The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen from 2011 to 2016. Positioned below the Polo as Volkswagen’s entry-level vehicle, the Up! was designed as a modern, efficient, and affordable option for urban drivers. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! found significant success in Europe, where its compact size, fuel efficiency, and nimble handling made it a popular choice. The 1.0-liter, 75 horsepower version represents a common configuration, balancing affordability with adequate performance for its intended use.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp): An Overview
The Up! was conceived as part of Volkswagen’s “New Small Family” project, aiming to create a platform that could underpin several small cars for the Volkswagen Group. This resulted in the SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo, which were essentially rebadged versions of the Up!. The first generation, produced from 2011 to 2016, focused on providing a practical and economical solution for navigating congested city streets. The 1.0-liter engine, producing 75 horsepower, became a mainstay of the Up! lineup, offering a good compromise between fuel economy and usability.
Engine & Performance
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp) is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter (999 cm3 or 60.96 cu. in.) gasoline engine. This engine, designated CHYB, produces 75 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. The engine features multi-port manifold fuel injection and is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides sufficient power for city driving and short highway trips. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.2 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.5 seconds. The Up! has a maximum speed of 171 km/h (106.25 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.4 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 9.8 kg/Nm, contributing to its relatively sprightly feel despite its small displacement.
Design & Features
The Up! is a compact hatchback available in both three-door and five-door configurations, seating up to four passengers. Its design prioritizes functionality and efficiency. The exterior styling is characterized by clean lines and a relatively upright stance, maximizing interior space within its small footprint. The interior is simple but well-built, with a focus on practicality. Safety features, even in early models, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Up!’s relatively small size and electric power steering contribute to its excellent maneuverability in urban environments. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity, ranging from a minimum of 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 951 liters (33.58 cu. ft.) with the seats folded. The vehicle’s turning circle is a tight 9.8 meters (32.15 ft), further enhancing its city driving credentials.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2011 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 108 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000-4300 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYB |
| Engine displacement | 999 cm3 (60.96 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 929 kg (2048.09 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 361 kg (795.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 951 l (33.58 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 3540 mm (139.37 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1489 mm (58.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2420 mm (95.28 in.) |
| Front track | 1428 mm (56.22 in.) |
| Rear track | 1424 mm (56.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 (75 Hp) represented a significant step forward in the small car segment, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and affordability. While never officially available in the US market, it remains a popular and well-regarded city car in Europe, demonstrating Volkswagen’s commitment to providing accessible and well-engineered vehicles for a wide range of consumers.
