Once again, auto enthusiasts flocked to the Motor City to satisfy their car cravings at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, locally known as the Detroit Auto Show. Once again, the show did not disappoint.

Like last year’s show, there was still a fairly hefty emphasis on environmentally friendly vehicles.

However, unlike the 2009 show, this year’s show lacked a big, blockbuster release. Without having one car to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at, some might consider this year’s show to be something of a disappointment. But as usual, there was plenty to see. Here is a look at the best of the best in Detroit in 2010.

Most original:

The most original and probably the most fun car at the 2010 show was the Mini Beachcomber. This concept vehicle takes the idea of Mini Cooper to a whole new level. Showing off its interior, the Beachcomber mimics the old Jeep Wrangler look with no doors and no roof. With a larger body frame and huge tires, this car cannot exactly be called ‘mini’.

The “Greenest”:

The Volvo C30 Electric was the best ‘green’ car at the show this year. In the past few years, we saw Toyota bring out a new Prius and Chevrolet unveil the Volt. This year, Volvo got into the mix. The coolest part about the C30 is that it does not look like a stereotypical electric car. It actually looks like a perfectly normal everyday car. It encapsulates the style and design that is Volvo and puts it in a compact, two-seater design. Basically, as far as consumers are concerned, the C30 is more attractive than the Prius.

Best concept:

This honor goes to the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe. “Best Concept” really means that this car isn’t a far stretch from an everyday street car. The Compact Coupe takes style from the Jetta and also the Ford Fusion. However, it is not as edgy as either of these cars. VW built this car strictly for the U.S. market, and it would be no surprise to see these on the street in the near future.

Most significant:

The new (and hopefully improved) Ford Focus gives American drivers the European style car we have been looking for. The Focus keeps its usual small size, but the body is completely redesigned, giving it an almost hatch-back look. The Focus might be just the ticket for Ford in this uneasy American economy.

Best in show:

This distinction probably could have gone to one of the many flashy concept vehicles that were on display at the show. For example, the Audi E-Tron received a considerable amount of buzz from media personnel for its amazing performance as an electric car. However, it seems more fitting to give the Best in Show honor to a car that we can actually drive. That being said, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible takes the cake. Everything that makes Benz one of the elite auto makers in the world is in this car. It is a classic, sleek, luxurious E-Class with a whole new twist. The convertible top and redesigned front grill/headlights give the E-Class a more youthful, sporty look. The combination of fun and functionality make the E-Class convertible the best at the 2010 Detroit International Auto Show.