Geparda has found a new life for the discontinued VW Up! city cars, turning them into unique vehicles for young drivers. These models are now classified as L5e, allowing 16-year-olds with an A1 licence to drive them across Europe.
The L5e category covers tricycles that can be more comfortable than vehicles in the L6e category, such as the Citroën Ami or Renault Twizy. However, the Geparda looks and feels like a regular car, retaining the comfort and safety of the original VW Up!
The main modifications of the Geparda:
Double wheel at the rear: the central arrangement of two tyres creates the illusion of a tricycle, but technically it is a four-wheeler that meets the requirements of L5e.
Deformed engine: the power of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine has been reduced to 20 hp (15 kW) from the original 59-114 hp. The top speed is 110 km/h, which allows you to drive even on the motorway.
Improved stability: H&R stabiliser is installed in the front and special Eibach springs in the rear to avoid overturning in corners.
The original VW Up! safety systems - ESP, ABS and airbags - have been retained. Geparda has also kept the air conditioning, heated seats and other features of the base VW Up! However, the central position of the double rear wheel has reduced the luggage space.
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Geparda is made from used VW Up! At the time of writing, there are two models available with about 25,000 km on the clock:
