Once upon a time, so we hear, journalists covering huge motor shows spent their days scribbling thoughtfully in pads before retiring to five-star suites to scribble a careful 2500 word analysis of the catalytic converter in the new Vauxhall Vectra. Which would then appear some time the following month.

But technology doesn’t just mean better cars at the shows these days. The Paris Motor Show is now also full of scruffy men and women pointing shiny new phones at the world’s most exciting new metal before firing off a snap 140 character assessment on Twitter.

Still, we have to admit it’s a great way to show you everything – and this is what TopGear's finest have been up to during the show.

So here you go: click through the images to relive the Paris Motor Show 2012 in 140 characters or less at it happened on the first day (and apologies for some of the less than perfect photography)