6-foot adults in fair comfort, while the tech is focused on performance rather than excess.
With a throaty exhaust note, the A110 announces its arrival like a proper modern sports car should. It’s a fun French performance car that gets everything right, and more, delivering a reinvented modern classic that blends heritage with genuine driving purity.
Search New Alpine A110 Search Used Alpine A110Frequently asked questions
No, Renault and Peugeot cars have different strengths across each of the ranges, with Renault tending to prioritise comfort, practicality, and value. At the same time, Peugeot favours design, a premium delivery, and a focused driving experience. However, this is not always the case, with both manufacturers producing many strong models with all these features across the range.
There isn’t a single 'best' French car brand because it depends on what you’re looking for. Renault is often seen as offering comfort, practicality, and value; Peugeot for design and a more premium feel; Citroën for ride comfort and distinct styling; while Alpine focuses on lightweight sports cars and driving performance. Of course, there is Bugatti, which focuses on performance in the supercar market.
Yes, many French cars are fully reliable when properly serviced and maintained. Brands like Citroën, Peugeot, and Renault have improved their reliability in recent years due to modern technology, efficiency features, and ADAS across their ranges. Like many manufacturers, reliability can vary by model and engine, so regular servicing is key to a car's long-term durability and performance.
After a bit of va-va-voom?
French cars are never boring, offering distinctive design, modern technology, and strong performance across all manufacturers, from classic-inspired electric superminis to avant-garde executive models to practical family SUVs.
If you feel a French car could be the perfect addition to your household, visit your local Evans Halshaw dealership to explore new and used options in person, or speak to a member of our team to find the right model for you.
