Fuel-efficiency is definitely the theme for Volkswagen at the L.A. auto show. Decked out with blue lighting on their big white stage, the German automaker unveiled a third variant of its “New Small Family” concept called space up! blue.

Driving out from a tunnel-like tent, the space up! blue vehicle looks just like the versions that were shown in Frankfurt and Tokyo earlier this year. The key difference is that the space up! blue is powered by 12 lithium-ion batteries and a high-temperature fuel cell—the world’s first.

On batteries alone, the zero-emissions hatchback has a driving range of 65 miles. The distance extends to 220 miles when combined with a fuel cell. To assist with the recharge, a large solar panel on the roof supplies 150 Watts of energy. The space up! blue can be plugged in or fueled with hydrogen.

The electric motor produces about 60 horsepower and has a maximum torque of 88.5 lb-ft. This small car has a top speed of 75 mph and can reach 60 mph in 13.7 seconds.

After the space up! blue was driven out onto the stage, former NBA-star John “Spider” Salley joined VW Member of the Board of Management, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, to show how spacious the small concept is on the inside. At almost 7 feet tall, Salley certainly proved the point.

Clean Diesel Jetta

While there has been a slight delay, late next year the Jetta TDI will come to the States as a 2009 model. The new diesel engine meets the most stringent Tier II/Bin 5 standards and Volkswagen claims it to be the “cleanest diesel ever.”

Clean enough to meet emission standards in all 50 states, the TDI engine will be available in the sedan and wagon. Pricing is not available yet, but the 2.0-liter engine will produce 140 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque and is expected to achieve more than 50 miles per gallon.

Volkswagen’s Premium SUV

After showing a concept version of the Tiguan at last year's L.A. show, VW chose the same venue for the North American debut of the premium compact SUV. Decked out in black paint, the front-drive Tiguan has distinctive European styling and tuned suspension designed to handle any kind of road condition. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is also an option.

Volkswagen's CEO says the crossover utility vehicle is “about unexpected capabilities. On road, off-road and fun to drive.” Sharing the same engine as the GTI, the 2.0-liter TFSI engine puts out 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque with a choice of a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

Expected to hit showroom floors in the summer of 2008, the Tiguan will come to market with a starting price of $22,490.