VW Up News - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

**rfernatt** · 07-15-2009, 07:11 AM

2012 Volkswagen Up - Car News - Car and Driver

"Volkswagen’s upcoming small car, the Up, will attempt to follow in the Mini’s tire tracks, but it will start at about $10,000. What’s odd is that even though VW has designed the Up with the idea of offering it in the U.S. market, the company is still not completely committed to bringing it here out of fear that it may prove too small

for American tastes."

"Imagine our disappointment, then, when VW announced that the rear-engine design had been abandoned in favor of a conventional front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. .... There was also some concern about the potential tail-happy behavior of a rear-heavy car—and in its push to find broad appeal in the U.S. market, VW seems to be choosing to err on the side of conservatism."

"But the Up will be VW’s smallest car, at 138 inches long. The main styling differences include a new hatch and taillights. The four-seat Up will launch as a three-door hatchback, but a five-door version will become available, as will a small multipurpose vehicle in the same vein as the Mazda 5." (smart's missing the boat in the 5-door hatch and MPV segments. We need an A-Class dressed as a smart!)

Padawan · 07-15-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfernatt

"But the Up will be VW’s smallest car, at 138 inches long.

Still about 32" longer than the fortwo.

**jwight** · 07-15-2009, 08:42 AM

Explained by the rear seat and cargo space. This will no doubt appeal to those looking for a smaller car with a "real" transmission and 4 passenger capacity. Not to mention being available at any local VW dealer.