We all know the Volkswagen’s Up! minicar is the company’s nod to cost-effective motoring with a dash of visual pizazz in the European market, but we’re also aware the VWSA has entrusted such a role to the Polo Vivo, and is presently having trouble making a business case for the Up! work. But that might be about to change…
Volkswagen is keen to introduce the Up! to emerging markets, where cost-effective motoring (and high production volumes) would seemingly suit such a car.
As such, lightly disguised Up! prototypes have been spotted pottering around Brazil’s capital suggesting an even leaner model tailored for emerging markets is on the cards.
Initial reports suggest that such emerging market iterations of the Up! will undergo a number of changes to the vehicle. These will include a rear bench capable of seating three occupants, a larger fuel tank and a simpler (read cheaper to manufacture) cabin that dispenses with all but the most fundamental features.
Although technical details are sparse, there is also a strong possibility that a flex-fuel powerplant capable of running on both ethanol and petrol will also be introduced for the Brazilian market.
VWSA could not be reached for a response regarding any potential implications of such a development on the local market.
You can read CAR editor Hannes Oosthuizen's driving impression of the Up! here
