Lamborhgini Estoque (top); Honda Insight concept. Click image to enlarge

Paris, France - The editorial staff of the weekly magazine AutoWeek has announced its Editors’ Choice Awards winners for the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The editors select winners for Best In Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun at the major auto shows around the globe.

“The Paris Motor Show has renewed our faith in the auto industry and its future,” said Dutch Mandel, AutoWeek editor and associate publisher. “Despite the dismal global economy and the state of the industry, we saw a surprising number of exciting vehicles, both foreign and domestic.”

The winners were:

Best In Show: Lamborghini Estoque. “While the design is somewhat contrived, the Estoque really has presence when you see it in person,” Mandel said. “This is the car people will clearly remember.” Other contenders were the Ferrari California, Saab 9-X Air and BMW 7 Series.

Most Significant: Honda Insight. “This hybrid car will be cheaper than the Prius, have high fuel economy and seating for five. Honda has officially returned to the game they used to own.” Contenders were the Audi A1 Sportback, Pininfarnia Bollore, Mercedes Fascination and Volkswagen Golf.

Best Concept: Peugeot RC Hymotion 4. “If the French automakers were to come to the U.S., this is the car Americans would want. Here is an electric sports car we can love.” Contenders were the Honda Insight, Mercedes Fascination, Audi A1 Sportback and Saab 9-X Air.

Most Fun: Audi S4. “The S4 is a rocket ship that is fun and fuel efficient. It satisfies on all fronts.” Contenders were the Fiat 500 Abarth Essesse, Ferrari California, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Lexus IS250C.