VW model range on the Up! 25 | 10 | 2011

VOLKSWAGEN IS GOING on something of a pioneering crusade to launch a whole range of critical new models into the city car, lower medium and upper-medium segments. And the German giant believes they will show new design flair and will bring new business to the brand.

In the city car market, VW will reveal a five-door version of its new Up at the Geneva Motor Show next March. This will be followed by a sportier GT model later that year, and an electric version in 2013.

The three-door Up hits Scottish showrooms in February, followed two months later by the new Beetle.

Late 2012 will also see a global reveal of the 7th generation Golf, which head of marketing communications, Giovanni Perosino, said will truly impress current Golf owners and new customers.

All-new VW Beetle starts at £16,490

He also revealed the replacement for the Passat CC, to be revealed at the Los Angeles Motor Show next month, will be badged simply as the CC, to distance itself from Passat's association as a business car and to establish itself as a stronger retail proposition.

Perosino though confirmed that VW will not build another coupe-convertible once production of the current Eos comes to an end, as the German carmaker expects the newly launched Golf Cabriolet to cater for these customers.

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Jim McGill