One of the many reasons that Volkswagen is such a beloved mark today, is that a lot of it’s models were so lovingly designed. Those who drove one were, well, happy. The Beetle was one such car. It powered an entire generation to mobile freedom and happiness. The Samba Bus, or Combi as it was know in some parts of the world, was another one. These cars were so lovingly built and designed ,you could easily sense it when you were in the car. Then, of course, there is the Golf and GTi.

Well, apperantly, that old spirit of love for design is back. Also, that design has a purpose, like all the great one’s did. It was there to help, to better the situation. At least yours.

It’s called the UP!, and yes the exclamation point is part of the official name. It symbolizes everything that VW stands for. A car for the people! One that would help the people, like the Beetle did. Yet this car would address serious issues, like pollution and consumption.

The UP! is designed with the best compromise between space and size. It’s a city car. No it’s a urban vehicle…. Well it can pretty much fit anywhere, I guess. It’s interior will carry four adults comfortably and still leave ample room for storage.

The reason all this clever packaging is even possible is because the UP! carries it’s engine, wait for it, in the back (just like a Beetle, huh..). By doing so it opens up a whole new realm of possibility’s for layout. A small rear engine leaves room up front for , uh, people. Now that’s refreshing.

Volkswagen wants to gauge intrest for the car in the next couple of shows. Whether by this design or not, a car like this will be built by VW in the near future. I for one, am very excited.

More pictures and other info can be found on VWvortex.com