Volkswagen: Kombis ready to roll again

Volkswagen Bulli. Photo / Supplied

Volkswagen is set to build a production version of the Kombi concept van it displayed at last week's Geneva motor show.

The German carmaker is testing public reaction to the retro-inspired concept, called the Bulli after Germany's nickname for the famous camper van.

There's no word on a timeline for the new model, which is expected to fight for sales against the likes of other boxy niche cars such as the Toyota Rukus and Kia Soul.

Powering the concept car is a pure electric drivetrain but it's expected Volkswagen will opt for traditional petrol and diesel variants when the car makes it to production.

The new Kombi will use Volkswagen Group's new modular underpinnings, meaning the van can be stretched, downsized, slimmed down or widened depending on the tastes of the market in which it will be sold.

The first car to be built from the new modular platform is Audi's third-generation A3.

A report in Europe suggests the new model will be built alongside the next-generation Beetle in Mexico.