10 Most Innovative Cars of 2015 and beyond

Technology in the motor industry is advancing faster than ever in its history. With manufacturers facing reduced profits and chasing ever-smaller market niches, they’re turning to innovation to give themselves an edge.

3. BMW i3
It was the i8 that got the headlines but the smaller more affordable i3 is the practical option. Available as full- electric or hybrid versions, there’s an optional Parking Package that allows the car to find a space and park itself without driver input.

4. Toyota Mirai FCV
The Mirai is a hydrogen fuel-cell car. It has the range of a petrol car, can be refuelled in just a few minutes, and emits only water. It uses hydrogen to generate electricity, which is then used to drive the wheels.

5. Holden VF Commodore
Okay, so it was launched in 2013, but with its lightweight construction incorporating aluminium and loads of safety and infotainment technology it remains the most advanced car built in Australia. Improvements for the 2015 model year include performance models with shift paddles for the six-speed transmission.

6. Audi A3 g-tron
Nobody knows what the future holds for fossil fuels but Audi has its bases covered. The g-tron runs on a synthetic methane called e-gas which Audi is manufacturing using wind energy. The e-gas is only available at selected filling stations in Germany but the car is dual-fuel so it can run on petrol too.

7. Ford C-Max Solar Energi
Still at the concept stage at the moment, the Solar Energi uses a solar panel system on the roof which the company estimates can power up to 75 per cent of the trips made by an average driver. This has huge potential for the Australian market where no shortage of sun could mean pretty much free motoring.

8. Android Auto
Okay, so it’s not a car, it’s a technology that allows your car to interact with your smartphone. Apple’s CarPlay is similar. Makers like Hyundai with BlueLink are already rolling it out. You can link navigation data, use your phone or smartwatch to unlock the car, get it to flash its lights so you can find it in a car park, book a service and more.

9. Google car
Yes, it looks like it was turned out in a toy factory and you can’t buy one yet, but this may be what the future looks like. With no controls other than a stop/go button and an emergency stop, the car uses a combination of laser and radar sensors to drive itself.

10. Mercedes F015
If the playpen looks of the Google car don’t appeal, then the Mercedes F015 concept just might. Revealed at last January’s Consumer Electronics Show, the F015 is a sort of self-driving mobile lounge room where four passengers sit facing each other. You have the option to swivel the front seats around and can take control if you prefer hands-on motoring.