The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by the German automaker Volkswagen from 2011 to 2016. Positioned as an entry-level vehicle, the Up! aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation, particularly in densely populated urban environments. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo, and Peugeot 107. This article focuses on the 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) variant, a popular engine choice within the Up! range.
Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (75 Hp): An Overview
The Up! represented Volkswagen’s attempt to create a truly minimalist and cost-effective vehicle. Its design prioritized fuel efficiency, ease of parking, and low running costs. The 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) engine, a three-cylinder petrol unit, was central to this strategy. The “BMT” designation stands for “BlueMotion Technology,” indicating the inclusion of fuel-saving features. The Up! was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, offering flexibility to suit different customer needs. It quickly gained popularity as a practical and economical choice for city dwellers.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) is a 999 cc inline three-cylinder petrol engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 75 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 95 Nm (70.07 lb.-ft.) of torque between 3000 and 4300 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for urban driving and short highway trips. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.5 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 9.9 kg/Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.2 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.5 seconds. The Up! has a maximum speed of 172 km/h (106.88 mph). The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, contributing to its fuel efficiency. The CHYB engine code identifies this specific engine variant.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, measuring 3540 mm (139.37 in.) in length, 1645 mm (64.76 in.) in width, and 1489 mm (58.62 in.) in height. Its small footprint makes it exceptionally maneuverable in tight urban spaces, with a minimum turning circle of 9.8 meters (32.15 ft.). The vehicle seats four passengers and offers a surprisingly versatile interior for its size. The trunk space ranges from 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 951 liters (33.58 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. While early models lacked advanced driver-assistance systems common in modern vehicles, the Up! provided a solid level of passive safety. The Up!’s design was characterized by its clean lines and relatively simple aesthetic. The interior was functional and focused on practicality, with durable materials and a straightforward layout. The electric power steering contributed to ease of use, particularly at low speeds.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 BMT (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) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 98 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 | 172 km/h (106.88 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.9 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 | 940 kg (2072.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1290 kg (2843.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 350 kg (771.62 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 (Back) track | 1424 mm (56.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 BMT (75 Hp) offered a compelling package for buyers seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient, and practical city car. While not available in the US market, it remains a popular choice in Europe for its nimble handling, low running costs, and surprisingly spacious interior for its diminutive size.
