Paris gets the distinctive honor of kicking off our Auto Show coverage for the coming year, so let’s see which cars were shining the brightest in the City of Lights.

YOLANDA VAZQUEZ: The Paris Motor Show is always filled with glitz and glamour and the 2012 exposition was no different. And, no debut drew more attention than the Jaguar F-type.

Officially unveiled the night before press days, Jaguar hopes this rear drive roadster will be a rebirth for the brand. The design may point to it being the spiritual successor to the legendary E-type sports car, but all aluminum construction is clearly in step with modern times. 

Corporate partner Land Rover has also applied the aluminum treatment to the latest Range Rover, which will weigh 700-pounds less than its predecessor when it goes on sale next year, and be the first step in a complete rework of the Land Rover brand. 

The Volkswagen Golf is Europe’s number one selling car, and this re-design should make sure that stays the case. Its sleeker styling hides a roomier interior, with more available features, and of course increased fuel economy. It goes on sale in Europe soon, along with a new GTI, but it looks like we’ll have to wait until 2014 for the U.S.-spec versions. 

American makers were also on hand, as Chevrolet debuted a production ready Trax subcompact crossover. Sharing a chassis with the Buick Encore, the Trax will go on sale in Europe next year but not in the U.S.

While we’re getting an all-new Ford Fusion here in the states, Europe will get their version of that car, the Mondeo, later this year. Although Fusion is sedan only, Mondeo boast a wagon and hatchback, as well.

Say it ain’t so, a front-wheel-drive BMW? This Concept Active Tourer proves BMW is serious about going small, but when a production version does go on sale, it will offer a roomy interior and crossover-like riding position.  Look for this chassis to also be used on the next round of MINI’s.

Audi took the wraps off the re-designed A3 and S3 sub-compacts, and showed this Crosslane Coupe Concept that points to where the next round of Audi crossovers is headed. 

Porsche unveiled production ready Carrera 4’s in Coupe, Cabrio and C4S trim, along with this Panamera Sport Turismo concept.

YOLANDA VAZQUEZ: Stay tuned for more Auto Show coverage, as the season is just getting started.