Best concept cars of the 2010 Paris Motor Show

Concept cars can usually fall into one of three categories: crazy flights of fancy, toe-in-the-water designs and thinly disguised upcoming models. We take a peak at the best from the first two groups present at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Think of this collaboration with Lacoste as a funkily-styled modern take on the Mini Moke.

The Lacoste doesn't have a roof, as such. Instead, there's a bar that runs from the centre of the windscreen to pillar, to which a translucent plastic sheeting can be attached. Unfortunately, the not-quite-a-roof took forever to erect and we left the scene before the job was complete.

Powered by a three-cylinder engine, this car is, even in the words of its maker, not meant to be driven at great speed.

Revealed months in advance, the world finally got to see the real Renault DeZir for the first time at the 2010 Paris show.

The electric engine that's mounted behind the driver and passenger is an upgrade to the one that will grace Renault's upcoming range of electric cars. In the DeZir it can push out 110kW of power and 226Nm of torque, with the Lithium-ion batteries good for 160km of driving between charges.

Styled by the company's new head designer, the DeZir gives a hint to styling direction of future Renaults.

Standing beside the production-ready Leaf, the Townpod is an electric van.

The Townpod's flowing dashboard is devoid of mechanical switches, with everything operated via stalks and a touchscreen monitor.

According to Nissan, the Townpod features the same electric drivetrain as the Leaf.

A small four-wheel drive, the HR1 features a hybrid drivetrain. A 1.2-litre three-cylinder sits up front and a rear-mounted electric engine together deliver 110kW of power.

We didn't hang around long enough to see them in action, but the HR1 features gull-wing doors like the mega-buck Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

First unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, this was CNET Australia's first chance to see the striking Survolt in the flesh.

Since its first outing, the paint scheme has been changed to two-tone matte grey and gloss black, with light blue highlights. Apart from the fact that the drivetrain's electric, we still know very little about the Survolt.

Revealed prior to the show, the Pop with its mirror-like finish resembles a soda can on wheels.

The Pop seats three and the instruments are displayed on a transparent OLED display.

The Pop is motivated by a 50kW/190Nm electric motor that is capable of running at speeds up to 140km/h, with the lithium polymer battery pack providing a range of around 160km.

OK, this is a future production model masquerading as a concept car, but with its motor show features (undersized mirrors, oversized wheels, concealed door handles and the like), the Zoe looks the goods.

One of a range of electric vehicles on show at Renault's stand, the Zoe is about the size of a Clio and due for launch in 2012. The Lithium batteries take between six to eight hours to fully charge up and can power the 60kW/222Nm electric engine for up to 160km.

Not only is the preview of Zoe's interior endowed with a plant, the cabin is meant to act like a spa, with the car's central screen practising light therapy on the occupants as you drive. The climate control system also includes a humidifier, scent diffuser and monitors outside air quality, automatically shutting the vents as necessary.

Possibly one of the most unfortunate names to ever grace a concept car, the Revolte is a Mini-sized hybrid vehicle.

Unlike the Mini, which emphasises its sporty heritage, the Revolte is targeted at luxury-minded buyers with the cabin said to seat three people in lounge-like comfort.

Not much has been revealed about the Revolte's hybrid drivetrain, except that it can run in electric-only mode. Also, the car's bonnet is covered with solar cells capable of powering the car's convenience features.

Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the oddly shaped BB1 is an electric urban runabout.

We're not sure how aerodynamic the reverse-angle bubble windscreen is, but Peugeot claims that this 2.5m long vehicle can seat four.

The BB1 has an electric motor for each rear wheel delivering a total 15kW. The Lithium-ion batteries can power the car for up to 120km.

First seen at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the FT-EV II is an electric concept car with a claimed range of 90km and a top speed of about 100km/h.

Like the similarly sized iQ, the FT-EV II features four seats.

We're not sure we'd be entirely comfortable driving in a car with a see-through section below the dashboard.

One of the highlights of the show, Jaguar's C-X75 is a Chevy Volt-style extended range electric vehicle with a twist — its petrol battery charger is actually a set of jet turbines.

Find out more in our in-depth Jaguar C-X75 feature.

The eye-catching Sesto Elemento weighs a mere 999kg; a pretty impressive feature considering that it packs a V10 engine and four-wheel drive.

Find out more in our in-depth Lamborghini Sesto Elemento feature.

This modern homage to the revolutionary rally winner might actually make it to production. Maybe.

Find out more in our in-depth Paris Motor Show supercars feature.

Just one of five cars unveiled for small sports car maker Lotus at this year's show, the Esprit is said to top the company range with a V8 engine and optional hybrid elements.

Find out more in our in-depth Paris Motor Show supercars feature.