What Car? Q&A - Will VW build retro camper van?

Q: I've been looking at Volkswagen's recent Up! concepts and they reminded me of a bigger car in the same vein that the company did a few years ago.

It was a modern version of the old camper van and looked absolutely great. Is VW ever going to build it?
Tom Walker

A: You must be thinking of the Microbus concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2001, where it was very well received.

Following another successful reception at Geneva later that year, it was confirmed for production in Hanover in June 2001.

Unfortunately, the trail goes cold there and in 2005 the project was cancelled. There have been recent rumours that it's back in the pipeline in a possible collaboration with Chrysler, but the official line isn't that encouraging.

A spokesman for VW said: 'As far as I know, nothing has changed. I think it will still be a good idea but there's nothing concrete at the moment.'

However, there is already a model in Volkswagen's line-up that can lay a decent claim to being a modern equivalent of VW's classic camper van: the van-based Transporter California.

It has an elevating roof, beds for four, swivelling seats that can be arranged around a table, a heater, fridge, sink and a hob. Prices start at £35,162 and rise to £39,157. Click here here for more information.