11 Sep 07
The rumours were right on one count: Volkswagen's new baby, like the original Beetle, is rear-engined. But the two cars look very different. The Up! bears more of a resemblance to the Lupo, with its super-short front and rear overhangs and snub nose.
At just 3.45m long and 1.63m wide, this dinky little tiddler - much smaller than the Fox - is a four-seater intended mainly for city use, but capable of wider-ranging journeys as well. It's plain-looking - a disappointment for those who were looking forward to a retro-Beetle design - but entirely designed for its form to follow function: 'nothing superfluous' explains Volkswagen. It has simple bonnet vents in place of a grille (not necessary, given the rear-mounting of the engine), a friendly 'face' with large headlamps, big central VW symbol and smiling front bumper design, plus translucent tailgate with an illuminated VW logo.
Large doors, wide windows forming part of the rear C-pillar structure and flush-fitting wheels maximise the potential of the space. A similar approach has been taken inside, where all of the light-shell passenger seats can be folded or removed completely to free up space for load-carrying. The seats can even be stored in either the front or rear storage compartments - and, whilst they may be minimal in their design, an air-valve allows for adjustment of their seat surfaces, as in a blow-up cushion or mattress.
Two central displays have been developed for the controls: one eight-inch monitor for key info such as speed and fuel levels, and a second seven-inch touch-screen display for climate control, the audio system, navigation, phone and other entertainment/communications technology. This can also react via a proximity sensor - waving a hand in front of the menu - as well as actual touching of the screen. 'The most complicated functions can be controlled like child's play', says designer Klaus Bischoff. Apparently, 'people without computer science educations would be able to operate the system'...
The advanced sensors are unlikely to make it into the real thing, but a production car based on the Up! is scheduled for introduction in 2009, and Volkswagen says that it has been envisioned as 'the first member of an entire model line.' So perhaps a Beetle recreation on the same underpinnings will follow, a rival for the Fiat 500 and Mini in the retro fashion-accessory stakes. But the really good news? Engine options will include a super-economical diesel capable of three litres-per 100km fuel consumption (an astonishing 100mpg), and prices will start from just €6000 (around £4000).
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
