VW Tupi !?
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 10:36 am
Rumour has it the Lupo replacement is not just the Lupo...in the Brazilian market this is intended to replace the Polo and localy produced Golf...perhaps Babe Ruthless has more info...apparently called the Fox (which I think is a standard term over the pond..they've used this name for sometime on some model or other)....
Here's what I found out..
VW Tupi
The new baby, which is set to replace the Lupo, has been designed entirely by VW's Brazilian arm. And the mag's spy shots clearly show it will have a smoother, more rounded look than its boxy predecessor, although this test car's cute front styling is likely to be lost in favour of a more clean-cut look, similar to that of the Polo.
Although it goes on sale in Brazil later this year, the Tupi won't be seen in Europe until the Paris Motor Show in September 2004. Designers want to give the car a revamped interior before introducing it to European buyers, who traditionally demand models to be a cut above the developing markets for which the Tupi has been built. Our sources suggest it could be called the Chico when it goes on sale here.
Engine choices are likely to be different, too. South American markets will be catered for by two ancient VW engines, namely the 1.4-litre petrol and normally aspirated 1.9-litre diesel units from the Golf MkIII. But the good news for UK buyers is that these engines won't find their way here. Instead, the 1.4-litre 75bhp three-pot oil-burner will be carried over from the current Lupo. Entry-level cars will come with the 65bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine found in the VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza. By 2005, an ultra-frugal 1.2-litre diesel will also join the range, alongside a 1.4-litre FSI petrol unit developing about 100bhp.
Although not much longer than the Lupo, the Tupi has a bigger wheelbase and promises a more spacious interior. The rear seat will be similar to that of the Toyota Yaris and will be mounted on runners, allowing the user to alter the amount of luggage space.
The Tupi will be offered with two bodyshells. The basic three-door will cost about the same as the Lupo, while a five-door will be about £500 more.
I also hear maybe just for the S-Am market that there will be a 1.6 l engine...and a 1.0 l engine...
