Due to be launched in year 2011, the Volkswagen Up! was originally conceived as a rear engine, rear wheel drive small compact car that offers plenty of interior room from the small package.
Rumored earlier that Volkswagen might be switch the Up! to a front engine vehicle to minimize complexity in construction that could drive up costs.
Well it's confirmed now by Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, confirming the rumors that the Up! will be using a front engine, front wheel drive layout to ease off higher production costs and limited passenger space.
We at Wheels Weekly thou doesn't favor withdrawals from concepts, or bad realization of excellent concepts, we would agree with VW's decision as there weren't any available engines or drive trains amongst VW's line up that could offer Up! a cost sharing platform should they stick with the RR (Rear Engine, Rear Wheel Drive) format, and since the Up! was conceived as better being a 4 door, 4 seater rather than the first concept of a 2 seater 2 door small car; the engine used shouldn't be one that's too small (think Smart's 0.6 liter engine that could fit itself into the rear bumper), hence a FF format (Front Engine, Front Wheel Drive) is the best choice for VW and for consumers (lower cost).
Check out the photos of this very very nice mini microbus
