The interest in rear-engined cars seems to be on a high. Starting with Smart, followed by the Mistubishi i and recently unveiled concept by VW, the up.

Up is a small car that offers more space than any other car of same length and width. Its engine will run in the rear. And that changes the available space and the design.

With engine at the back, engine noise insulation becomes more manageable. Engine heat is less of an issue. And with less weight on the front wheels power steering is not necessary as steering becomes lighter.

The Up proves how to engineer a small safe car, as it is equally safe as a front-engined car in case of a frontal crash. The Up is expected to hit the Indian market by 2011 and is expected to bear a price tag of around 3 lakhs.