up! concept .. the future? or a dud?

rookie · Post by **rookie** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:55 am

we all know that the 'new' beetle missed the mark somewhat. It was purely a styling and revenue making exersise squeezed over a Golf package, with bad packaging and little to do with the original.

Now the fellas over in W'burg have released this concept.. small, cheap, light, rear engined and practical. Could this be as close as we will get to a modern interpretation of the original bug concept from all dem years ago... a car for the masses?

I agree, it could do with a touch more character, but in a world of increasingly fussy and over-the-top designs *cough cough* bangle *cough*, isnt it great to see a concept that gets back to what cheap, fun, practical motoring is all about?

ok.. car designer rant over. what do you think?

opaque · Post by **opaque** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:58 am

yeh i read an article on this the other day. its a bit too "futuristic" looking for me. i could see it dumped on a set of fuchs instead of those horrible wheels though

Fonz · Post by **Fonz** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:27 am

Seems to be closer to the concept of a cheap, practical car for the masses. But will it be able to break down all class barriers like the beetle did? Does it really break the mould enough?

Will be interested to see one, and see how it compares to the smaller smart car.

Jenkins · Post by **Jenkins** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:32 am

Rear end on he Up! seems a little off. Would have preferred a more Beetle style rear as opposed to what's on there now.

If I were to buy a modern car, a Golf would be right up the top of my wanted list.

Fonz · Post by **Fonz** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:36 am

1961KG wrote:Would have preferred a more Beetle style rear as opposed to what's on there now.

Why? It's not supposed to actually be a Beetle, or be styled like one.

devilishdesigner · Post by **devilishdesigner** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:02 am

fair bit seems to be borrowed from many other mini car concepts of the last 20 years especially the bumpers front and rear, i just hope it doesnt turn out to be a smart car underneath.

Rawdyn · Post by **Rawdyn** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:39 pm

I think it looks fantastic.

Finally a modern car that allows you to see out of the rear window!

I like the clean lines, no plastic stips, concealed door handles etc.

Yeah the wheels can go, easily done.

The mirrors are hideous too... again not difficult to change.

All in all... I'd buy it (if I had any money)

hipichic · Post by **hipichic** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:47 pm

Sadly there is no vomit smiley.

dmndub · Post by **dmndub** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:51 pm

It looks like a cross between a polo and a smart car, and not in a good way!!!
I'm looking for the vomit smiley

camando · Post by **camando** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:03 pm

looks like a Toyota...

IN2VWS · Post by **IN2VWS** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:44 pm

I don't mind it, but I think VW in Australia will screw it up again, like the Beetle.
Before the beetle arrived here you could put your name down on a waiting list etc. At that time we were told that the Beetle was going to be under 20k, then the figure went up to 25 k, then upto 30k and when it was released they were over 30k.
Had the Beetle been under 20k as promised, they would have sold heaps, regardless of what was under the skin.
I think they will over price the UP, and it will be a flop.

Post by **hertz** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 7:49 pm

A rear engined new VW will be a hit even if its a touch pricey. I dont mind it, wouldnt say I love it, but as with most concepts, Im sure they will refine it a bit. I also think the rear may be a little off the mark, but all new designs take a while to grow on you I guess.

captainvw · Post by **captainvw** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:17 pm

hipichic wrote:Sadly there is no vomit smiley.

Post by **GASBNR** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:20 pm

I bought the wife a 07 GOLF TDI, a little disappointed.
Very poor reversing visabilty, no dents so far touch wood.
fuel figues a bit misleading

I wouldn't buy another new VW, may but an AUDI though.

Love my old dubs though,
"Maybe its me but,
I just can't help thinking When they stopped making aircooled thats was end of VW as we know it" seems like another manufactur

I've owned a few H2O's Volkswagen.

Post by **hertz** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 8:29 pm

EMPIKG wrote: no dents so far

No way!

camando · Post by **camando** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:03 pm

gotta say, doesn't look rear engined.no ducts.
but whaddaya know !

still suspicious of that blanked panel on the right...

camando · Post by **camando** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:12 pm

look what else i picked up in Frankfurt
nice.......zip???

Post by **Phat Bug** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:35 pm

I like it, but I love the Smart Car's too, so one with a VW badge would be an easy choice.

camando · Post by **camando** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 9:50 pm

i didn't think she was wearing one

rookie · Post by **rookie** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:29 pm

does that zip go aaaall the way round to the other side.