Volkswagen Up Preview

Volkswagen India have launched a slew of vehicles and they aren’t done yet. Going with the thought that they want to be the world’s largest car manufacturer by 2016, they are planning to tap into the 3 million cars a year Indian market. So far, they have introduced only premium cars and now they have launched the B segment hatch back, Polo and the c segment sedan based on the Polo, the Vento. However they still want more pie from the Indian market and hence they would be launching a small car and that would be the Up. Yes, you read it right and don’t look up. We meant that the name of the car is Up.

The Volkswagen Up was presented as a concept car by Volkswagen in 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, we know how much concept cars change from showcase point to production and the Up is no different. It has lost some of its cool cutesy looks but most importantly retains the silhouette of the concept car. It means that the 4 wheels are the 4 corners of the chassis. This gives it a wide track and would certainly aid in the handling and ride department.

Crucially more so, the Volkswagen Up price in India would be starting at Rs.3.30 lakhs. Imaging a Volkswagen car that would compete with the likes of the Hyundai i10 and the Maruti A-star. It would be using the same chassis as the Skoda Fabia and hence sourcing components shouldn’t be a problem. It may be mated with a 1.2 liter TFSI petrol motor pumping out 90 Bhp or a 3 cylinder 1.1 liter engine pumping out 63 bhp. This should be at par with the competition. The TFSI would provide for some scorching numbers as well stellar fuel economy however how Volkswagen would be able to price it within the designated price range remains to be seen.

It is said that the interiors and especially the dials would be a first in this segment. You get two monitors with screens on the dashboard. One would be a 8 inch one which would display the car’s speed, fuel level, the current average reading and even how much you are polluting the environment, that is by reading the CO2 emissions. The second inch monitor is a touch screen one which displays your audio or video and their associated controls, climate control details and even your Bluetooth enabled phone contact details.

The wheels of the car are also a first in the segment, 16 inch alloy wheels. The alloy rims are made from some recyclable materials and look quite good on this car. It actually looks like the suspension has been jacked up and looks more like a modified car from the likes of Dilip Chabbria. The seats themselves are quite comfy upfront but getting three into the rear would be a chore. Four people can be quite comfortable in the car though.

Its ride and handling would also be class leading as per a source from Volkswagen. Looking at the stance of the car, it does seem to be more of a good handler, but looks can be deceptive. Fuel efficiency for the 1.1 liter would be around 18 kmpl and for the TFSI, it would be 16 kmpl. Actually a small price to pay for the performance which is guaranteed by the TFSI. The car would sport a manual 5 speed gearbox from the Polo however a CVT is on the anvil later to compete with the likes of automatics from other manufacturers.

As per the last report from a Volkswagen official, they would be putting the car under the 4 meters mark to qualify for excise concessions and the engine under 1.2 liters. This would also be one of the least polluting cars from Volkswagen in India. The car would be built in the Chakan plant of Volkswagen and would go off the same assembly line as the Skoda Fabia. Even if Volkswagen prices it between Rs 3-5 lakhs, they have a winner in their hands. Expect this car to be in the market by June 2011 if not earlier.

Technical Specifications

Volkswagen UP! Engine Specification

Displacement: 1100cc, 3 Cylinder or 1200cc, 4 cylinder TFSI
Engine Type: Petrol
Maximum Power: 64 Bhp/90 Bhp
Length: 3549 mm
Width: 1731 mm
Brakes: Front Disc, Rear Drum
Gears: 5 Manual
Seating Capacity: 5

The Volkswagen UP! Top version will Feature:-

• Tachometer
• Body Color Bumpers
• Dual Trip Meter
• Alloys Wheels
• Both Side Electric Door Mirror
• MP3 CD Player Music System
• AC with Climate Control
• Remote Central Locking
• Remote Boot
• Remote Fuel Filler
• Fog Lamp
• Power Windows{all 4}
• Rear Wiper
• Rear Defogger
• Leather Seats
• Parking Sensors