Volkswagen unveiled a new variation of its Up city car at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier on Wednesday, marking the third iteration of the car to bow at the SoCal show. The latest version – dubbed the Up Lite – places a heavier emphasis on people hauling.
Based on the same platform as previous Up concepts, the Up Lite adds a bit more usable space without compromising on overall efficiency. Despite a length of just 3.84 meters and a width of 1.6 meters, the Up Lite offers seating for four. Fold the rear seats flat and the Up Lite transforms into a rather cavernous cargo carrier.
In order to stay true to the Up’s efficiency standards, the Up Lite is powered by a diesel-hybrid powertrain. The Up Lite’s main motivator is a 51 horsepower 0.8L two-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. A 10kW motor is also aboard, boosting total output to 65 horsepower. Power is routed via a seven-speed DSG gearbox.
As with VW’s L1 concept, the Up Lite uses plenty of wind cheating engineering bits. The Up Lite’s front grille closes and opens based on engine cooling need and typical rear view mirrors are replaced with cameras. A “passive park ventilation” system ensures energy is not wasted on cabin cooling during summer months. The net result is a rating of 70mpg.
VW didn’t announce any production plans for the Up Lite, but expect a version of the city car to be on the road by 2011.
