Top 10 green cars at Frankfurt

The Frankfurt Motor Show is open to the public, so if you’re heading to the event what can you expect to see?

Here we offer our pick of the top 10 green cars at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show:

Ford Focus EcoNetic –

With its start/stop engine technology, the Ford Focus EcoNetic promises to break the 100g/km carbon dioxide (CO2) threshold with emissions of just 99g/km. It is one of two Ford Focus EcoNetic vehicles debuting at the event – the other doesn’t have start/stop technology and has emissions at 104g/km – and includes features such as regenerative braking and low tension front end accessory drive (see article).
Volkswagen L1 – One of those weird and wonderful concepts that you just hope gets to see the light of day, the VW L1 diesel-electric hybrid is constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre, weighs just 380kg and emits just 39g/km of CO2 (see article).
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics – A remarkably clean vehicle from a luxury car maker with a price tag on a par with its conventional alternative – the 109g/km BMW 320d EfficientDynamics is sure to attract the eye at the show with start/stop technology, regenerative braking and electric steering (see article).
Renault Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizy electric cars –

Four for the price of one from Renault which has unveiled a quartet of electric vehicles including the four-door saloon Fluence ZE which will go on sale in 2011. The Kangoo ZE is an electric delivery van; the Zoe ZE is an ultra-cute city coupe; and the Twizy ZE is a two-seat, four-wheeled electric enclosed scooter.
Volkswagen e-up! Concept – The VW Up doesn’t make its debut until next year, but it has already been surpassed in the innovation stakes by the lithium-ion battery powered e-Up which will have a top speed of 84mph, move from 0-62mph in 11.3seconds and have a range of about 80miles. It is set to debut in 2013.
Lexus LF-Ch –

Considered a rival to the BMW 120d and the Audi A3 2.0 diesel, the petrol hybrid Lexus LF-Ch is expected to match its competitors for performance and price while emitting less than 100g/km of CO2. The first version of the vehicle is debuting in Frankfurt with a more complete production vehicle scheduled for next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Kia Venga – With Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi absent from the show, eyes turned from Japan to Korea and in particular to the Venga – a tall super-mini MPV which will be available with start/stop technology and meets Euro 5 emission standards (see article).
Vauxhall/Opel Ampera – Europe’s version of the Chevrolet Volt was always going to grab attention at the show as it is seen as the centrepiece for the future of General Motors with its 40mile all-electric range. GM hopes to build around 220,000 a year.
Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion –

Yes we’re already familiar with the BlueMotion concept, but the next generation of the eternally brilliant Polo promises to be the cleanest conventionally fuelled vehicle on the market with emissions of just 87g/km (see article).
Trabant nT – Previously a smoke-belching symbol of East Germany, the Trabant has been reborn thanks to motor parts maker IndiKar as an electric car. Definitely one for those with a touch of nostalgia (see article).