Return of the Microbus

Wipe that smug look off your face. An early reveal of the ID.buzz concept from the 2017 Detroit International Auto Show .

Volkswagen’s announced revival of its legendary Microbus is unquestionably a gangster move. The only question is what took them so damn long. Not only has the segment gone underserved since the last Type 2 rolled off the line in 1979 (I know, there was the Type 3 EuroVan, whatever), but it’s taken years since VW first teased its comeback. I photographed an electric ID.buzz concept nearly indistinguishable from the final iteration about six years ago at the Detroit Auto Show. And while VW has finally committed to its launch, it’s still about a year away from landing stateside.

But when it does, it will be a huge hit. Coming in variations that include the much-loved pop-up camper vans to utilitarian cargo vans with fully autonomous capability, in all sorts of clever variations and customizable features. And with sky-high gas prices likely to be a constant for the foreseeable future, consumers looking to bail from their big petrol-sucking SUVs that day can’t arrive soon enough. I predict VW will struggle to satisfy demand.

Design-wise, I would like to have seen a continuation of the signature squared-off rear wheel well from the original. Though I’m sure it was considered. Admittedly, the round wheel well provides a stronger stance and assertion of power.

For anyone interested in the backstory of VW’s various attempts at resurrecting its legacy van, check out this comprehensive recap at Car and Driver.