VW readying long-wheelbase Up!
Tue, 17 Sep 2013
If you've noticed the trend in the automotive industry wherein cars seem to keep getting bigger, well you're not alone. For the most part. While some vehicles are getting bigger, most automakers engage in a vicious cycle wherein new models are developed to slot into the same segment left by the newly enlarged vehicle.
Take, for example, the Volkswagen Up! supermini currently offered overseas in three- and five-door bodystyles. It may be the size of an earlier Polo, but it's smaller than the current one. But even that is apparently destined to get bigger, too.
According to Autocar, Volkswagen is developing a longer-wheelbase version of the Up! for specific markets. We don't know which markets those are, but the Up! and its derivatives aren't sold in the US, and it apparently isn't destined for Europe or – contrary to what you might think – China, either.
As with most stretch jobs, the longer wheelbase is expected to benefit rear-seat legroom. Considering that Skoda tends to offer lengthened versions of VW models, we wouldn't be surprised to see the stretch being applied to its Citigo twin, too.
By Noah Joseph