Geneva 2009: Vauxhall Ampera

The Vauxhall Ampera's exterior looks significantly better than the Volt with big boomerang shaped lights on the front giving the Ampera a very distinctive nose.

Underneath the Ampera utilises the same ‘Voltec’ plug-in technology from the Volt with over 220 lithium-ion batteries under the rear seats. These batteries power an electric motor, which constantly puts power to the rear wheels.

For journeys of up to 40 miles the power is supplied by the battery pack and for anything over that additional power is supplied by a small 1.4 litre petrol engine which puts power to the wheels while simultaneously re-charging the battery pack, giving the Ampera an additional 200-mile range.

The Ampera will be more than capable with keeping up with your standard hatches managing the 0-60 time of around 9 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. With instantaneous torque of 370nm it should be great for zipping about town.

No prices have been released yet but we expect it to cost significantly more than a decent spec Astra or Focus.