Volkswagen's new up! city car has so far proven to be a solid vehicle, well designed to do its intended job. Whether a small car such as this appeals to you is one thing, but it can't be denied that VW has created a new benchmark when it comes to fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered vehicles, despite its stupid name. As expected, VW has plans for expansion, of which we were given a preview of at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. The five-door Cross Up mini MPV concept was a simply a raised version of the up!.

That concept looked pretty close to being production ready and today our intrepid spy photographer has caught the production version with hardly a spec of camouflage on its body. Compared to the concept, its styling is relatively unchanged save for a few minor detail changes. VW already has jacked up versions of the Polo, Golf and Touran on sale in Europe, such as the Cross Polo and Cross Golf, differing from base models via new bumpers, wider fenders, more underbody protection and uniquely styled alloy wheels. The Cross Up will go on sale in the first half of 2013.