Volkswagen has taken its legendary camper van and given it a 2001 makeover.

The Microbus concept is touring the motor shows of the world gauging public reaction.

The German car-maker says there are no plans yet to put it into full-scale production - but it might.

The Microbus follows in the footsteps of the original Volkswagen bus, the legendary 'camper van' or T1. It was devised in the Volkswagen design studio in Simi Valley, California, with particular focus on the US market.

The Microbus's very short front and rear overhangs and space-efficient design are reminiscent of the T1.

However, its dimensions - at 4.7m long and nearly 2m high and wide - are approximately equivalent in size to the fourth generation Transporter, which is sold in Europe as the Caravelle and Multivan and in the USA as the EuroVan.

Another difference is the Microbus's front-mounted 3.2-litre V6 engine and a five-speed Tiptronic gearbox.

Inside the cabin, large lights integrated into the roof give a feeling of space and light. The dashboard is positioned close to the driver, further enhancing the feeling of space.

The gear lever is integrated into the dash and so does not clutter the floor. The Microbus has three rows of seats, and those in the middle row may be turned through 180 degrees.

Add to this no less than seven TV/video plasma screens and a back seat that turns into a table.