Articles by Chris Riley

The Volkswagen Taigun sports utility vehicle has been unveiled at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil, but is a world wide model. Like the Up the Taigun is small on the outside at just 3.9 metres long and 1.7 metres wide, but surprisingly roomy inside thanks to its generous 2.5 metre wheelbase. Weighing in at 985kg that makes it 320mm longer than the Up and it has a 60mm longer wheelbase. Powering the four-seat softy is a new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 81kW of power at 5000 revs and 175Nm of torque at 1500 revs. Drive is to the front wheels through the six-speed manual gearbox (no mention of an auto). With the use of direct fuel injection and turbocharging it returns fuel consumption of 4.7 litres/100km. Painted in Seaside Blue with yellow highlights inside the dash from 0-100km/h takes 9.2 seconds and it has a top speed of 186 km/h. The look is strong and purposeful, with twin tailpipes, chunky side panels, underbody protection and roof rails with LED spotlights sitting on 17 inch wheels and tyres fitted with 205/50 series rubber. The tailgate is split horizontally, just like station wagons of old, with a window that opens separately. Inside the designers have systematically reduced the number of functions to the most essential. Similarly, the development team has come up with individual solutions for user controls. They include air nozzles with built-in fan and temperature controls. Taigun is also equipped with an infotainment system that interfaces with all commonly used smart phones. To the right of the radio-navigation system is the combination on/off/volume control. Centrally located under the infotainment system and finished in fine aluminium are the hazard warning light switch (middle) and the buttons for rear window heating, defrost function, air conditioning system and exterior lights. Above the radio-navigation system on the dashboard there are three auxiliary instrument dials for oil pressure, coolant temperature and charge pressure. The leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel has a sporty flat bottom.  

This amazing car is the creation of quietly spoken Jason Woods from the Central Coast backwater of Woy Woy. While the massive black coupe looks like something from a 1940's Hollywood film set, it's actually the product of Jason's rather fertile imagination -- though you can see the obvious links to Bugatti and the great marques of the past. Jason calls it the “1416'' based on the size and number of cylinders but others have started referring to the car as Black Pearl. From computer generated drawing to its place off to one side at the Sydney motor show, Jason was given 10 months to have the car ready for display. The thing is, it's not a real car, not yet anyway, but a clever polystyrene model that Jason would “love'' to build if only he can find someone willing to stump up the $650,000-700,000 he estimates that it would cost to put together. That includes the equally enormous 14-litre V16 Noonan Race Engineering engine that generates more than 1000 horsepower or about 750kW in today's money. Drive is of course to the rear wheels through a six-speed, rear-mounted transaxle. Jason has got the smarts to do it too, he and his father have built plenty of cars over the years for clients at Woods & Woods coach building firm. The company which employs four people builds and remanufactures parts for old and vintage vehicles, as well as creating whole new bodies to sit on old chassis. For example, it recently transformed an old Alvis saloon into a 1937 Drophead Vanden Plas Coupe. The project took 12 months and $200,000 to complete, but the car is probably now worth more than a quarter of a million dollars. Jason explained he used the same design principles as the large car makers, but it took him only 10 months and $250,000 to build instead of a couple of million bucks. The radiator grille was actually manufacturing using the latest 3D printing technology, but the lights and wheels are real. The huge 24 inch wheels and 315/35 series tyres, the only parts not manufactured here in Australia, were imported from the United States at a cost of $18,000. The model is finished in two coats of paint as well as two coats of a clear finish. If you look closely you can see the doors don't actually open and there is nothing behind those perspex windows. If the lights look a little familiar, it's because they're from a Rolls Royce. "But you'd better not mention that,'' Jason says. Measuring 5.4 metres in length and 2.1 metres wide, the body is mounted on a metal sub frame. “The idea was to build an individual vehicle for a specific client,'' he said. “One day I want to build this car, that's my goal.''  

I must be the last motoring journalist on the face of the planet to drive this car? But at least they saved the best to last. Trying to ignore the hype surrounding the Toyota 86 was next to impossible, but as it turned out it's all true. The 86 is just as good as everyone said it was, but not above criticism.BRZAs you probably know Toyota and Subaru worked on this car together and Sooby makes its own version called the BRZ. I'm going to be driving the BRZ in a couple of weeks so I'll let you know what it's like then. But let's face it, with the same engine and transmissions there's not going to be a hell of a lot of difference.They even look the same, so it's all about the price and what you get for your money, and more importantly how soon you can get it because there's long waiting lists for both cars.Second hand they're reported to already be changing hands for the more than they cost new. The 86 is a true 2+2, two-door four seater, with a tiny rear seat that has absolutely no legroom for kids or otherwise. It sits low to the ground, requiring some athleticism to get in and out of  so be warned.VALUEFor the price it's a keeper. The GT is $29,990, the GTS $35,490 and the auto $2500 extra for both grades.TECHNOLOGYAs you have probably heard it is in fact a 2.0-litre Subaru, flat four or "boxer" engine. What you probably don't know is that's it a really high revving engine that feels more like something that Honda might have made. The engine generates 147kW of power at 7000 revs and 205Nm of torque from 6400-6600 revs.That's an extremely narrow band of torque and it is reflected in the way the car performs. Unless you have a few revs on the dial throttle response can be disappointing. With 4500-5000 or more revs, however, performance is exhilarating.AUTO OR MANUAL?You've got the choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. We hated the auto for the first 15 minutes, but as the days rolled by our respect grew. In sport or manual mode it does a much better job, providing plenty of scope in third gear to tackle fast corner to corner stuff without having to the paddles. Fuel consumption for the manual is 7.8 and for the auto 7.1 litres/100km and the 50-litre tank takes 98 premium.DRIVINGWe drove both models back to back - the GT and GTS, starting with the more expensive GTS with the auto transmission first. It was probably the wrong way around of doing things, but what it did serve to highlight the things you miss out on in the entry level model like a digital speedo for starters.The GTS gets a bigger tyre and brake package, plus leather, satnav, better audio and heated seats. Oddly, although both cars get a trip computer, neither is capable of displaying distance to empty? Neither gets a reversing camera either. The 86 is a rear wheel drive car and as such offers a very different driving experience from the usual Japanese fare, either front or all-wheel drive.It's ideal for a sports car because when the car breaks traction a skilled driver has a chance of getting it back. All models get a limited slip diff except the for the GT auto and it's a lot easier these days with the electronic traction and stability systems which in this car includes sport and off modes.The car sits low with a low centre of gravity courtesy of the boxer engine and is exciting to drive once you're in the zone. The experience is heightened by the short shifting manual transmission which keeps the car right where you want it. Looks great and goes extremely well once you learn how to drive it. But it's no Nissan GTR, old or new.Traffic light lead foots could be disappointed with times of 7.6 or 8.2 secs to 100km/h for the manual and auto and we look forward to a turbocharged version that delivers more low down torque.VERDICTThe 86 will appeal to drivers who like to drive, that appreciate poise and balance, that like to get out by themselves and tackle the twisty bits the same people drawn to Mazda's MX-5.

Kia has joined forces with DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine to create a brooding, Batman-inspired Optima that goes on display this week at the Time Warner Centre in New York. The project kicks off a 10-month partnership that will spawn other concepts based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League. Influenced by the artistry of comic book icon, Jim Lee, the Kia super hero vehicles will become a force for good in the world by raising awareness of DC Entertainment's “We Can Be Heroes'' campaign, a relief effort to fight famine in Africa. Fitting for the caped crusader's dark and mysterious personality, Kia's range-topping Optima SX Limited wraps cutting-edge technology and premium amenities in a sleek, aggressive design customised with several unique Batman elements. Working together, Kia, DC Entertainment and RIDES magazine designed and built the Batman-themed Optima, transforming the exterior with a matte- and piano-black paint scheme, a dramatically lowered coilover suspension and muscular ground effects kit, huge Ksport performance brakes for extreme stopping power, custom-designed 20-inch black wheels and a performance exhaust system. Other exterior modifications include a custom front grille shaped like a batwing that took over 40 hours to create, yellow LED lighting accents throughout the vehicle and the iconic bat signal etched into the HID headlights. Moving beneath the cape, the Optima's seating surfaces are costumed in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Gotham City's streets are full of villains and the Batman-themed Optima is ready for action at a moment's notice with a Bat suit and cowl mounted in the trunk and utility throwing stars installed in the center console.  

The ST is Ford's first "global" performance car and will be sold in more than 40 countries. It's being delivered to showrooms as we speak and there will be no shortage of punters lining up to get their hands on the hot hatch, a long and eagerly awaited replacement for the XR5 Turbo.Built in Germany the ST is up against some stiff competition, but it's got the right pedigree and commands plenty of respect.If anything the styling is a bit understated. The car sits 10mm lower than a standard Focus, with ST tuned sports suspension, a body kit and rear wing, LEDs, bi-xenon lights and a Boxster style set of twin centrally mounted tailpipes.It rides on 18 inch wheels with 235/40 series Goodyear tyres, that protrude further than the rim providing some protection from gutter scrapes. Sadly, though, unlike the XR5, there's no GT stripes available - at least not for the time being (but we get the impression they're in the pipeline). Comes in a range of colours, but the standout is by far and away the hero Tangerine - "Learner plate" yellow from where we're standing.It's basically the same 2.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged, direct injection engine that can be found in Mondeo and the Falcon, but in a different state of tune with some bits added and others replaced.The end result is an engine that kicks out 184kW of power at 5500 revs and 360Nm of torque from 2000 revs, with drive to the front wheels through a trick diff that modulates the delivery of power so it doesn't just sit there and spin the wheels when you hit the gas.The turbocharged four is paired with a short-shifting 6-speed manual with lockout reverse (there's no auto). The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.5 seconds and it has a top speed of 248km/h, although the latter figure is not of much import. Fuel consumption from the 62-litre tank is 7.4 litres/100km and it takes premium unleaded. We got 10.6 litres/100km during the launch program.It's eye catching with its colour-coded, part leather Recaro sports seats (front and back). But the multi-layered dash is perhaps a little bit too busy and be confusing until you become familiar with the position of various functions.Satnav is standard but it's a small display and does not provide speed camera warnings, which you might think are something of a priority with the drivers of this sort of car. Given that the Falcon gets the warnings, that doesn't makes a lot of sense - there's nothing like consistency. There's no option to display the car's speed digitally either - another priority perhaps?There's just the one model,  with the one engine, one transmission and one suspension tune, priced from $38,290. Overseas there's three of them: ST1, ST2 and ST3 - but ST1 doesn't even get air conditioning. In terms of performance and equipment levels ours sits somewhere between the 2 and 3 (thankfully with air).Ford keeps making a big deal of the Microsoft based Sync system in this and others models. The problem is that's not fully functional in this country as yet and really provides only Bluetooth, with audio streaming and voice control. Overseas it's connected to the internet which opens up a whole world of possibilities. The Sony audio system boasts nine speakers.Gets a full five stars for safety, with six airbags and a host of safety features including a reversing camera.The sports hatch segment is fiercely competitive and there will be plenty of people out there comparing the figures. Suffice to say the Focus ST looks the part and is a treat to drive, with a sporty, attention getting exhaust note - even at lower engine revs.The ST sits securely on the road, with a low centre of gravity and that desirable "planted" feel. It features variable ratio electric power assisted steering and torque vectoring to provide added traction in corners. There's some squirm as the front wheels scrabble for traction on take off, but that's only to be expected.The clutch and gear change are smooth and easy to use, but some drivers complained that the top of the centre console snagged their elbow. The ride is thankfully not too soft, nor too firm, even though it is engineered for global tastes and the more you drive the car the more confidence in its grip and cornering ability continues to grow rounding up nicely on the other side of corners.The stability system has sport and off modes and the steering weights up as the car's speed increases,  easing off again at low speed, to make parking easier. Braking is strong and progressive too, with 320mm front stoppers that have been upgraded.Although known as the XR5 here, it was actually the ST overseas. Launched in 2006, Ford has sold almost 6000 of the cars here, priced at $35,990. The XR5's turbocharged 2.5-litre five cylinder engine was good for 166kW/320Nm and it did the dash from 0-100 in 6.8 seconds. The new one is 40kg lighter and is cheaper, faster and better equipped.

To look at the new Kia Sorento isn't radically different, but it's under the skin that the big changes are to be found. The 7-seat SUV, sister to Hyundai's Santa Fe, sits on a new, stronger lighter platform that helps reduce fuel consumption as well as noise, vibration and harshness.There's also more legroom for rear seat passengers - 30mm for the second row of seats and 9mm for the third row. But this has not been at the expense of luggage space.Although the two wagons share the same platform, the recently launched Santa Fe is "all new" while Sorento has only been given a mid-life makeover.You'd think if Kia was moving Sorento to a new platform, it would take the opportunity to completely redesign the vehicle just as Hyundai has done - but not so. No one is saying it, but it looks like head office has pulled rank to give the Hyundai front running.Sitting 10mm lower than before subtle changes in design have produced a wider, more aggressive look, particularly through the use of vertical lighting elements. The re-design includes new head lights with LED daytime running lights, a new tailgate with LED rear combination lights, new bumpers front and back with vertical, rectangular shaped fog lights and less use of unpainted plastic trim around the lower part of the body as well as a greater range of wheels topping out with 19s on the Platinum.At this stage there's a 3.5-litre petrol V6 or 2.2-litre turbo diesel, both excellent engines and both carried over from the previous model. A 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine is under consideration, but Kia is keen to maintain a sporty flavour with this car and is not sure the four has enough punch.The petrol V6 pushes out 204kW of power and 335Nm of torque, while the turbo diesel delivers 145kW of power and 421 or 436Nm of torque depending on whether it's the manual or automatic. Petrol models are front-wheel drive, while the diesels are all-wheel drive.Transmissions are 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual, although the manual is available only with the entry level diesel model. SLi and Platinum models score adjustment for the amount of force required to turn the steering wheel, with three different settings.With a 64-litre tank a reduction in weight of about 100kg has seen fuel consumption pruned from 10.0 to 9.8 litres/100km for the petrol engine and from 6.7 to 6.6 and 7.4 to 7.3 litres/100km for the diesel manual and automatic.Sorento comes in four grades: Si, SLi, SLi Navigation and Platinum - all of them with seven seats. Prices start at $37,490 for the entry level Si petrol model, with a V6 engine and six-speed auto while the entry level Si diesel with a six-speed manual will set you back $38,990.That's a difference of $1500, but bear in mind that one is front-wheel drive and the other all-wheel drive. The addition of the better equipped petrol SLi at $40,490 is sure to attract more buyers. Satellite navigation, standard with the $53,390 Platinum, is paired with a new premium 10-speaker sound system.Six airbags and a full array of safety systems are standard across the range, giving Sorento a five-star safety rating. That is apart from a reversing camera which you only get with SLi and Platinum models - although front and rear parking sensors are also standard.Cruise and Bluetooth with audio streaming are standard, with more soft-touch surfaces plus a new LCD style speedo for SLi and Platinum, new centre stack with 7-inch display screen (SLi and Platinum), and new console featuring a straight-gate selector with a leather-booted lever on automatic transmission models. We had a crack at all of them. Kia has once again put considerable time and effort into tuning the suspension for Australian roads. It is money well spent with Sorento remaining composed and controlled in a variety of conditions, soaking up the bumps and potholes whether it's on the dirt or bitumen.The entry level manual diesel is surprisingly fun to drive and even comes with dual zone climate air. The manual change is easy to use and will appeal to those wanting to tow a van or boat as it has a higher tow rating of 2.5 tonnes.The petrol V6 feels like a completely different car and has some real attitude. It is the quickest of the bunch, responds quickly and positively to the throttle, accelerating loudly and aggressively, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 8.2 seconds.Top of the line Platinum diesel (Platinum comes as diesel only) is the consummate performer, smooth and powerful with large reserves of torque that help it power up hills as though they are not there. Bigger brakes pull the car up faster. The old Sorento was good and this one is better again. The styling is sharper and it sits better on the road, with more equipment in most cases. Whether buyers baulk at the prospect of paying more than $50K for the top of the line Platinum remains to be seen, though they're unlikely to be disappointed.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Sporty five-door hatch version of Honda's best selling Civic. This one is built in the UK and costs more, but it's the one you'll want (leave the sedan for your mum). A new Type R is still a couple of years away.How much?The top of the line VT-L is $29,990 plus onroads. That's a whopping $6000 more than the VTi-L sedan, but you get a lot more for your money. The question is does it justify the difference?What are competitors?Mazda3 of course. Golf, Corolla, i30, Ford Focus and Holden's Cruze hatch to name a few.What's under the bonnet?1.8-lite four cylinder petrol engine. Produces 104kW of power and 174Nm of torque. It's a typical high-revving Honda engine that produces peak power at 6500 revs.How does it go?Lacks torque down low but once it's up and running sings like a bird. This can be deceiving to start with, but once you get the hang of it - it's all good.Is it economical?Takes premium unleaded, although it's the same engine as in the sedan which takes 91. This one is rated at 6.5 litres/100km, but we were getting 8.3 over a distance of 200km.Is it green?Gets 4 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius sets the benchmark with 5). Produces 155g/km CO2.Is it safe?Scores a full 5 stars for crash safety from the ANCAP organisation, with six airbags and a full array of safety systems.Is it comfortable?Big thumps up. Seats cup your bum and offer good all around support without being too narrow. Car sits and rides well on the road, with a low centre of gravity.What's it like to drive?More dynamic than the sedan, but the suspension is not quite sporty enough when it counts. Like the multi-layered dash, but the computer screen is a waste of space (obviously waiting for satellite navigation). Trying to connect a mobile to the Bluetooth system can be challenging. If there's already a phone in the list, the trick is to say NO when it asks you wether you want to connect (not exactly intuitive)Is it value for money?Adds leather, heated front seats and dual zone climate air conditioning as well as premium audio. Gets bigger 17 inch wheels than the sedan too.Would we buy one?Hmmm. We'd probably hang out for the Type R, but given the choice between the hatch or the sedan, we'd take the hatch any day. Having said that there's more legroom in the rear of the sedan if that is important.Honda Civic VTi-L HatchPrice: from $29,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale:  54 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety rating: five starSpare: full-sizeEngine: 1.8-litre 16-valve four-cylinder, 104kW/174NmTransmission: 5-speed automatic; FWDBody: 4.3m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1336kgThirst: 6.5L/100km, 155g/km CO2

There's something gloriously inappropriate about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.In a world where many people spend their lives worried about saying the wrong thing, where whole departments have been established devoted to playing it safe, the big, bad Jeep sends all the wrong signals and makes all the wrong noises but that's why we love it.Producing 10 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than its predecessor, the SRT8 is a product of Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology arm  a bunch of crazy guys and gals who spend their days turning Chrysler, Dodge and Jeeps into the equivalent of Olympic athletes.And, like its predecessor, the five-seat Grand Cherokee continues to sit on the same platform as the Benz ML SUV, even though the two have parted company  the chassis is incidentally 146 per cent torsionally stronger.Eager buyers have been stumping up $20K deposits for this vehicle, even before knowing the price. No one would have predicted a $76K price tag $7000 less than the old one. For the price, nothing else comes close. The SRT8 is choc full of equipment befitting a luxury vehicle. It rates highly for safety too, although missing out on a five star rating.It's a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 that delivers 344kW of power and 624Nm of torque, 90 per cent from 2800 revs. The previous 6.1-litre V8 produced 313kW and 569Nm. The engine is hooked up to a five-speed sequential auto with smallish steering wheel mounted paddle shifts. But, given the amount of torque that it produces, they're unlikely to see much use.A rotary control enables the driver to dial in more aggressive settings, with Sport and Track modes. Drive of course is to all four wheels. At 189mm it sits 25mm lower than the already good looking standard model, with LED lights, a deeper front dam and more aggressive stance.Ducts provide air to the brakes and take the heat away from the engine. The car rides on 20 inch alloys fitted with big, beefy 295/45 series Pirellis. They're run flats too, which means if you get a puncture you just keep on driving to the nearest servo even though a full sized steel spare is provided.The adaptive Bilstein suspension is controlled by the Selec-Track system and the stoppers are Brembos, 6-pot at the front and 4 at the rear because if you're going to go fast you need to be able to stop fast too. They certainly haven't skimped with this one.It's rated at 14.1 litres/100km. The rating is helped along by the Multi-Displacement System that shuts down four of the engine cylinders when not required to help reduce consumption by as much as 20 per cent.The twin centrally located Boxster-style exhaust was such a defining feature of the previous model we're sad to see it go. This one still has twin exhausts but the pipes have been pushed out to either side. The good news is that you can now tow a boat (you couldn't before because the location of the exhaust precluded a tow bar from being fitted). It can tow 2268kg by the way.Jeep claims the car will do the dash from 0-100km/h in less than 5.0 seconds. Our best run was 5.2 but the record is 4.8 seconds. It handles too. We were able to put the SRT8 through its paces at Anglesea proving ground outside Melbourne, with glimpses of the new Commodore passing in the background. It's perhaps not as sharp as Porsche's GTS Cayenne through the twisty bits but hey, it costs half as much. In a straight line, however, there's not much in it.Jeep is building only 4000 of these cars worldwide this year. Australia has been allocated just 250 of them, but is hoping to get another 1000 next year. Unfortunately most of this year's allocation is already spoken for.It looks fantastic, it goes extremely well and in this segment represents a real bargain. Start shopping it against the likes of Range Rover Sport, BMW X5 M or the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and it's a walk up start.

A few years when Nissan decided to drop the Pulsar name, everybody told them they were making a mistake. But they did it anyway. What followed next was the Nissan Tiida which made its debut at the 2005 Sydney show. And, ho hum, wasn't/isn't it boring...the one thing Tiida had going for it was plenty of room inside which made it popular as a rental. “Tiida offers a giant leap forward for Nissan customers with its modern design, premium finishes and spacious interior,” we were told at the time. “The Tiida exterior features a dynamic look with the emphasis on attention to detail. The body form and long roofline suggest both Tiida's performance capabilities and the roominess inside.” (they must have been talking about some other car). Fast forward and Nissan Australia CEO, Bill Peffer, said the new Pulsar will add a powerful dimension to Nissan's rapidly improving passenger car portfolio. He said Pulsar sedan has the looks, packaging and expected value to make it the leading choice in the booming small car segment. Unveiled to the world in Beijing, we'll get the sedan first in Australia followed later by a hatch variant. Nissan have even alluded to a replacement for the oft-lamented Pulsar SSS sports model which was always so popular with young buyers. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, the emphasis however is expected to be on ride and handling, rather than outright performance. All will be revealed soon. Details, including technical specifications for Australia, will be available at a later date.  

And Volkswagen is likely to oblige but it's likely to be a GT rather than GTI (then again perhaps not?) It's more than a year now since the Up! made its debut at the Frankfurt motor show. At the time VW's engineering boss Dr Ulrich Hackenberg promised no less than six spinoff models, including the GT Up! the Up! for fast roads as he described it. Since then stories have continued to emerge about a more powerful version and Volkswagen has done little to nip them in the bud. In fact, some magazines in the UK are claiming to have already driven a pre-production version of the car. The bog standard Up! gets a 55kW 1.0-litre three cylinder engine. But the car has obviously been engineered to take more power than this rather conservative figure. The pre-production model, Dr Hackenberg's personal mule, puts out more than 80kW to get things moving. This combined with the car's lightish 880kg kerb weight will produce a much livelier drive. “Such an engine would offer drivers of the barely 900 kg GT Up! more affordable driving fun than hardly any other vehicle,” Hackenberg said when introducing the car. “This would be very much in the style of the ancestor of the sporty small car the first generation GTI. “When an ‘I’ is added for injection, its identifier refers to the Volkswagen icon. And the GT up! is performing on the same playing field.” The concept shown at Frankfurt is painted in a sporty pearlescent white. Designers have completely redesigned the front bumper. It looks completely different, with a large, central cooling air intake with a grille in honeycomb look similar to the one used on the Golf GTI. Outside there are two cooling air intakes for the brakes; integrated in these openings are the wing-shaped LED daytime running lights. Prominent on its sides are the painted side sills, black door mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels with 195 tyres. A roof edge spoiler generates plenty of down force at the rear axle and powerful exhaust note is generated by a double flow exhaust system with two visible chrome tailpipes one on the left and one on the right. Inside, the GT Up! features an anthracite black interior. Offering a contrast to the anthracite are the centre seat panels with their blue checked pattern and the “paint blue” rings around the air vent nozzles. Painted in a sophisticated glossy black are the dashboard and upper door trim panels. The black roofliner is coordinated with them. Of the spinoff versions only the Up! itself and electric E Up! have been officially confirmed so far for production, a spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said. But the spokesperson said the comments by Dr Hackenberg suggest the Up! GT is a strong possibility for production.