Top 5 SUVs under 1.6 tons for Paris

Here is our ranking of the five small city SUVs that could escape a possible tripling of parking fees in Paris.

Tesla Model Y (electric)

Irony of a populist decision, the idea of punishing thermal SUVs over 1600 kg and electric ones over 2 tons… will encourage Parisians to adopt large electric SUVs. Like the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive whose mass of 1909 kg makes it compatible with the Paris City Hall policy.

Available from mid-January 2024 starting at 37,990 euros in France (after bonus deduction), there is hardly any question left. Equipment and performance are among the best on the market. As for whether Anne Hidalgo will have succeeded in her bet(s), the answer lies in the question.

Renault Scenic (electric)

Here is the biggest rival of the Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive. It surpasses it in terms of prices and range, but less so in pure performance. But available from 34,990 euros (after bonus deduction), the French-made SUV slips through the cracks because it weighs 1822 kg.

A pragmatic vehicle performance-wise, the Scenic is currently the best family and electric offer on the market. It allows you to maintain practicality for everyday life while saving on fuel costs.

Peugeot 3008 (thermal)

The Paris City Hall, blinded by the desire to divert political debate onto the car issue, will thus encourage Parisians to abandon clean hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicles because they are too heavy, in favor of 100% thermal models. A case of doing something more counterproductive than helpful…

This is the case of the current Peugeot 3008, with its 130-horse Puretech petrol engine paired with a manual transmission, offered from 33,560 euros. Weighing 1395 kg, it is compliant. Yet it is no less bulky or “pedestrian-friendly” than its plug-in hybrid version, which consumes less fuel and is therefore less polluting downtown.

Trying to make sense of it…

MG ZS (thermal)

Available from 17,490 euros, the MG ZS is currently the most relevant compact thermal SUV on the market. Well-equipped, affordable, modern, it is no less impressive than the current Dacia Duster.

Weighing only 1231 kg, it is not heavier than a Renault Clio, for example. Proof that the outdated discourse on SUVs is purely “eco-centric”. The 100% electric version of the MG ZS, the MG ZS EV, also complies and is offered from 26,990 euros.

Volkswagen Tiguan (thermal)

It is one of the safest bets on the market thanks to its social status, residual value, and solid manufacturing quality. Certainly a bit outdated now and not necessarily the most affordable, the Volkswagen Tiguan is making efforts to improve its late-stage career.

Available from 36,200 euros with a 1.5-liter engine of 130 horsepower, it weighs 1499 kg. Therefore, it slips under the radar of the Paris City Hall. But it is not the most environmentally friendly either, as it lacks electric assistance.

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