VW Up family set to grow

The VW Up family is set to grow with a host of new versions, VWs research and development boss Ulrich Hackenberg has told What Car?.

First to arrive will be the Up GT, first shown as a concept car at last years Frankfurt motor show. It will go on sale in 2013, and be powered by a turbocharged version of the Ups three-cylinder engine and be good for around 98bhp.

Hackenberg told us that the Up GT is currently in advanced stages of development and fun handling is a key priority.

The four-door Cross Up concept car is also being prepared for production. It is a more ruggedly styled version of the Up, with a higher ride height and a tougher look. Despite its looks, its unlikely to have four-wheel drive.

Hackenberg also admitted that eventually a two-cylinder version of the Up will be available, in addition to the all-electric version already announced.

VW engineers are also hard at work producing a low-cost version of the Up for markets such as India. An Indian version will be a five-seater, with a higher ride height to cope with rougher roads. Interior trim quality will also be downgraded. There will also be a saloon version for the sub-continent, but thats unlikely to come to Europe.