Strange concepts

With their futuristic concepts and hybrids, car manufacturers are competing hard for the attention of the eco-savvy, image-conscious buyer. We take a look at some of their weird and wonderful designs.

Clio's Grand Tour Concept car is geared towards leisure activities and has been developed around 'photographic and multi-media themes'. It has several benchmark electronic features, an easy-to-load boot, bespoke side panels and sculpted sills for added potency.

Hyundai's daring Veloster Coupe Concept takes its name from a combination of 'velocity' and 'roadster' and has been created to evoke the sporty characteristics of a two-plus-two. It has a panoramic glass roof, futuristic styling cues, iconic design and robust construction aimed at the 'Y-generation'.nextpage

The Ford Verve Concept is the latest in a series of striking show stoppers, based on the kinetic design philosophy of the critically-acclaimed new Mondeo and S-MAX. Ford say it makes an 'individual statement to a sophisticated, fashion-aware generation' with its sleek lines, 18-inch alloys, panoramic glass roof and deep magenta finish.

Part of a trio of Chevrolet's new series of concept cars, the Beat is aimed at a younger, funkier audience. It's powered by a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine and has headlamps that run the entire length of the bonnet, along with unusual fabric and mesh seats, fibre-optic interior lights and a pop-up juke box which rises from the dash.nextpage

Touted as a vehicle to 'tackle the roughest possible road and weather conditions', Citroen's Cruise Crosser Concept features three axles and six wheels to provide outstanding traction. It also has strong green credentials, including a hybrid drivetrain - a combination of a diesel engine and an electric motor - and a 'silent drive' option which reduces emissions to zero.nextpage

With a carbon-fibre roof, striking styling and innovative technology designed to minimise its impact on the environment, Citroen's new C5 Airscape Concept features an 'UrbanHybrid' system which helps reduce emissions and switches off the engine when the vehicle is at standstill. The Airscape also has a new 'Snow Motion' traction control system for enhanced driving safety in low-grip conditions.nextpage

Yes, we know - what on earth is it? The Nissan Pivo 2 has a cabin that revolves through 360 degrees, making it a doddle to manoeuvre and - wait for it - eliminating the need to reverse. Hooray! Excellent visibility is enhanced by the 'Around View technology' while the Compact Lithium-on Battery powers two motors, one on each axle, to provide torque to all four wheels.nextpage

Chevrolet's butch-looking Trax is an urban-crossover concept, powered by a small but punchy 1.0 litre petrol engine. The car features knock-resistant moulded bumpers, funky 16-inch alloys, a fold-flat load area and a clever all-wheel drive system with independent battery pack and electric motor to drive the rear wheels.nextpage

The futuristic Toyota Hybrid X gives a glimpse of the future for their hybrid synergy drive system. Toyota are planning to double their hybrid offerings over the next few years, following the success of their Prius models. The Hybrid X features large glass areas and 'controllable ambience within the car'. nextpage

The compact and distinctive new 4x4 Ford Kuga will soon become the newest addition to their portfolio. Set to go into production in early 2008 at the Saarlouis plant in Germany, the Kuga has been designed for image-conscious customers who want impressive on-road capability and substancial off-road ability.nextpage

The Toyota iQ is a concept that will, they say, almost certainly be built. The iQ is being designed with an outlook to use a next generation plug-in hybrid system that allows cars to be recharged from any power socket. Shorter than a Fiat 500, it boasts interior space equivalent to that of a Yaris.nextpage

Subaru have been developing the G4e Concept car, an environmentally-friendly electric car which is unusual in that it's a full five-seater, despite it's tiny dimensions. Fitted with lithium-ion batteries stored underneath the floor, the triangle-shaped body is an attractive feature with Subaru owners.nextpage

The sleek Mazda Ryuga concept car celebrates 'refined and controlled motion." Design inspiration came from unusual elements of nature - Japanese gardens and flowing molten lava to name a few. Features include rising doors and an experimental 'floating' centre cluster.

By Lara Page