Concept cars often pave the way for the next automotive wave.

BODY ELECTRIC If the electric vehicle is the car of tomorrow, then the Volkswagen ID is the one the world will get the day after tomorrow.

This daring concept represents VW's plan for a completely new fleet of pure electric cars. It goes on sale in 2020 with an outstanding range of 400-600 km on a single battery charge, with a price on a par with a high-end Golf.

Even more exciting is that from 2025, the ID will offer a fully automated drive. In this mode, it retracts its multi-function steering wheel into the dashpad and you can literally put your feet up and relax all the way home. Speaking of home, if you're not in, the ID can receive your parcels using a new delivery service.

The groundbreaking design language for compact electric vehicles means that the ID has a spacious lounge-like interior. It has a long wheelbase and short overhangs, so despite the four-door ID having a length of 4.1 metres - shorter than a Golf compact hatch - its wheelbase stretches to 2,750 mm - or longer than a Passat mid-size sedan.

Equally intriguing is the exterior with its LED lights. The ID communicates with its environment using light, with the headlights mimicking the human eye. For example, it looks in the direction of the driver as he or she approaches the ID.

Creepy or cool, you decide. But if there's no doubt the Volkswagen ID will deliver a brand new automotive experience when it arrives.

SMALL MEASURES Volvo is thinking small - small cars, that is.

The Swedish carmaker has launched its global small car strategy with the unveiling of two concept models that combine bold design with industry-leading connectivity, electrification and autonomous drive technologies.

This is the first time Volvo has demonstrated its intention to expand into the large and lucrative global market for premium small cars, and it is doing so by moving into a daring new direction.

The new global small car range will include a pure battery electric vehicle and Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain variants. This is in line with the carmaker's commitment to the electrification of its entire line-up.

With its modular approach to vehicle architecture and powertrain development, Volvo says it will race ahead of its competitors in the premium segment. And most likely, we might add, silently with zero emissions, thanks to pure electric propulsion.