Frankfurt: Volkswagen up!
Tuesday 13 September 2011
• New Volkswagen up! city car to replace the Fox
• Sub-100g/km of CO2 versions
• On sale in December
First there was the Volkswagen Lupo, then there was the Volkswagen Fox and now we have the Volkswagen up! city car making its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Web Editor Adrian Higgins gives us a quick tour.
What’s up!?
Like it. The Volkswagen up! is the new entry-level Volkswagen for city types who want a car that’s easy to park and will mostly be used for urban pootling (ergo it won’t like motorways).
What’s it like?
On first impressions, it looks like a funky version of what you might expect from an entry-level Volkswagen. It looks basic without looking cheap and has more vibrancy and appeal than its predecessor, the Volkswagen Fox. There were plenty of approving nods from journalists who rushed to check the car over. This car is smart, cute and credible.
It’ll be powered by a new generation of three-cylinder petrol engines, with outputs ranging from 59bhp to 74bhp. It will boast a tight turning circle for u-turns and has a decent 251-litre boot. CO2 emissions will be sub-100g/km CO2 to keep the up! tax free, for now.
What’s it ‘up!’ against?
OK please stop that now… There’s stiff competition from all the big players. Other options include the Ford Ka, Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 all offer plenty of character.
Yeah but it’s a Volkswagen, so when can I have one?
The up! (don’t you hate the punctuation?) will be launched in December.
By Web Editor Adrian Higgins