VOLKSWAGEN has just unveiled the third model in its Up! line-up of concept vehicles - this time it is a people mover, the Space Up! Blue.

The firm says it takes styling cues from its classic 1950s Samba Bus, but power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor, supplied by a high temperature fuel cell linked with bank of 12 lithium-ion batteries.

Running on battery power, the Space Up! Blue has a range of about 65 miles, while the fuel cell can take the car a further 155 miles.

The new drivetrain is integrated into the Space Up! Blue concept with a bank of solar panels built into the roof of the vehicle to allow the charge in the lithium-ion batteries to be topped up at all times when light falls on them.

The high-temperature fuel cell meanwhile produces electric energy from compressed hydrogen, stored in a pair of secure tanks beneath the vehicle.

Volkswagen says the only by-product of this highly efficient drivetrain is pure water.

Battery-power performance figures see a 0 to 62mph time of 13.7 seconds, and a top speed of 75mph.

The high-temperature fuel cell meanwhile produces electric energy from compressed hydrogen, stored in a pair of secure tanks beneath the vehicle.

The concept can accommodate four adults in comfort, and carry 220 litres of luggage, yet it is just 3.68m long, and 1.63m wide.

The concept was unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show and Volkswagen says you will see the Space Up! Blue running on Britain's roads before the end of this decade.