What is it?

It's a two-door, four-seat coupé in the same vein as the Audi A5, and which happens to look remarkably like an A5 with a VW grille. And written on that grille is the word hybrid, making this a no brainer of a coupé: it's smart, spacious, green and was probably a fairly easy gestation given its similarities to the aforementioned Audi coupé.

Why's it here?

Because, according to VW, the New Concept Coupe (NCC) 'appeals to both the head and the heart', in that it's a good looking and spacious coupé that also boasts some impressive stats. It's a full hybrid, which means electric-only power at low speeds, or simultaneous electric-petrol drive for a boost of lithium ion power at full tilt. The 150bhp TSI engine complements the 27bhp electric motor fed by a 1.1Kw lithium ion battery, altogether good for a 0-62mph ping in 8.6 seconds. Fuel economy is 67.2mpg and emissions 98g/km. It bodes well, but VW said nothing of production for the UK - despite the car looking ready to go.

Show stopper or floor filler?

Well, it was a proper surprise, which is always a good start, although it does look too like the Audi you-know-what to make it a real showstopper. However, despite being the fourth press conference of the schedule in Detroit - and after Ford and GMC - it was the first to include a bit of razzmatazz; the NCC was ushered towards a largely male crowd by a bevy of male dancers. Strange, but in comparison to the unusually sombre approach of the American makers, an interesting change.

Full 2010 Detroit Auto Show report.