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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
3- Lexus CT200h: The CT200h is not new. We've seen it on the auto show circuit many times over the last year but this was the first time that it and I actually got better acquainted. From the onset, I have been a fan of its styling but never more than that. Upon closer inspection, I found that this is a very intriguing and smart-looking car.
Largely based on the current Prius, the CT200h combines the right dose of green and luxury. The cabin is smart and has a trick shifter. Although many may think that hybrids are not the future of automotive mobility but only a step in that direction, the CT is indeed an interesting offering. It will certainly depend on the price point. Time will tell.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
4- Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion: Fresh from a facelift, the new Passat (which will not be coming to North America, more on that in the near future) also gets a slew of revised, refined and ecofriendly engines. In Europe, the success of an engine is based on grams of CO2 per kilometre. At this moment, anything under 150 grams is very excellent.
The new Passat just about sets the standard in this department in its segment. The Volkswagen sedan and wagon's ten (yes, ten!) engines (from the 105 hp up to the 300 hp versions) consume less fuel and emit fewer emissions. In some cases, the fuel consumption numbers are 19% lower. The cleanest of its engines will spew out only 109 g/km CO2. Not bad at all. It also doesn't hurt that the car looks spiffy.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
5- The EDF Group: This is a leading energy player, involved and active in all major facets of the electricity business. At the show, their booth consisted in a display that demonstrated many of the different ways they are involved in the promotion, development and sustainability of electricity.
More precisely, they are involved with many car manufacturers in the development of their EVs, namely the Mini E and the creation of real-world solutions for the implementation of recharging terminals. I was quite impressed by the range of their expertise. It did help that they sponsor a car that participates in the Trophee Andros... Check the picture.
(http://research.edf.com/pioneering-projects/electric-mobility/2010-motor-show-81719.html)