Up! big in the city

Hey up, it’s the E-Up! This is VW’s new city car, and it promises zero emissions, with its electric motor delivering up to 78bhp.

The model can accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds and has a range of more than 80 miles.

It tips the scales at 1,085kg, and is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a 230V socket in five hours – although 80 per cent capacity is achieved in as little as 60 minutes.

Inspired by the original Up! concept – first seen at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show – the 3,199mm long E-Up! is designed to accommodate three adults and a child.

It also offers 320 litres of boot space.

While the car is officially a design exercise, it’s thought a production version could arrive by 2013.