Since its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Volkswagen UPhas undergone a number of changes but we have finally been presented with the full release of the vehicle. VW has created the UP targeting the small-car market with a vehicle that is smaller than the Polo and aimed at being even more affordable. Other areas of focus for the UP include fuel economy, safety and generally fitting as much as possible into a vehicle that is only 3.5 metres long.

Bang for bucks with the new Volkswagen UP

The new Volkswagen UP comes with some impressive customization options allowing buyers to choose clearly defined equipment lines as well as UP boxes. Examples of these boxes include boxes for shopping, long trips and children. Additional customization comes with the on-board infotainment system which allows the owner to personalize their profile using apps.

The new Volkswagen UP will initially be available in 3 models variants tailored to different budgets. The 3 variants include the: Take UP which is the entry level model, the Move UP which is the comfort orientated model and the High UP which is the top of the line version. The High UP will also be available in 2 different models, the UP black and the UP white.

Under the hood, the new Volkswagen UP comes with a 1 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, with the variants able to produces 44 kW (59 hp) and 55 kW (74 hp). The BlueMotigion technology version comes with Stop/Start which results in a fuel consumption of just 4.2 litres/100km and an emission rating of under 100g/km CO2.

Another impressive feature of the Volkswagen UP is the optional City Emergency Braking, which is the first time this feature has been used in a small car. The system will automatically be active at speeds of under 29km/h and uses a laser sensor to detect imminent collision, it then takes into consideration the vehicles speed and the driving situation and can initiate the automatic brake interventions to potentially avoid a crash.

The interior of the UP is particularly spacious for a small car, which is due to the fact that the wheelbase is so long and the engine is mounted well forward, which allows the driver, front passenger as well as the rear passengers additional space.

The new Volkswagen UP will be launched in December in Europe. Look for more information as it becomes available.