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Videos: Volkswagen's exterior and interior designers highlight the Up's design elements

We've enjoyed the design of Volkswagen's new Up since we first saw the vehicle in concept form at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Devoid of any extraneous detailing, the simple, product design aesthetic is pared back to represent the crux of VW's design philosophy: pure, simple and solid.  The result is a harmonious design that stands out from the pack, with simple surfacing and subtle detailing; the Up's design is pure and minimalistic, which serves to exude quality in the product. Inside, the vehicle is brimming with space-saving design details.  From an IP devoid of central air vents to a thin headrest that visually extends the height of the interior, the Up is a success story in space efficiency, but it is also finished to a high level using quality materials.

Mazda MX-5 GT Concept debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

A Mazda MX-5 GT with 205bhp is to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed to gauge customer reaction for a production GT. We do tend to think that MINI are the masters of the limited edition model, but Mazda come close with special editions of the MX-5. At Goodwood this week we’re going to be treated to the latest MX-5 special with the debut of the MX-5 GT, sporting 205 bhp from its naturally aspirated 2.0 litre.

Green three-wheelers may get Energy Department funding

Aptera Motors, Elio Motors and other companies developing fuel-efficient three-wheeled vehicles got a boost from Congress this week in their quest for federal funding. Legislation to make three-wheeled vehicles eligible for Energy Department loans passed a conference committee of House and Senate leaders Wednesday and then got approval from the full House on Thursday. It is part of an energy spending bill likely to go before the Senate by next week for final congressional passage, a Senate aide said.