French rivals Renault and Citroen are bidding to steal the limelight when motorists surge into the Birmingham motor show.

They were bidding for media coverage on the press days in Paris with the all-new Renault Laguna, pictured, and Citroen's sleek C5 which will push Xantia and XM out of UK showrooms next year.

Both cars want to sideline the impressive looking new Mondeo which spearheads Ford's attempts to turn around its poor performance in Europe.

Patrick le Quement, Renault's design boss, has been quoted as saying the new Laguna hatchback and estate have a Latin flavour, combined with Germanic rigour, in terms of design.

That sounds like trying to have the best of all worlds, but many French drivers stay loyal to Renault and see the shape as 'French'.

UK sales of new Laguna are scheduled to start in the UK next February. Both Renault and Peugeot have taken advantage of Rover's decline in the UK, and have increased their market shares.

These three models compete in the so-called D or upper-medium class which is a huge market because so many cars are sold to company car drivers and family motorists. Citroen's C5 follows the Xsara Picasso compact multi-purpose vehicle in trying to recover the marque's distinctive image. PSA has pledged it will make Citroens and Peugeots look and feel different though it will save money by the two ranges sharing many beneath-the-skin components.

C5 has to cover the model area previously occupied by Xantia and the larger XM, and so the flagship will have a 3-litre V6 engine. It is bigger than Xantia and will feature the latest version of the Hydractive suspension which should produce an even smoother ride.

The C5 will be the largest Citroen until the launch expected in 2003 of a car likely to be known as C6 and based on the Lignage concept car.

Renault has gone for a conventional front to the new Laguna but the overall lines are strong and the rear has a sporty look.

Some of the styling ideas have flowed from the Initiale, a Renault concept car which appeared five years ago.