Volkswagen has announced the five-door up! model, which is expected to hit the market in the second half of this year. The small city car has a 2.42 m long wheelbase that makes for impressive interior space, a capacious 251-litre boot, an efficient three-cylinder engine, new-to-the-class safety features and an innovative infotainment system.

The safety features front and side airbags, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, Isofix child seat preparation in the rear and standard ESP on all models, except the entry level Take up!

The up! has received a five-star rating and the Advanced Award from Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme.  It is the first vehicle in this class to receive these awards.

The up! was named Car of the Year for 2012, and has also been named TopGear magazine's Small Car of the Year.

The prices are not confirmed yet, but the three-door version is very competitive at just £7 995 OTR.

2012 Volkswagen up! 5-door

Volkswagen up! 5-door (2012) - picture 1 of 5
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Source: Volkswagen