This long-wheelbase mini-van will go into production as part of a new three-model city car range from Volkswagen. Previewed as the Space Up! concept at this week’s Tokyo motor show, it’s taller and longer than the Up! VW unveiled at the recent Frankfurt show, with seating for four. VW said that development work has already started on the production models that will be derived from the concept cars, with the first vehicles due on sale in 2010. All will use a rear-engined platform with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains. At 3680mm long, the Space Up! is 230mm longer than the two-door model and has a longer wheelbase, but it’s still shorter than the Fox, the smallest car VW makes. VW describes it as a van, but it has two rear seats, which fold, swivel and can be removed to create up to 1005 litres of luggage space. It’s likely that the production Up! will use a seat foam that moulds itself to the occupant’s shape, while the car’s interior and touchscreen monitor will also make production. The rear hatch has been replaced by van-style split rear doors. VW hasn’t finished with city car concepts yet; the third and final concept will be at the Los Angeles motor show in November.
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