23.8km/L, CO2 emissions under 100g/km!

The Volkswagen "up!", which has appeared on the public stage several times as a concept model, is finally making its debut.

The body size of this up! is quite small at 3,540mm long, 1,640mm wide, and 1,480mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,420mm, yet it can accommodate four adults. For reference, Japanese Kei car regulations limit length to 3,400mm, width to 1,480mm, and height to 2,000mm. The Toyota iQ, which adopted a 3+1 seater style, measures 2,985mm long, 1,680mm wide, and 1,500mm high. Thus, the up! is about the length of a Kei car and similar in other external dimensions to the iQ.

Even Better Environmental Performance with BlueMotion Technology

Five engine options are available: two gasoline, one natural gas, and two diesel. The 999cc three-cylinder gasoline DOHC unit in the base model produces a maximum output of 44kW (60ps) and a maximum torque of 95Nm between 3,000-5,000rpm, with over 90 percent of its maximum torque available from 2,000-6,000rpm. Environmental performance stands at 22.2km/L and CO2 emissions of 105g/km for the base specification with a 5-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, with the BlueMotion Technology models (which incorporate an idling stop system, energy regeneration system, and low rolling resistance tires), these figures improve to 23.8 km/L and 97g/km of CO2 emissions, respectively. Volkswagen states that with a 35-liter fuel tank, the calculated maximum cruising range reaches 833km. Performance figures are 0-100km/h in 14.4 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h (14.5 seconds and 161km/h for BlueMotion Technology models).

The high-power version also uses a 999cc engine, with a maximum output of 55kW (75ps) at 6,200rpm and the same maximum torque. Fuel consumption is 21.3km/L and CO2 emissions are 108g/km. For BlueMotion Technology models, these figures are 23.2 km/L and 99g/km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is 13.2 seconds, with a top speed of 171km/h (13.3 seconds and 174km/h for BlueMotion Technology models).

Natural Gas Version Costs Around 260 Yen Per 100km

The natural gas version, "eco fuel," has a maximum output of 50kW (68ps) and can travel 31.25km per kilogram of natural gas. CO2 emissions are 86g/km, and with BlueMotion Technology, fuel consumption increases to 40km per kilogram of natural gas, reducing CO2 emissions to 79g/km. Volkswagen claims that the fuel cost for this model is under 2.5 euros (approximately 260 yen) per 100km, making it difficult to find a car with lower energy costs in Europe. An electric motor version is also planned for introduction in 2013.

In terms of safety, the early crash sensor integrated into the front bumper (a system that activates occupant protection features like seatbelts before a frontal collision occurs) and the optional City Emergency Braking system are noteworthy.

When driving below 30km/h, this braking system is always active, monitoring the area within 10 meters ahead of the vehicle using laser sensors to detect potential collisions in advance.

Sales to Begin Across Europe This December

In Germany, pre-orders for the up! began on September 13th, coinciding with the motor show's opening. Sales are scheduled to commence across Europe in December of this year. The lineup primarily consists of three main variations: the entry-level "take up!", the well-equipped "move up!", and the top-tier "high up!". At launch, "up! black" and "up! white" models, based on the "high up!", will also be available. The price for the entry model is expected to be under 10,000 euros.

Another notable aspect is the lightweight yet robust body. Despite a curb weight of just 929kg, the use of hot-formed steel, high-tensile steel, and ultra-high-tensile steel achieves a static torsional rigidity of 19,800 Nm/degree.

The Expanding up! Family

Concurrently with the world premiere of the up!, Volkswagen also unveiled derivative models. These include the "buggy up!" and "up! azzurra sailing team," designed for "enjoyment on the world's beaches"; the "cross up!" for city use; the "GT up!" intended for German autobahn driving; the clean concept car "eco up!" running on natural gas; and the zero-emission "e-up!" powered by an electric motor.

"buggy up!"

The "buggy up!" is a two-seater that utilizes strong, lightweight high-tech steel for its body. While the underbody, suspension, and powertrain are adopted from the up!, the outer panels are newly designed, and the ground clearance is reduced by 20mm. The styling is also striking, with a flat hood and distinctive bumpers. Its dimensions are 44mm longer and 31mm wider than the up!, while its height is reduced by 190mm. Furthermore, as befits a beach-going vehicle, the interior is fully waterproof, with floor drains and open side sills preventing water ingress.

"up! azzurra sailing team"

The "up! azzurra sailing team" is a compact open-top model, a collaboration between Giorgetto Giugiaro and Walter de Silva. The body has no doors or roof, offering a completely open experience to enjoy a refreshing summer breeze as if on a boat. The interior features abundant stylish high-tech materials with waterproof treatment. The seats are upholstered in white and blue leather, and the dashboard is based on mahogany with maple wood inlays, accented with chrome details.

"cross up!"

The four-door "cross up!", like other "Cross" versions from Volkswagen, is equipped with tough, heavy-duty characteristics specifically customized to suit an active lifestyle. This model also features a 15mm increase in ground clearance, similar to other "Cross" versions.

"GT up!"

The "GT up!" is a sports model with an increased maximum output of around 100ps. Combined with its lightweight body of just over 900kg, it evokes the revival of the first-generation Golf GTI.

The exterior features a redesigned front bumper with a large cooling air intake, similar to the Golf GTI, incorporating a honeycomb grille. Additionally, air intakes for brake cooling are positioned on the sides of the bumper, and wing-shaped LED daytime running lights are installed.

"e-up!"

The "eco up!" utilizes a natural gas engine and BlueMotion Technology, achieving low CO2 emissions of 79g/km.

Volkswagen suggests that small cars like the up! offer advantages beyond low emissions, including significantly lower costs compared to hybrid systems. Although the "eco up!" is presented as a concept car, Volkswagen indicates that a production model is likely to be seen on public roads within approximately one year.

The final model is the "e-up!". This is a zero-emission vehicle scheduled for release in 2013. Its electric motor produces a maximum output of 60kW (continuous output 40kW) and a maximum torque of 210Nm, achieving a top speed of 135km/h. Gear selection for forward and reverse is made by pressing buttons on the center console. The installed battery has a capacity of 18kWh, providing an estimated maximum range of 130km.

It remains uncertain whether all up! family members will go into production, but the lineup is certainly appealing.