What’s cooking at the Paris Auto Show — hybrids

In terms of both real new models and designers’ and engineers’ dreams of planned concept cars, there’s plenty to see.

In terms of the real world, Kia has a new crossover, the Soul, that will be available as a hybrid. Mercedes is unveiling its first hybrid, with lithium batteries to boot. Toyota’s iQ is its response to the MINI. And, the Honda Insight 2.0 is on display.

In terms of concept cars, surely the MINI crossover will see the production light of day. And, even Europeans besides Mercedes are looking at hybrids.