(Tue 12 Jan 10)

Although its styling is based on that of current models, Volkswagen says that the New Compact Coupé on display at this year's Detroit Show "remains a concept at present with no immediate plans for production".

And that's a pity, because the New Compact Coupé looks rather good. Larger than a Golf but smaller than a Passat, it's a hybrid with a 148bhp version of the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a 27bhp electric motor. The gearbox is a seven-speed DSG, and one intriguing feature about this - recalling a system used in two-stroke cars half a century ago - is that a separate clutch disengages the engine from the gearbox when the car is coasting, to reduce friction.

That friction is otherwise known as "engine braking", an effect which is therefore lost with the Volkswagen system. But it's replaced by the friction of the motor as it turns into a generator and recharges the lithium-ion battery.

Performance is quite decent, with a top speed of 141mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.6 seconds, while combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 67.2mpg and 98g/km respectively. Unlike many concepts, this one is also reasonably practical, with a luggage volume of 380 litres, which is slightly more than you get in a Golf.

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