The up! rear-engined city car concept.

The up! concept can be powered by a choice of highly compact two- or three-cylinder engines depending on the specific market. Despite its modest proportions the tightly packaged up! concept vehicle can carry four adults. The maximum potential interior space was created by pushing each of the four wheels as far into the corners as possible. This not only frees up space and reduces front and rear overhangs but also improves vehicle stability.

Software linked to a touch sensitive screen has the ability to sense specific hand movements of the user to access the climate, entertainment and vehicle function controls. A second screen, mounted ahead of the driver, relays critical information on the vehicle’s systems along with an instantaneous read-out of the amounts of CO₂ being emitted.

For Volkswagen the response of Frankfurt Motor Show visitors will be a decisive test to determine whether the concept has the same kind of potential possessed by the Beetle at one time or by the Golf today.

—Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member with Responsibility for Technical Development