The best concept cars from Geneva 2011

The best concept cars from Geneva 2011

The best concept cars from Geneva 2011

The Geneva motor show allows manufacturers from all over the world to show off their new concept cars in front of an eager audience. Whilst many of the cars on display can be considered merely fanciful, there are a few every year that are actually practical as well as eye-catching. Here are some of the best models that went on display at the 2011 show.

The legendary Cinquecento, revamped for the 21st century in 2007, has always been a big seller for Fiat and its latest incarnation, the Coup Zagato, is a throwback to styles of the past, but with a more sporty, butch appeal. Presented in a brilliant canary yellow, the car's target market is "the dynamic young male", but has plenty of pretty bits gadgets inside that will not alienate the female contingent. The sleeker lines, with the lowered roof at the back will no doubt cramp any passengers of a certain height but at the front it retains the Zagato trademark "double-bubble" (apparently there to accommodate a helmet). The 105hp twin-air engine is a first in any Fiat car and its emissions are only 95 gm/km. Rumour has it that it has had the nod from higher-ups at Fiat, and is likely to go into mass production before too long.

The Mini, another revamped classic with a cabin full of historical baggage has remained a winner since it became a BMW product in 2001. The latest concept version of the car, the Rocketman, harks back to the much-loved original Mini, being considerably smaller than recent models and its space-age image, with a body built with carbon space-frame, recalls B-movie imagery of what the future might have looked like back in 1960. The vehicle's doors are quite amazing, as they pivot on double hinges to allow the backseat passengers out directly without painful contortions. The design is also faithful to its true-blue Brit heritage with a transparent roof that, when lit, displays a Union Jack. The in-car infotainment includes a smart phone plug-in point and WiFi.

There's certainly nothing retro about the Nissan ESFLOW, an all-electric 2-seater sports car. The manufacturers of the vehicle are proud of the fact that this has been designed from the bottom up as an electric car - the zero-emission drive is powered by lithium-ion batteries and its two electric motors, one on each rear wheel for better handling, are said to reach from 0 to 100kph in under 5 seconds, with a range on a single charge of 240km. The curvaceous, shiny bodywork, the colouring and finish which were inspired by glaciers - makes this a very pretty car indeed. A novel touch is that, to get the optimum driving position, there's no need to fiddle with the seat, rather the steering column and pedals move in and out.

Amid all these dream wagons, the Geneva Motor Show has a wealth of exhibits featuring less fanciful vehicles and, of course, a plethora of firms selling hi-tech accessories and in-car gadgetry, as well as the more down-to-earth services motorists need, from bodywork and windscreen repair, to tools for the DIY mechanic, and a visit to the show is recommended for any car enthusiast.

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