The Geneva Motor Show kicks off next week – and eco-friendly people cars are at the heart of the innovations on display. Petrolheads will rejoice with some choice gas-guzzlers too.

Sure to be getting lots of attention in these eco-conscious times is the Honda FCX Clarity – the world’s first hydrogen-powered motor.

Looks-wise it’s nothing special, but the tech inside the engine ensures that nothing comes out of the FCX Clarity’s exhaust apart from clean water vapour. Ken Livingstone will love it.

Honda says this is the first time the FCX Clarity has gone on display in Europe. The four-door, zero emission saloon made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show last October and will be available to lease in the USA this summer for just $600 (£304) per month. The FCX will also debut in Japan this autumn. There’s no news yet on a UK launch.

Equally noteworthy is the CR-Z sports coupe concept, which finally brings the classic CR-X of 1980s fame up to date. This new version houses a hybrid powerplant, delivering responsible high-speed jollies for the car cognocenti.

Bubble car bounces back

Also out touting its ZEV credentials is Nissan, which will be showing off its cute ‘n’ cuddly Pivo 2 concept at Geneva.

This 21st Century bubble car comes with a rotating cab and wheels that turn at 90 degrees, enabling you to drive the thing in any direction. It's perfect for parking in tight spaces – you simply drive the car in sideways.

Other innovative features include an NEC PaPeRo-style robot built-into the dash, Siemens VDO-style motors in each wheel and a Lithium-Ion battery-powered engine.

The Pivo 2 even has an advanced ‘X by Wire’ system that replaces mechanicals linking the steering and other core components with a series of electronic signals instead. The Pivo 2 made its motor show debut in Tokyo last year.

Hyundai’s HED turner

Sticking with the eco-friendly theme is Hyundai whose stunning (yes, we said stunning) HED-5 MPV promises class-leading fuel economy, thanks to a super lightweight construction that’s been developed in conjunction with LG, Bayer and Recaro.

Hyundai says the six-seat HED-5 emits 29 per cent less CO2 than its on-the-road rivals. No date has been set for launch, although the HED-5 is classed as a ‘near production’ concept.