New type! Maximum space on minimum area, that’s how Volkswagen presented its VW Up! at the IAA 2011. Herpa’s little two-door model is premiered in tornado red and reflex silver metallic.
Volkswagen Up!
The Volkswagen Up (styled up!) is a city car, part of the Volkswagen Group New Small Family (NSF) series of models, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). Production of the Up started in December 2011 in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The production Up follows a series of concept cars, starting in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Shown at the Frankfurt launch were several further Up concept cars, including a 98 hp (73 kW) GT version, a natural gas-powered Eco-up! (with CO2 emissions of 79 g/km) and a four-door Cross model.
The original Up concept car used a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, however the 2011 production model has front-engine, front-wheel drive layout, using the NSF platform and a 3-cylinder 1.0 litre petrol engine. A plug-in electric up! is also expected to be launched in 2013.
The Up won What Car? 'Car of the Year' for 2012.†
Showroom Floor
Up! is fully assembled and packed in a light plastic form-fitted tray, surrounded by a paper label, and secured in a light plastic box with opening ends.
I found no flaws in the molding or assembly. Its exterior is smooth and shiny and features fine recessed lines for doors and hoods and panels. The underbody has basic molded detailed, the tires have no tread detail, and the windows are free of distortion. Each of the four wheels has rubber tires and detailed rims.
Test Drive
Individual clear lenses simulate the headlamps and tinted lenses are used for brake lamps.
Windshield wipers are part of the black chrome combing around the front and rear windshields. Separate side view mirrors are factory applied, and a rear view mirror extends from the windshield. Herpa did not neglect the interior and it looks great with front and back seats, a steering wheel, console, stick shift, and dashboard detailing.
Livery and Finish
The model body has a smooth glossy finish of tornadorot / tornado red. Herpa also offers it in reflexsilber metallic / reflex silver metallic (Item: 034968). Black chrome surrounds the windows. A chrome Volkswagen logo adorns the hood and rear hatch, as does the model name up!. These are painted on, Herpa does not use decals.
Off the Lot
This VW Up! is a clean model with fine plastic detail and great finishing. It has lenses for headlamps and brake lamps, a detailed interior, and rubber tires. Underside detail is simplified. All the same these models should please modern model railroaders, dioramaists, and collectors. Recommended.
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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR) FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES
I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art.
My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling!
My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...
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