If there was one thing the 2012 Paris Motor Show proved, it was that exciting new cars aren’t in short supply. And the great news for buyers is that most of these weren’t fanciful concepts, but full production cars that you can expect to appear in your local showroom very soon.

It’s fantastic to see British manufacturers flexing their muscles, too. The new Jaguar F-Type, Range Rover and McLaren P1 show that the motor industry over here is in rude health, while UK-built models such as the new Toyota Auris and Honda Civic wagon are great news for jobs.

Over the next few days, we'll give you the lowdown on the best new models, with full details of what’s coming – and when. Today, we look at the best new cars from Tesla to Volvo.