Just six weeks after the world premiere of the Up! concept, VW is showing this second member of the 'New Small Family' here at Tokyo. It's a very rational design - "a straight-lined and confident design" says VW Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva - and therefore quite a contrast to the extrovert Japanese concepts on display.
The rationality in the design is even stronger than the previous version shown at Frankfurt: not only is the four-door format and use of space inherently more functional than the three-door Up! but there is a simpler, more geometric approach to the graphic elements such as the DLO and shutlines that enhance its character and reduce the slightly retro-look seen previously.
At 3.68 meters long, it is 230mm longer than the Frankfurt car, with a correspondingly longer wheelbase and 40mm taller. However, the proportions are deceptive: it's still 150mm shorter than the smallest current VW model, the Fox. Design changes over the white Frankfurt car include a more upright screen, wider headlamps and white rather than grey inserts in the wheels. The rear features a new two-part rear door, as on Mini Clubman, but with a 60/40 asymmetric split and with the taillamps under the glass as on the three-door.
Inside, the seating position is slightly higher than before and seat cushions are made of an airflow foam that constantly adapts to the occupants' body shape. Other features include a touchscreen with 3D graphics for the climate and entertainment functions, proximity sensors with gesture control and passenger seats that can be folded or removed. The rear seats also incorporate child seats that fold out of the slim seat foams.
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