Narrow thinking seems to be the order of the day for designers creating the latest concept cars, if the latest offerings from Renault and VW are anything to go by. Renault was showing off its new Twizy ZE concept at Frankfurt Motor Show, an all electric 1+1 vehicle that is just 1.13m wide.

The Twizy is firmly aimed at the urban environment, with a top speed of just 47mph, while a dynamic look creates the impression of floating on the road. It also seems this is a serious vehicle which Renault says will go into production in 2011.
 
Meanwhile VW has been showing off its ultra low emissions L1 Concept. This diesel-electric hybrid is capable of a stunning 189mpg while emitting just 39g/km of CO2. It weighs just 380kg, but the makers say the use of carbon fibre makes it strong and safe. Like the Twizy, the L1 seats two occupants in tandem and is also narrow at just 1.2m.
 
VW says that advances in manufacturing techniques make production of the L1 viable, but as yet do not have any firm plans for its introduction.