Frankfurt 2011 Auto Show

 The Frankfurt 2011 witnessed a range of unique, stylish and yet eco friendly cars by some of the top auto makers in the world. Apart from promising fuel efficient models that features hybrid technology along with the regular gas/petrol/diesel engines, the companies have been careful in preventing any compromises with the looks and the style factor. Here is a list of top 10 green cars that took part in the Frankfurt 2011 Auto Show.

1. Toyota's Plug-in Prius

Toyota Prius has been one of the most successful cars in terms of sales for the last few years. It features a 1.8 L engine and a 4.4 kWh battery back which would give a combined range of more than 600 miles and a range on 14 miles just on batteries. The best part is that the batteries could be charged completely in just 90 minutes. The Toyota Prius promises a zero emission ride when run just on electric motors.

2. BMW i cars

The i3 concept car is the BMW's answer to the green revolution in the global auto market which would run exclusively on electricity and would result in a zero emission ride. The car promises to generate a power of 168 bhp through the electric motors. The i8 version that is basically designed and marketed for the luxury class features a 1.5 Litre engine and an electric motor which would generate a combined power of 220 hp. The car would be able to reach a speed of 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

3. Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is Mazda's first edition with its impressive Skyactive technology. The CX-5 would be available in 2 models, one with a 2 L engine along with a hybrid electric motor and another with a 2.2 L engine. The company claims that the CO2 emissions have been brought down to 120 g/km which is quite impressive. The hybrid engines would be able to achieve a decent fuel mileage of 40 to 48 mpg for both the models. The stylish CX-5 is sure to grab some eyeballs with its elegant and luxurious look.

4. Fisker Surf

Based on its previous edition Fisker Karma, Fisker surf is also a luxury sports class sedan powered by a 175kW electric motor and a 258bhp BMW petrol engine, having a combined range of close to 300 miles. The company claims that similar to the Fisker karma, the carbon emissions have been reduced considerably compared to its other petrol-only engines. A futuristic look has been given to the car which blends well with the concept of a green car.

5. VW Up

The Volkswagen's Up is a perfect city car which is powered by 1 L three-cylinder petrol engine. It is one of the smallest four seater cars and BlueMotion technology has been incorporated to make it one of the most fuel efficient and low emission cars released by Volkswagen ever. The car has a CO2 emission of just 100g/Km and offers a fuel economy of well over 67 mpg. This car attracted a good number of people during the Frankfurt Auto Show.

6. Audi A2 Concept

The Futuristic A2 concept car from Audi is powered with a 34 Kwh lithium ion battery pack that would have a range of 124 miles and would offer a torque of 199 lb-ft and an output power of 116 HP. Audi also claims that it would not take more than one and half hours to recharge the batteries. The car would be able to reach a speed of 62 mph in just 9.3 seconds, which is fantastic for an all electric car concept.

7. Citroen DS5

Citroen, the first diesel/ electric hybrid, is the new DS5 that is fitted with a hybrid 4 system similar to the Peugeot 508 RXH. Its 2.4 Litre engine can generate a power of 164bhp where as the electric motors give an extra output of 37bhp. At low speeds, DS5 could be driven on just the electrical output, which would be zero percent emission free. The car is priced at 25,000 euros for the basic model and a fully loaded DS5 would cost anywhere around 40,000 Euros.

8. Peugeot 508 RXH

Peugeot's 508 RXH features with a hybrid4 powertrain consisting of a 2L engine along with a 28kW electric motor that produces a combined 137bhp of power. The hybrid4 powertrain allows the car to come with an impressive fuel economy rating as well as a low carbon emission value of 110 gm/km. The company claims to release the vehicle in the early 2012.

9. Ford Econetic Focus and Fiesta

The Ford Econetic Focus with its 1.6 liter engine promises an ultra clean ride through the city on its electrical motors. The company promises a carbon emission of as low as 90 g/Km which makes it one of the best green cars in its segment. Its fuel efficiency of 80 mpg puts even Toyota's Prius behind which has a mileage of around 75mpg.

10. Lexus GS450h

The GS450h is the latest edition to the mid sized luxury car segment GS that was first launched by Lexus in 1993. The GS450h comes as a tough competitor for the BMW and Mercedes with its extra luxury and comfort combined with an improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The 3.5 L engine would be capable of taking the vehicle to a speed of 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.