Skoda’s Joyster based on VW Up! rendered

Skoda were supposed to introduce a mini-SUV one size smaller than the Yeti called the Joyster. The Joyster was shown as a concept way back in 2006. However, the Germans at Auto Bild say that the Joyster name could be used for the smallest car that will come out of Skoda’s stables – Its own version of the VW Up!/Lupo. The next-generation Lupo is actually the Up! concept and is built on VW’s smallest platform yet, codenamed MHB. It is also knows that Skoda and Seat will make their own versions of the Lupo/Up!. While VW’s version is expected in 2012, Seat and Skoda are expected to launch theirs in 2013.

Hit the jump for more details.

Volkswagen’s Up! small car will be named Lupo Jul 2010

VW Up! Indian version could come with Suzuki’s K-Series engines Jun 2010

India bound Volkswagen UP! mule spied testing Jun 2010

VW Up lite! Animation and Video Dec 2009

Internationally, the small car range from the VW family is expected to come with a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine producing 60bhp. A TSI version of the same engine is claimed to produce 85bhp. Also available will be the 1.2L 3-cylinder 75bhp diesel engine that is currently doing their duty in the Polo. A 1.2L TSI with 105bhp is rumoured to be under development as well making it one hot hatch to look out for. However, the twist in the tale is VW’s plan to borrow Suzuki’s 3-cyl 1.0L K-series engine. The engine is locally produced and will help keep costs in check for VW. To know more about the Up!, read our related stories by clicking the links above.

[Autoten]