(Tue 16 Dec 08)

This interesting-looking car is the latest project by Mercedes-Benz to provide economical and low-emission transport. The BlueZERO concept, which will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Show in January, has been developed in three forms: the E-Cell has electric drive only, the E-Cell Plus is the same but with a one-litre turbochared engine (as used in smart models) acting as a generator, and the F-Cell which uses a fuel cell system.

Of these, the E-Cell Plus is the most practical, with a range of 370 miles if you use the engine (if you don't, the battery gives a range of up to 120 miles). The F-Cell can manage more than 250 miles and produces no emissions whatever but is at present the least likely to make it to production. All three versions have a 0-62mph time of less than 11 seconds and are limited to a top speed of 93mph.

The BlueZERO has a double floor, as pioneered some time ago in the A-Class, and all the electric equipment is contained inside the "sandwich". This increases safety (the reason it was used in the A-Class), leaves plenty of interior space for passengers and luggage, and keeps the centre of gravity nicely low for better handling.

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