VOLKSWAGEN UP

As a global product, the 2012 Volkswagen up! is naturally engineered for safety and emissions rules for wherever it sells. Those markets apparently include North America, which thus--ahem--ups the chances for U.S. sale. 

Engines are still to be decided, but CAR is predicting three 1.2-liter 4-cylinder units: normal and turbocharged gasoline units to go along with a turbocharged diesel. Though power outputs range from just 60 to 86 horsepower, performance should be respectable, as the 2012 Volkswagen Up reportedly weighs well under 2,000 lb. Transmissions will likely comprise a 6-speed manual and an optional automated manual, probably the new lower-cost 7-speed version of VW's DSG Direct Shift Gearbox. Fuel economy should be eye-popping. CAR reports that VW is aiming for around 66 mpg overall with the base gasoline engine and an amazing 95 mpg with the turbodiesel. 



The 2012 Volkswagen up! will be trimmed and equipped to suit various markets. That means fairly bare-bones cars for developing nations and a higher-level package for America and other rich countries. Though the Up makes do with a fairly simple beam-type rear axle and rear drum brakes, reports suggest that front-disc brakes, ABS, and electric power steering would be standard for the U.S. So, too, front and curtain side airbags. Options are said to include high-end features such as VW's ESP antiskid/traction-control system. Standard tires are said to be modest 165/65R14s, probably on steel wheels, but we wouldn't be surprised to see beefier rubber on available 15- and 16-inch alloy rims. 

Volkswagen Group is already Europe's largest automaker, and it recently passed Ford Motor Company as third largest in the world by sales, after Toyota and General Motors. The German giant is obviously doing many things right, even if it's not doing that great in North America. Then again, with cars like the 2012 Volkswagen up!, the brand might well go back to being the market powerhouse it was in the days when the original Beetle was America's top-selling import car by far. After all, the Up is designed to be just as simple and charming in 21st century terms--even if the engine isn't in the rear. 


A Notable Feature of the 2012 Volkswagen up!

The 2012 Volkswagen up! is all about low-cost engineering that doesn't look or feel cheap. That and the new model's entry-level price position pretty much rules out costly design innovations. Still, this is a German brand, so look for at least a few sophisticated features, like the available antiskid system and automated manual transmission. What others might there be? That's hard to say now, but VW will doubtless try to recoup its investment by offering U.S. models with profitable "fun" options such as a rollback fabric sunroof, high-power audio with iPod plug-in, upholstery that mimics some sports apparel fabrics, and perhaps a portable navigation system. Whatever the final equipment mix, we hope that wagons show up with the Space Up! Blue concept's above-door windows that so cheerfully recall the Beetle-based Microbus of decades past.