Baby VW up! and running

16th October 2009

Development of Volkswagen’s new baby is definitely on the up! These are the world’s first spy shots of the forthcoming up! city car – which goes on sale in 18 months, priced at only £7,500.

Engineers have tried to hide the newcomer beneath a modified previous-generation Polo body, but if you look at the wheel-at-each-corner stance and minimal front and rear overhangs, this is clearly a prototype for the model.

With a wheelbase that’s as long as the Polo, the up! should have a surprisingly spacious cabin given its small proportions.

VW has suggested the production car will keep much of the styling from the concept that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, so expect Golf-inspired headlights and a compact but practical design. Unlike the rear-engined, rear-wheel- drive concept, the final up! will use a more traditional front-engined, front-wheel-drive layout.

Inside, the four-seat arrangement will allow buyers to fold the three passenger seats flat or remove them. The dash will be cutting-edge, too, incorporating digital touchscreens. And the hi-tech feel continues under the skin, as VW engineers are developing a choice of eco-friendly, two-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants for the car.
 
Both units will be turbocharged, with a capacity of around 600cc. They promise impressive economy of 94mpg and a sub-100g/km CO2 output.

A more powerful 1.2-litre petrol engine may also be offered.

The up! is expected to make it to market by 2011, badged as the Lupo. An all-electric model – as previewed by the e-up! at Frankfurt this year – is to come later in 2013.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.