It’s been a while since we’ve heard any news on Volkswagen’s upcoming Up microcar, but a new report has revealed some more details on the little city car. The new information indicates the styling of the production car will be very close to that of the concept and that the car will be powered by a two-cylinder engine.
According to AutoExpress, the road-going Up will look very similar to the show car — similar to the approach Toyota took with its iQ. Up front, the only real major change is that the Up will get a headlight treatment inspired by the Golf. Out back, the taillights will also be slightly altered.
Inside, the Up’s dashboard will feature touch-screen LCD panels for most controls — a new strategy VW has already announced.
Initially, the Up will be offered in two body styles — three-door and five-door. Despite the five-door gaining two additional doors, it will share the exact same wheelbase and length as the three-door. An MPV version of the Up will launch shortly after — as previewed by the Space Up concept — and will likely be sold in the U.S.
Buyers will be able to choose from a turbocharged two-cylinder gas or diesel engine, with both displacing about 0.6L. Thanks to the engines’ small size and the addition of a turbocharger, the Up will reportedly see fuel mileage in the 80 to 90 mpg range.
A larger 1.2L three-cylinder powerplant is also said to be under consideration, as are hybrid powertrains.
Two of VW’s other brands — Skoda and SEAT — are also slated to get versions of the Up.
04/17, 10:48 AM
posted by:
corvette
damn 80 to 90 mpg. this could be a big step for VW in their plan to be #1.
04/17, 11:06 AM
posted by:
rsg
I hope they bring it here, and not just the silly MPV version.
04/17, 11:12 AM
posted by:
HemiRoadRunner
That sounds cool if they get that kind of mileage. I’m not big on the looks, but for a back and forth to work car it would be perfect.
04/17, 11:18 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…take a look at our future, kids. Gonna be a real hoot when Bubba Jakebrake in his fully loaded 18 wheeler is one of these car lengths off your ass at 70mph on the freeway.
04/17, 11:43 AM
posted by:
F451
This is simply a cool vehicle; I hope we see it in the States.
04/17, 11:45 AM
posted by:
LaCaLover
A real breath of fresh air, I can’t wait to own one.
johnnycanuck if an 18 wheeler hits you or drives 5 feet off your rear bumper it doesn’t really matter what you are driving unless it is another 18 wheeler.
It is a real myth that small cars are dangerous, there are huge trucks on Europe’s roads but their death rates are lower than in the US. You just need to educate your drivers better.
04/17, 12:10 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
LaCaLover: instituting many European country’s rule that large trucks stay the hell out of the left lane would be a good start.
04/17, 12:17 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
if it has touch screens for most controls, I’d buy a stripped versiona and drop in aftermarket equipment with normal dials and buttons. It’s bad enough that VW can’t get simple electronics right, but cleaning finger oils touch screens every day is a PitA.
04/17, 12:38 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
I doubt it will see as good mileage as is claimed. The Smart cars that are hitting the streets now aren’t getting nearly the mileage they are supposed to.
04/17, 4:29 PM
posted by:
El Aleman
johnnycanuck:
Yeah it really is a myth that big cars safer.. just look at the smart, one of the smallest yet a very safe car, probably a lot safer than an Impala or such.
04/17, 6:34 PM
posted by:
56oval
You think it will follow the IROC concept whose named turned into the scIROCco and maybe the UP will become the lUPo?
04/17, 10:09 PM
posted by:
autonut
I don’t believe that .6L turbo engine can be build in Mexican plant. VW could not build 4 cylinder engine for US market. The only exception today is Hungarian build 2.0L direct injection turbo which is powering everything from Audi 4 to Golf/Rabbit GT and everything in between. Mind you it is very expensive engine and not particularly clean running. The previous 4 cyl was 40 year old 8 valves 2.0L with 115 HP (and filthy running). Toyota/Honda/Nissan can certify slew of 4 cylinders from 1.5 to 2.5 L. But they do not rush to bring their .6L turbo 3 cylinders - they are not certifiable under CAFE.
04/18, 7:18 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
All the people that said 75mpg isn’t possible