Volkswagen is gunning for success with its new Up entry-level car that's being launched in Europe, yet its three-door format could prove a limitation.
That's set to change soon, with VW having confirmed that it will launch a more practical five-door version of the Up next year.
The company has already hinted at how this vehicle will look, with the Cross Up concept that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month. Lower the ride height and take off all the SUV-like body cladding and you'll have an almost exact idea of how the city car will look, as it's expected to retain the concept car's basic shape.
The most obvious styling difference, besides the extra doors, is that the shoulder lines and windows form a straight line to create a more upright appearance, rather than ascending towards the rear as is the case with the three-door.
VW has not, however, confirmed production of the actual Cross Up, but it's unlikely that the company will resist the temptation to dress it up in something resembling the 4x4 clothing you see here.
As is the case with the three-door Up, expect the five-door to be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine with output choices of 44kW and 55kW. A two-cylinder diesel hybrid and all-electric powertrains are also expected further down the line.
However, VWSA says it has no immediate plans to launch either of the Up variants in South Africa, although the company has not ruled it out for the long-term.