Weird, wonderful wheels

The Frankfurt Motor Show this week showcased hundreds of new vehicle models launched by manufacturers in the face of an uncertain world-wide economic climate.

Many were hoping their new models would increase sales and put more cash in the bank to sustain them through the troubled times the industry is facing.

There were the exotics, the weird, the wonderful, the beautiful, the electric, the hybrids - and then there were cars that would eventually become those the average man in the street would buy.

Some exotics included Jaguar's C-X16, Aston Martin's V12 Zagato and Bentley's GTC, and funny man Mr Bean (alias Rowan Atkinson) was the front man for Rolls Royce's Custom Phantom Coupe.

His new film, Johnny English Reborn, is due for release soon, but it was serious business for Atkinson on the stiff upper-lipped Roller stand!

However, despite his presence, it was the Volkswagen stand which attracted the most attention.

Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche, Skoda, Golf, the up!, Audi, Scania and Seat were the main attractions.

Ford had the new Focus ST performance model on display. Madza showed off the new CX-5 compact crossover, which the Japanese manufacturer says is the first of a generation of vehicles using a new design ethos and its SKYACTIV engine technology.

Honda, for the first time, showed its ninth-generation Civic which it hopes will to build on the 20-million models sold since the first car was launched in 1972.

Toyota led the way with its Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), which features a new battery capability to extend the car's economy to a claimed 54.5km a litre and emissions reduced to just 49g/km of CO2.

New versions of the Avensis, Prius and Lexus 450h were also on display.

Chevrolet unveiled the all-new Malibu saloon. It boasts better aerodynamics, a dual cockpit interior, improved material quality and better performance and efficiency from its four-cylinder engines.

The BMW Group unveiled the BMW i3 and i8 concept vehicles, as well as the new production-ready Mini Coupé, BMW 1 Series and BMW M5 Saloon.

For Audi, the show was a huge occasion. The German manufacturer even built a new exhibition area - complete with its own oblong test track - in an open area outside the existing halls.

The company introduced seven new models at Frankfurt, including electrics like the Audi A2 hatchback and city runabouts called the "urban concept" and "urban concept spyder".

Alfa Romeo had the 4C Concept on its stand - and officials said it was due to go on sale in Europe in 2013.

Fiat showed off the all-new third generation Fiat Panda.

Mercedes Benz had five of the new model cars on display, the new B Class and the high-end F125 electric car.

Mercedes also showed its more sporty models, such as the SLS AMG, SLK 250 CDI and SLK55 AMG.