Almost 70 years after the launch of the first Beetle, Volkswagen unveiled its 2007 concept of a “people’s car.” Called up!, the rear-wheel-drive, rear-engined four-seat car is likely to go into production.

According to Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, board member with responsibility for technical development, the Frankfurt Show is being used to gauge the public’s response to the car before a decision is made to go into production, most likely in Eastern Europe.

“My instinct is that this car will go into production,” Dr. Hackenberg told MSN Autos, saying that this would happen within the next three years if the decision was positive. He said the rear engine, rear-wheel-drive design was to maximize the interior space by allowing the wheels to be located in each “corner.”

The up! boasts more interior space that any other car with a similar length of just 11.32 feet, according to Volkswagen. The design is simple, uncluttered yet highly appealing. Like the exterior design, the interior blends utilitarian practicality with bold design flair. With the exception of the driver’s seat, all the seats can be folded flat providing a large space for storage.

The up! has two central displays: an 8-inch monitor shows the driver key information such as speed, fuel level and range as well as CO2 emissions. In the center of the instruments is a 7-inch monitor using touch-screen and proximity sensor technology to control functions such as audio.

Tiguan SUV

Volkswagen’s CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn unveiled a new ”small brother of Touareg” called the Tiguan — a medium-sized sports-utility vehicle offering the appearance and versatility of an SUV with a premium level of comfort and agility.

It has three trims, called Trend&Fun and Sports&Style with a front end designed with a maximum entry level of 18 degrees, and Track&Field with a 28 degree entry angle.

The model will be offered with five supercharged and turbocharged engines, all compliant with Euro-5 emissions standards. It will debut with a new 110 kW / 150 horsepower TSI (with turbocharger and supercharger) and VW’s first four-cylinder common rail TDI providing 103 kW / 140 horsepower. Other TSI and TDI engines will be added to the range.

Equipment includes Park Assist and the latest radio-navigation (RNS 510) with an off-road navigation system. It comes with electronic stabilization program (ESP) and six airbags and electronic climate control.