By Drew Johnson
Monday, Oct 3rd, 2011 @ 1:42 pm

Volkswagen has confirmed that it will soon launch a five-door version of its Up small car. The three-door version of the Up recently launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Although VW didn’t bring a production version of the five-door Up to the Frankfurt show, the German automaker says that its Cross Up concept – which was on the show floor – hints at the road-going version of the sub-compact.

Although the general styling of the three-door model will carryover to the five-door, VW says that the larger model will feature a straight shoulder line to give it a “more upright appearance.” The three-door model features a more stylish up-swept beltline.

The Cross Up concept featured the same general styling as the Cross Polo – including flared wheel arches and sill extensions – so its possible those elements could make it to production. At the very least expect some kind of soft-road derivative of the five-door Up.

The three-door Up is slated to hit the European market in early 2012 with the five-door to arrive by year’s end.