Best of 2010: Auto Show debuts

(General Motors)

As the global economy slowly began to recover, 2010 saw automakers putting their best foot forward in an attempt to get consumers interested in cars again. That meant bold redesigns, some sharp course changes and clever innovation characterised the new models introduced this year.

Ford Focus
Introduced: North American International Auto Show, January 2010

The new Ford Focus will be sold in 122 markets worldwide and is the first model to use Ford's C-car platform which aims to ensure parts commonality worldwide. A fusion of North American, European and Asian design, it was suggested that this was the model that could inject a life shot into Detroit.

Saab 9-5
Introduced: Geneva International Motor Show, March 2010

Saab's impressive dodging of collapse was nothing short of spectacular, especially given that it managed to get its long-awaited new model onto a stand at Geneva just days after being purchased by Spyker. The Saab 9-5 proved that this iconic Swedish brand is still a force to be reckoned with, with advanced technology and the automaker's trademark aviation styling.

Audi A1
Introduced: Geneva International Motor Show, March 2010

Small was undoubtedly a theme of the year, but Audi showed that premium brands can do compact cars well with its new A1. Available with 1.2 and 1.4 liter gas or a 1.6 liter diesel engine, the A1 offered the small car experience with luxury trimmings.

Cadillac CTS-V Sports Wagon
Introduced: New York International Auto Show, April 2010

Cadillac managed to buck the green trend to considerable acclaim in April when it introduced the CTS-V Sports Wagon. It was powered by a 6.2L V-8 engine, the most powerful engine in Cadillac's history.

Lexus CT200h
Introduced: Paris International Motor Show, October 2010

Lexus' CT200h wasn't just its first five-door compact car, it was also a flagship for the growing high-end hybrid trend. Blending the hybrid technology of parent company Toyota with the well-known styling of Lexus seemed an excellent move for the Japanese automaker - although it drew mixed reactions from commentators.

Lotus Elite
Introduced: Paris International Motor Show, October 2010

Designed to take British brand Lotus into the future, the Elite boasts four seats and a 5.0 liter V8 gas engine. It won't be on sale until 2014, but was well received at the Paris Motor Show.

Fisker Karma
Introduced: Paris International Motor Show, October 2010

This hybrid sports car has been some time coming, but Fisker finally unveiled the production version of it in Paris. It can manage 80 km on electric power before switching to a gas-powered motor for a further 403 km.

Honda Jazz Hybrid
Introduced: Paris International Motor Show, October 2010

Now the cheapest hybrid on the market, the industry recognised the significance of the Honda Jazz at its Paris launch. Priced at under 1.59 million yen (19,000 dollars), it can run 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) per litre (0.26 gallons) of gasoline.

Toyota RAV4 EV
Introduced: Los Angeles Auto Show, November 2010

The unusual marriage of Tesla and Toyota produced the RAV4 EV, which drew much interest at November's LA Auto Show. 35 will be produced for testing over two years before a full launch in 2012.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Introduced: Los Angeles Auto Show, November 2010

The convertible version of Chevrolet's muscle car will be the first available in Europe, General Motors confirmed at the Camaro's LA launch. It boasts a 312 hp direct injection V-6 engine, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard and automatic transmission available on request.