2012 Volkswagen Up revealed

[drmadcat]

link

You'd be forgiven for assuming that the both the new Beetle and the new new Beetle descend from the original, err, Beetle. But let's face, their kettle of fish is a very different one. They are fashion-conscious styling exercises. They are resolutely not tiny, cheap people's cars.

But the new Up, which was unveiled today four years after the concept landed, could be (though it's officially called the up! [sic], but we won't tolerate such grammatical trespasses). Built to replace the Fox, it is small (3540mm long and 1640mm wide), it is cheap (around £8000) and it is pleasant to look at (the styling's not changed massively from the concept we saw back in 2007).

So, is it rear engine'd/rear drive like the Bug? No. But rumblings around Wolfsburg suggested it was tantalizingly close to being so - the Germans decided that all-new architecture was too pricey so settled on trad front-engine/drive underwear.

You'll get to choose between two three-pot engines at launch, which make 59bhp or 74bhp, and there's an electric e-Up coming in 2013. Both the petrols are very very clean, though - in BlueMotion flavour with stop-start tech they'll return 67mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2.

Despite the absence of an engine mounted in its derriere, the Up looks like it'll be pretty dynamic. There's chuff-all body overhang and each wheel sits right out in each corner.

The packaging also means it gets more boot space than the 107/Aygo/C1-shaped competition. 951 litres with the back seats folded down, to be precise.

Vee Dub's also tipping an inordinate amount of kit into its little three-door (a five-door model's coming later). Even the poverty-spec Take Up gets stuff like stability control, six airbags and power steering as standard. There's also a comfort-focused Move Up and range-topping High Up. Oh, Volkswagen, you punsmiths...

So, is this the new Beetle, internet? And can you think of any better Up puns?

[L-Pink]

I think VW could increase US market share at least 10% if they let me name their cars. Passant, Routan, Tiguan, Touareg, eos ... Honesty, who picks these names?

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[MaDalton]

cue all those people who drive a F150 and need a V8 because otherwise it's impossible to drive from A to B ;)

[L-Pink]

Originally Posted by MaDalton

cue all those people who drive a F150 and need a V8 because otherwise it's impossible to drive from A to B ;)

(with 22" z rated tires)

[Mr Pheer]

Originally Posted by MaDalton

cue all those people who drive a F150 and need a V8 because otherwise it's impossible to drive from A to B ;)

Depends on what is between A & B.

[MaDalton]

Originally Posted by Mr Pheer

Depends on what is between A & B.

i don't think anyone would buy an Up who does 100-200 miles a day on highways. but if you live in New York or LA and do only city traffic...

over here it's something different anyways: smaller roads, smaller distances and gas much more expensive.

[Si]

I would puke up on that.

[iamtam]

Originally Posted by Mr Pheer

Depends on what is between A & B.

17 gas stations to refill.

[Rochard]

VW has got it going on. I was at the store the other day and walking through the parking lot I saw a car that caught my eye. I thought it was a new BMW but it was the Volkswagen CC.

[phasic]

They could do better.

[SpicyM]

Originally Posted by L-Pink

I think VW could increase US market share at least 10% if they let me name their cars. Passant, Routan, Tiguan, Touareg, eos ... Honesty, who picks these names?

Its Passat and Touran not Passant and Routan, idiot.

There is a long waiting for Touaregs, around 9 months, so I doubt they need your retarded suggestions and help to maximize profits.

[JamesGw]

It looks very girly.

[Elli]

Cute, but a little too bubbly. I have to admit I fell in love with the Crossfox I saw down in Mexico, though.

I'd still take a Fit over the Up any day.

[The Ghost]

Originally Posted by Elli

I'd still take a Fit over the Up any day.

Ditto.

8char

[MaDalton]

Originally Posted by SpicyM

Its Passat and Touran not Passant and Routan, idiot.

There is a long waiting for Touaregs, around 9 months, so I doubt they need your retarded suggestions and help to maximize profits.

there is actually a Routan which is only sold in the US

[thickcash_amo]

I like the way VW looks and drives. I would test drive one, but couldnt see buying one

[L-Pink]

Originally Posted by SpicyM

Its Passat and Touran not Passant and Routan, idiot.

There is a long waiting for Touaregs, around 9 months, so I doubt they need your retarded suggestions and help to maximize profits.

I mistakenly add an "n" and you call me an idiot? You aren't aware of an entire car model, what should I call you?

My point on stupid names still stands.

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[halfpint]

U cant beat VW for reliabilty thats for sure. I had the Mark 1 VW golf years ago and the thing just kept going. This is gonna be popular over here in the UK

[MaDalton]

Originally Posted by L-Pink

I mistakenly add an "n" and you call me an idiot? You aren't aware of an entire car model, what should I call you?

My point on stupid names still stands.

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debatable

Tiguan is indeed stupid, Touareg (a tribe that lives is the desert) is actually not a bad name for a SUV and Eos is greek for "Sun" - also not a bad choice for a convertible.

And Passat (like Scirocco or Jetta) are names from winds and that has a long tradition at VW

(yeah, i know, no one likes a smartass)

[V_RocKs]

Great car for kids...

[tabasco]

I love my little GTI. Got it late last year, my first VW

[My Pimp]

The car looks nice. But does not impress me.

[John-ACWM]

What an ugly thing.

[adult-help]

i must admit, this doesnt look good...looks gay...

[maxxtro]

German engineering in da house, ya

[SpicyM]

Originally Posted by MaDalton

debatable

Tiguan is indeed stupid, Touareg (a tribe that lives is the desert) is actually not a bad name for a SUV and Eos is greek for "Sun" - also not a bad choice for a convertible.

And Passat (like Scirocco or Jetta) are names from winds and that has a long tradition at VW

(yeah, i know, no one likes a smartass)

Thank you

Passat is one of the most successful cars of VW , has been produced for ears, and the name is actually very good.

Touaregs are built in my country for the entire world, the factory produces around 300 cars daily and people still have to wait months for it. So yeah, VW sucks at marketing, need help from US car "experts" ..

[L-Pink]

Originally Posted by SpicyM

Thank you

Passat is one of the most successful cars of VW , has been produced for ears, and the name is actually very good.

Touaregs are built in my country for the entire world, the factory produces around 300 cars daily and people still have to wait months for it. So yeah, VW sucks at marketing, need help from US car "experts" ..

If you think the name of a product and how that name is pronounced or mispronounced in various countries doesn't affect sales then you won't understand my post. To your average American consumer that has never heard of specific "desert tribes or winds" the names are a liability to the product.

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