Geneva motor show 2011 - Volkswagen Bulli

Volkswagen has a development of its 2001 Microbus concept at the Geneva Motor Show called the Bulli.

A more compact and efficient take on the Microbus concept which, in turn, was a modern interpretation of the original T1 Camper and from the 1950s, the Bulli featues an electric powertrain.

Front-engined and rear-wheel drive, the Bulli weighs 1450kg and takes its power from a 40kWh li-ion battery.

With an 85kW electric motor, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.5seconds and on to a restricted top speed of 87mph.

Volkswagen says it has a theoretical range of 186 miles, and that the Bulli can take both petrol and diesel engines, hinting, perhaps, at the likely production of the vehicle within a few years.

A little longer than a Polo, but wider and taller, the Bulli is smaller than the Microbus concept and features 3+3 seating on a pair of benches. Both can be folded to create a large loadspace of 1600 litres, while a removable iPad in the centre console is used as a multifunction touchscreen with internet features and satellite navigation.

Like the multi-windowed upmarket Samba version of the Camper, the Bulli features a two-tone paintjob and a large logo on the bonnet.

Volkswagen at Geneva video