VW Up! to launch at Frankfurt 2011

The VW Up to Launch Frankfurt 2011

It seems like an awfully long time since Volkswagen announced to the world that it was going to make a small range of city cars to cope with modern eco-sensibilities and recession-motivated downsizing. In fact as long ago as April 2009 we reported that VW were to make the Up! in Bratislava with a range of super-eco three-pot engines.

Which means that by the time the VW Up! launches – which Volkswagen has now confirmed will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011 – they won’t be offering anything particularly innovative; the car world and his dog is coming up with down-sized cars. Fiat has even launched a two-pot in the Fiat 500.

But the Up! is not just any small city car, it’s a VW small city car. So we can expect it to be beautifully built and very reliable and cost a bit more than it really should. But we can always wait for the Skoda Up! if we want a funkier design at a lower price or a SEAT Up! if we want it to look a bit more athletic or…

First model out of the gate will be a three-door four seater with a choice of 3-pot petrol or diesel engines. Initially the Up! will get a normal manual ‘box, but VW are planning to offer a dual-clutch auto box later. Also due to follow on later is the Lancashire inspired electric VW Up! – the VW E-Up! – which will come along in 2013.

Starting price for the Up! is said to be around €10,000 which is about £8.5k at today’s rates.

By Cars UK