The Volkswagen Up! is a city car manufactured by Volkswagen from 2012 to 2023. The model detailed here represents the facelifted version introduced in 2016, specifically the 1.0-liter variant producing 60 horsepower. While not officially sold in the United States, the Up! was a significant vehicle in the European market, designed as an affordable and efficient entry-level option, competing with vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Toyota Aygo. This generation of the Up! aimed to provide a modern and practical solution for urban mobility, focusing on fuel economy and ease of parking.
Volkswagen Up! (Facelift 2016) 1.0: An Overview
The 2016 facelift brought subtle but important changes to the Up!, including revised front and rear styling, updated interior materials, and the introduction of new technology features. The 1.0-liter engine, a mainstay of the Up! range, continued to offer a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Available as a three or five-door hatchback, the Up! targeted young drivers, city dwellers, and those seeking a cost-effective second car. Its compact dimensions and nimble handling made it well-suited to navigating congested urban environments.
Engine & Performance
The Volkswagen Up! 1.0 is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder 1.0-liter gasoline engine. This engine produces 60 horsepower at 5000 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 city driving and short trips. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.4 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.7 seconds. The Up! has a top speed of 162 km/h (100.66 mph). The engine’s fuel efficiency is a key selling point, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg or 64.2 UK mpg). The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection and adheres to Euro 6 emission standards, resulting in CO2 emissions of 101 g/km. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Up! is a compact hatchback, available in both three-door and five-door configurations. Its design prioritizes practicality and efficiency. The 2016 facelift included revised bumpers, headlights, and taillights, giving the car a more modern appearance. Inside, the Up! offers seating for four passengers. While the interior is relatively basic, it is well-built and functional. Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, and a standard infotainment system. The trunk space ranges from 251 liters (8.86 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 959 liters (33.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, while not extensive, include ABS and driver/passenger airbags. The Up!’s compact size and tight turning circle (9.8 meters / 32.15 ft) make it exceptionally easy to maneuver in urban environments. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 851 kg (1876.13 lbs) contributes to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Up! |
| Generation | Up! (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 101 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 162 km/h (100.66 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.2 kg/Hp, 70.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9 kg/Nm, 111.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3000-4300 rpm (70.07 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CHYA, CHYE, DAFA |
| 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 aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 851 kg (1876.13 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 469 kg (1033.97 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 251 l (8.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 959 l (33.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 50 kg (110.23 lbs.) |
| Length | 3600 mm (141.73 in.) |
| Width | 1641 mm (64.61 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1910 mm (75.2 in.) |
| Height | 1504 mm (59.21 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2407 mm (94.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1412-1428 mm (55.59 – 56.22 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1408-1424 mm (55.43 – 56.06 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 144 mm (5.67 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R14; 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 14 |
The Volkswagen Up! (facelift 2016) 1.0 (60 Hp) represents a practical and efficient solution for urban transportation. Its compact size, fuel economy, and affordability made it a popular choice in Europe, despite never being officially offered in the North American market.
