What is it?

The E-Up! is the latest in VW's range of Up! concept cars. This one's electric though, propelled by an 80bhp electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. Officially still a concept, VW's spokespeople keep referring to 2013 as a realistic date for production, VW's boss admitting that it might not be the quickest company in getting a fully electric model into its showrooms, but it'll be one of the best. That's quite a claim, and there's no denying that the E-Up! looks great; amazingly VW has managed to keep its weight down to just over 1,000kg, which is quite a feat given the batteries make up around a quarter of that.

Why's it here?

The E-Up! represents the path that all manufacturers are making - electrification of cars. The Up! range will be produced with conventional engines too, the E-Up! appealing to a specific customer that can live with the five-hour charging time and theoretical range of 80 miles. It looks fantastic though, the Up! line-up certain to appeal to badge, style and environmentally conscious consumers.

Show stopper or floor filler?

It might be tiny, but it makes a big impression on the VW stand - and that means the entire Frankfurt show. The yellow paint undoubtedly helps, but the E-Up! is among the most talked about cars in Germany at the moment. Not only as it's full of innovative touches like a solar roof and clever 3+1 seating, but because it represents a point in time where VW has admitted its eventual plans for electrification of its range. It admits that's still some time off, but as starting points go there's no denying the E-Up! is a very impressive one indeed.