Eco-friendly cars shown off at the Paris Motor Show
Ξ October 20th, 2008 | → | ∇ Gadgets |
Flowers, trees, the sound of birds chirping in the hedgerows: not what a motor show goer would have expected just five years ago, but the rush to lead - or at least to be seen to lead - the battle against climate change was the overwhelming theme of the Paris Motor show, and the main brands were determined to prove they were the ones getting cuddly with nature.
Nevertheless, these green-fingered stands did yield some technologically awesome cars, the Chevrolet Volt being a prime example. This attractive five-seater, with its Apple inspired interior is a revolution, using its engine only to recharge the battery pack if your energy from mains charging runs out; there is no connection between the engine and the wheels.
It goes on sale in Europe next year, joining other hybrid eco-warriors such as the Insight, Honda’s rival for the Toyota Prius aiming to make hybrid motoring more affordable when it goes on sale in 2009 at around £15,000 - half of what the Volt will cost.
Being a French show, you’d expect the home manufacturers to present a face of strength, and they were indeed out in full force. Renault showed its new Megane - not that exciting - and also its sleek new Coupe - a lot better - while Citroen had the futuristic Hypnos concept and sister Peugeot the RC Hymotion, a hybrid powered luxury four-seat coupe/limo that caught the eye.
However, petrol heads fear not, for this was still a motorshow that included a new Ferrari (the fantastic California), and a new Lamborghini concept (the four seat Estoque).
Written by Adam Towler
