up! Concept revealed

The recent Frankfurt Motor Show saw Volkswagen unveil the new up! city car concept vehicle. Just 3.45 metres in length, the rear-engined car can be powered by a choice of highly compact two- or three-cylinder engines.

Designed by a team overseen by Walter de Silva, the up! is capable of  carrying four adults, with maximum interior space created by pushing each of the four wheels as far into the corners as possible, reducing front and rear overhangs and improving vehicle stability.  

Unique software linked to a touch-sensitive screen, has the ability to sense specific hand movement, to access the climate, entertainment and vehicle function controls. A second screen, mounted ahead of the driver, relays critical information on the vehicle’s systems along with an instantaneous emissions read-out.

Volkswagen hopes the concept car will have the same kind of best-selling future potential as the classic Beetle or by the Golf today.