New VW up! minicar hits European roads in December

Aug 31, 2011, 8:16 GMT

Wolfsburg, Germany - Volkswagen's new up! minicar is being launched on European markets in December with three different versions and a financing system that the carmaker claims makes the car affordable for most people.

The financing model known as AutoCredit2 is exclusively tailored for up! buyers with flexible configuration options, according to VW.

Three different versions for different budgets will be available starting with the entry level 'take up!,' the more comfort-oriented 'move up!' and the 'high up!' top version.

Volkswagen is introducing for the first time its new three cylinder petrol engine in the up! With an output of between 44 kW/60 horsepower (hp) and 55 kW/75 hp. Fuel consumption for the 60 hp model is listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres. A natural gas engine with an output of 50 kW/68 hp is to follow with an electric drive version planned for 2013.

Optional is a new City Emergency Braking system that is automatically activated at speeds under 30 km/h. It uses a laser sensor to detect the risk of an imminent collision and initiates automatic braking.

For the first time in a Volkswagen a maps + more system, a mobile Portable Infotainment Device (PID), helps organize the navigation, telephone, information and entertainment areas with apps especially developed for the up!