VOLKSWAGEN ID BUZZ - THE KOMBI, REBORN FOR THE ELECTRIC AGE

BE SURE to wear flowers in your hair, or perhaps even don that tie-dyed rainbow hippie outfit before taking VW’s new retro-futuristic electric Microbus for a test drive when it eventually hits showrooms either late this year or early 2023 – as long-wheelbase people mover or cleverly packaged cargo van.

- GEORG KACHER

Model Volkswagen ID Buzz

Motor single (rear)

Battery 77kWh

Max power 150kW

Max torque 310Nm

Transmission single-speed reduction

Weight 2500kg

0-100km/h 9.8sec (estimated)

Economy 24kWh/100km (estimated)

Price TBA

On sale Not confirmed for Australia

Designed with a sublime grasp of flair, style and tradition, the versatile e-van shares more elements than expected with the 1950s classic. Its powerplant is again rear-mounted, driving the adjacent wheels accompanied by a subtle transformer whine. In the long-wheelbase guise, it seats up to seven passengers in reasonable comfort. The massive power-operated sliding doors create an even bigger aperture than the double-side-hinged portals of yore, and the bright four-lite greenhouse mimics the original except for the optional dozen skylights. Even the driving position – relatively close to the windscreen, throning on a pair of high-mounted captain’s chairs – brings back fond memories of the days of free love, smoking weed and listening to psychedelic music.

The production version differs from the acclaimed concept in numerous areas. The roll-down windows are of course no longer flush-fitting, the black cast-iron hinges of the available split rear doors stick out of the Cargo model like two sore liquorice thumbs, the two-tone colour schemes and the contrasting material mix are a little too gaudy for such a classy design.