What is it? The Bulli is VW’s latest people mover, following the tradition of the company’s original Microbus, though decidedly smaller than the well-received Microbus concept from a few years ago. Unlike the classic Bus, the Bulli has four forward-opening doors and seats six in two rows. It’s a little taller, but similar in concept to a Scion xB or a Kia Soul. The seats fold forward for a flat cargo area, or back for a relatively flat bed. Entertainment and navigation systems are built into an Apple iPad that docks onto the dashboard.

What’s new or notable? The Bulli concept is a plug-in all-electric vehicle with lithium-ion batteries that VW claims give the car a range of 180 miles on a charge. VW claims the Bulli is only a concept, but it is clearly considering whether such a style would be popular with American consumers – in a cheaper gas-powered package, of course.

CR’s take: It’s no Microbus, but the Bulli could make a cool and practical competitor in the small boxy urban vehicle segment.