Volkswagen city car’s on the up!

THE smallest Volkswagen is continuing to go up in the world.

The newly revamped version of micro marvel the up! will take pride of place on the German giant’s stage at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.

And fans of the city car sensation are in for a treat with an array of fresh features like newly designed body panels, new colours, new wheels, more individualisation options, extra equipment, a redesigned interior and a new engine.

The latter, a 1.0-litre turbocharged three cylinder unit, is the first turbo for the up! and the most powerful motor available in the model to date.

It develops 89bhp and is capable of hitting 62mph in 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 115mph. CO2 emissions are low at 102g/km.

Other engines comprise the existing 1.0-litre petrol units with 60 or 75bhp – and the zero emission e-up!

As well as design tweaks both front and back, every up! now gets LED daytime running lights as standard plus the option of a Light and Sight package – coming home and leaving home functions and rain sensors – while fog lamps will feature cornering lights.

Given that the little Volkswagen’s core habitat is towns and cities there’s now Pure Air, which includes an air quality sensor with biogenic filter that keeps the atmosphere in the cabin at a consistently high level and prevents pollutants entering via the system.

Audiophiles will also be able to enjoy a new 300-watt sound system from rapper Dr. Dre, courtesy of the  up! beats set-up with its seven high-end loudspeakers.

As for personalisation, the new up! – which hits the streets this summer – will come with a choice of 13 body colours, nine exterior decals, three roof colours, three design packs, two colour packs and a pair of basic colours for the interior trim.

There will also be coloured alloy wheels and ambient light available for the flagship models in a range that now boasts seven trim levels.

And depending on the body colour, interior trim and model, up! buyers can choose from a selection of ten new dashpad designs.

Volkswagen says there will be no increase on the present price, so the tab starts at £8,945.